Sioni Cathedral: the Spiritual Heart of Tbilisi's Historic Old Town

In the labyrinth of alleyways of Tbilisi's historic old town, just a few blocks from the Mtkvari River, stands Sioni Cathedral: one of the most venerated temples in Georgia and a silent witness to more than fifteen centuries of history. Dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, the cathedral has survived Persian, Arab and Mongol invasions, earthquakes and wars, to reach the 21st century as the spiritual heart of the capital's oldest district.

History of Sioni Cathedral

The first cathedral on this site was built in the 6th century during the reign of King Dachi Ujarmeli. Over the centuries it was destroyed and rebuilt on multiple occasions: the Arab invasion of the 7th century, the sack by Shah Abbas I of Persia in 1626 — during which more than 100,000 Georgians were massacred — and several earthquakes reduced it to rubble time and again. The current structure dates mainly from the 13th century, though it retains elements from earlier and later periods.

The Cross of Saint Nino

The cathedral's most sacred treasure is the Cross of Saint Nino, also called the Grapevine Cross: a cross made from intertwined grapevine branches bound together with the hair of Saint Nino herself, the evangelizer who brought it from Jerusalem in the 4th century. It is the most venerated object in the entire Georgian Orthodox Church. The cross on display in the cathedral today is a replica; the original is kept at the National Museum of Georgia.

Architecture and Religious Art

The cathedral's exterior features the characteristic conical silhouette of medieval Georgian ecclesiastical architecture, with grey stone walls and a bell tower added in the 19th century. The interior is darker and more intimate than the great European cathedrals, with 19th-century frescoes by Georgian painter Gigo Gabashvili covering the walls and dome.

How to Visit Sioni Cathedral

The cathedral is located in the Abanotubani neighborhood of Tbilisi's historic old town, a 5-minute walk from Freedom Square. Admission is free. A dress code is mandatory: covered shoulders and legs. The visit naturally pairs with an exploration of the old town, the sulfur baths and Narikala Fortress. Also check our guide to the Samtavro Monastery in Mtskheta.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Cross of Saint Nino kept at Sioni Cathedral?

It is Georgia's most sacred relic: a cross made from grapevine branches intertwined with the hair of Saint Nino, the country's evangelizer in the 4th century. The version on display in the cathedral is a replica; the original is at the National Museum of Georgia in Tbilisi.

Is Sioni Cathedral in Tbilisi open to the public?

Yes, it is open every day of the week. It is an active place of worship, so visitors are asked to be respectful during ceremonies. Admission is free and the dress code (covered shoulders and legs) is mandatory.

What is the difference between Sioni Cathedral and Svetitskhoveli?

Sioni is in Tbilisi's historic old town and is the episcopal cathedral of the capital. Svetitskhoveli is in Mtskheta, is larger and is considered the most historically important temple in Georgia, having served as the seat of the Catholicos (patriarch) for centuries.