Metekhi Church is located in the historical district, on the left bank of the Mtkvari River. According to the historical sources, King Vakhtang Gorgasali built the church and a fortress here. It also served as a residence for Georgian kings. St. Shushanik was buried in Metekhi Church by King Gorgasali. She was killed by her fire worshipper husband because of the religion in the 5th century.
Due to many invasions, Tbilisi was destroyed around 40 times, and unfortunately, the church was damaged as well. However, Georgians reconstructed it again and again. The last restoration was held by King Demetre II between 1278-1289. Metekhi Church has a dome, which is similar to the medieval structure.
After Georgia became the part of the Russian Empire in the 18th century, a prison was built under Metekhi Church. Even Stalin and other revolutionaries were once imprisoned here. There is one hole that was dug out by the prisoners to escape from the prison. On the walls, there are the scratches from the prisoners still visible. After a while, the prison was closed. From 1988, thanks to our Patriarch Ilia II, Metekhi Church was returned to its real function, and a new cross was placed on the dome of the church.
Metekhi Church is located in the historical district, on the left bank of the Mtkvari River. According to the historical sources, King Vakhtang Gorgasali built the church and a fortress here. It also served as a residence for Georgian kings. St. Shushanik was buried in Metekhi Church by King Gorgasali. She was killed by her fire worshipper husband because of the religion in the 5th century.
Due to many invasions, Tbilisi was destroyed around 40 times, and unfortunately, the church was damaged as well. However, Georgians reconstructed it again and again. The last restoration was held by King Demetre II between 1278-1289. Metekhi Church has a dome, which is similar to the medieval structure.
After Georgia became the part of the Russian Empire in the 18th century, a prison was built under Metekhi Church. Even Stalin and other revolutionaries were once imprisoned here. There is one hole that was dug out by the prisoners to escape from the prison. On the walls, there are the scratches from the prisoners still visible. After a while, the prison was closed. From 1988, thanks to our Patriarch Ilia II, Metekhi Church was returned to its real function, and a new cross was placed on the dome of the church.