Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba)

The cathedral crowns the hilltop and dominates the city skyline. Its cruciform plan features a central dome resting on eight columns, surrounded by four smaller domes. The facades are clad in light-colored stone with carved arches and ornaments, the eastern wall being the most ornate. Architect Archil Mindiashvili blended traditional Georgian and Byzantine styles with a pronounced vertical emphasis uncommon in older Georgian churches.

Inside, marble floors are decorated with mosaics, and tall vaults bear frescoes still being painted today. Some icons were painted personally by Patriarch Ilia II. The most prominent piece is the 'Hope of Georgia' icon, crafted from gold and precious stones. In the southeast corner, a display case holds a handwritten Bible and a cross; in the northwest corner, a mica model of the Holy City of Jerusalem. Five of the cathedral's nine chapels are underground – two floors below the main hall, along with a museum and conference room.

The cathedral grounds feature a park with a fountain, benches, and viewpoints overlooking the Kura, Old Tbilisi, Narikala, and Mtatsminda. In summer, children play in a pond on the grounds beside a small duck zoo. Downstairs, Lagidze café serves traditional lemonades and khachapuri.

Height – 101 m (including 7.5 m cross), plus 40 m underground – two subterranean levels

Scale – capacity 15,000, 9 chapels (5 underground), the largest functioning church in Georgia

Architect – Archil Mindiashvili, a synthesis of Georgian and Byzantine styles

Construction – 1995–2004, consecrated November 23, 2004 by Patriarch Ilia II

'Hope of Georgia' icon – made of gold and precious stones, the cathedral's main treasure

Complex – Patriarch's residence, seminary, monastery, bell tower, park, and café

The idea for a new cathedral emerged in 1989, timed to the 1,500th anniversary of the Georgian Orthodox Church's autocephaly and the 2,000th anniversary of the birth of Jesus. The foundation was laid in 1995 using stones from the Jordan River and Mount Zion, soil from Jerusalem, and earth from the tomb of Saint George. Construction took nine years. The cathedral was consecrated on November 23, 2004 – Saint George's Day. Businessman Bidzina Ivanishvili is widely believed to have been the primary funder, though officially the project was financed by donations.

Prior to construction, Elia Hill was partly occupied by an Armenian cemetery (Khojivanq Pantheon), portions of which were relocated during building – sparking protests from Tbilisi's Armenian community. A small Armenian cemetery remains northwest of the cathedral. Fresco painting continues today under the supervision of iconographer Amiran Goglidze. In January 2024, an icon depicting Stalin being blessed by Saint Matrona of Moscow was discovered in the cathedral, causing public controversy.

On foot from central Tbilisi:

– From Avlabari metro station – 10–15 minutes uphill through Avlabari streets

– From Rike Park – 15–20 minutes uphill through Avlabari

– From Freedom Square – 25–30 minutes

By taxi:

– Bolt from the center – 5–8 GEL (~$2–3). Taxi drops off at the entrance.

By bus:

– 'Sameba' bus stop – served by routes from various parts of the city

By rental car:

Free parking on the cathedral grounds.

Time of day: Morning (9:00–11:00 AM) – soft light, few visitors. Evening – the golden dome at sunset is particularly striking when viewed from Narikala.

Season: Year-round. The cathedral's nighttime illumination is visible across the city.

Duration: 30–40 minutes for the cathedral. 1–1.5 hours for the full complex including the park and café.

Avoid: Sunday liturgy (from 9:00 AM) – crowded inside, though you can observe the service. Major religious holidays may limit access.