Metekhi Сhurch of the Nativity of the Mother of God

The Metekhi Cathedral of the Nativity of the Mother of God is an ancient Georgian Orthodox church in the center of Tbilisi, located on the Metekhi Rock. Built in the 12th century, it is considered a visual symbol of the city. It is a cross‑domed temple with four supporting columns. The architecture combines ancient Georgian traditions: a stone portico with carvings has been preserved on the north side, and windows with carved stone architraves on the east side. The temple was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt: after the Mongol invasion (1235), the Persian raids. In different eras it served as a powder magazine and a prison. In 1988. It was restored and returned to the Georgian Orthodox Church.