Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba)

სამების ტაძარი

The massive golden-domed cathedral completed in 2004, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. Its towering silhouette dominates the Tbilisi skyline and the interior is richly adorned.

Things to do

• Admire the golden dome — Stand at the base of the cathedral to take in its towering 84-meter structure crowned with a gilded cross and dome that dominates the Tbilisi skyline.
• Explore the richly adorned interior — Step inside to see the vast marble floors, glittering iconostasis, frescoes, and the enormous nave that can hold thousands of worshippers.
• Descend to the lower church — Visit the underground church level, one of nine chapels within the complex, where quieter services and candle-lit prayer take place.
• Attend an Orthodox liturgy — Experience the deep polyphonic chanting and incense-filled ritual during a Sunday morning or evening service, often led by the Patriarch.
• Stroll the landscaped gardens — Wander the terraced grounds, bell tower, and residence buildings that surround the cathedral on Elia Hill.
• Photograph the panoramic city view — Look back toward the Old Town and Avlabari from the elevated hilltop plaza for sweeping views over Tbilisi.
• Light a candle for a blessing — Buy a thin beeswax candle at the entrance and place it before an icon as local worshippers do.

Food to try

• Khachapuri Adjaruli — Seek out the boat-shaped bread filled with molten cheese, butter, and a runny egg at cafes in the nearby Avlabari district.
• Khinkali — Try these juicy Georgian soup dumplings, held by the twisted top knot and eaten by hand at local eateries around the cathedral.
• Lobiani — Sample this warm bread stuffed with spiced mashed beans, a filling snack often sold near churches, especially during fasting periods.
• Churchkhela — Pick up the candle-shaped strings of nuts dipped in thickened grape juice, sold by vendors and in shops nearby.
• Georgian wine tasting — Sip qvevri-made saperavi or rkatsiteli in a nearby marani or wine bar to taste the country's ancient amphora winemaking tradition.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress modestly to enter — Women should cover their heads and wear skirts (wraps are provided at the door), and everyone should have covered shoulders and knees.
• Follow Orthodox etiquette inside — Keep silent, avoid turning your back to the altar, and do not photograph worshippers during services or with flash.
• Respect the sacred atmosphere — This is Georgia's main active cathedral, not just a monument, so behave reverently even when it is crowded with tourists.
• Combine with the Avlabari neighborhood — The cathedral sits above the historic Avlabari district, an easy walk to the metro, old churches, and traditional restaurants.

Nearby

• Bridge of Peace — 1 km
• Tbilisi Old Town — 1 km
• Narikala Fortress — 1 km
• Rustaveli Avenue — 2 km