Metekhi Church is an iconic landmark in Tbilisi, Georgia, standing majestically on a cliff overlooking the Mtkvari River. It’s not just a beautiful structure, but a testament to Georgia’s rich and often turbulent history.

Historical Significance:

Ancient Roots: While the current structure dates back to the 13th century (built between 1278 and 1289 under King Demetrius II), oral tradition traces its origins further back to the 5th century, with King Vakhtang I Gorgasali (the legendary founder of Tbilisi) believed to have erected the first church and a fortress here.
Royal Residence and Fortress: The Metekhi complex, including the church, served as a crucial defense point and a royal residence for Georgian kings throughout various conflicts. The name “Metekhi” itself is said to mean “around the fortress.”
Martyrdom Site: It is believed to be the site where St. Abo, the patron saint of Tbilisi, was martyred in the 8th century. The relics of Saint Shushanik, a revered Georgian queen and martyr, are also enshrined within the church.
Turbulent Past: Over centuries, Metekhi Church has faced destruction and reconstruction due to invasions by Mongols, Persians, and Ottomans. It even served as a gunpowder magazine, a barracks under Russian rule, and a prison. During the Soviet period, it was a museum and later a youth theater, before being re-consecrated as a church in 1988.

Architectural Style and Features:

Georgian Orthodox Architecture: Metekhi Church is a prominent example of Georgian Orthodox architectural style, specifically a cross-cupola (or cross-in-square) church.
Unique Design: It is somewhat anachronistic for its time (13th century) with its three projecting apses on the eastern facade and four freestanding pillars supporting the central dome within. This unique eastern facade is a distinctive feature not commonly seen in other churches of the 11th-13th centuries.
Integration with Landscape: Following a tradition in Georgian architecture, the church was built to appear as a natural continuation of the cliff it stands on, harmonizing with the surrounding landscape.
Exterior and Interior: The church is constructed of brick and dressed stone. While much of the interior murals were lost due to numerous destructions and restorations, the exterior features traditional Georgian rock carvings, particularly on the well-preserved eastern and northern facades.
Size: The church occupies an area of approximately $20 \times 16$ meters and has a vertical elongation, giving it a commanding presence.

Location and Views:

Metekhi Church is situated on the Metekhi Cliff on the left bank of the Mtkvari River, directly opposite the Old Town of Tbilisi.
Its elevated location offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city, the Mtkvari River, and the Narikala Fortress.
An equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali stands proudly beside the church, overlooking the city.

Visiting Information:

Opening Hours: Generally, Metekhi Church is open every day from around 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Entrance Fee: There is no entrance fee to visit the church.
Dress Code: As with most Orthodox churches, visitors are expected to dress modestly and respectfully. For women, this typically means covering their heads with a scarf, and both men and women should avoid shorts and sleeveless tops.