Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi: the great Orthodox temple of the Caucasus

The Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi — known in Georgian as Tsminda Sameba — is the most prominent landmark on the Georgian capital's skyline. Standing over 100 metres tall, including its iconic golden cross, it is the largest Orthodox cathedral in the Caucasus and one of the largest in the Orthodox world. Its construction, completed in 2004, was the most ambitious architectural and spiritual project in Georgia's modern history.

Architecture: the fusion of classical and contemporary

The cathedral was designed by combining the canons of medieval Georgian ecclesiastical architecture with contemporary elements. Its stepped volume, golden domes and stone-carved reliefs on the facades recall the great Georgian cathedrals of the Middle Ages, such as Svetitskhoveli or Alaverdi. The interior is equally impressive: frescoes by contemporary Georgian artists decorate the naves and main dome with scenes from the New Testament and Georgian history.

Catedral de la Trinidad Tbilisi Georgia — Tsminda Sameba, el mayor templo ortodoxo del Cáucaso
The Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi (Tsminda Sameba), symbol of Georgia's spiritual revival.

Symbol of national revival after the Soviet era

Construction of Tsminda Sameba began in 1995, just four years after Georgia's independence from the Soviet bloc. For Georgians, the cathedral represents far more than a religious building: it is the symbol of the revival of national identity and the Orthodox faith suppressed for decades of state atheism. Its funding through donations from the community and the state reflects this collective character.

An active spiritual and cultural centre

Tsminda Sameba is not just a tourist monument: it is an active spiritual centre. The complex includes the residence of the Patriarch of the Georgian Orthodox Church, auxiliary chapels, administrative buildings and a baptistery. The cathedral hosts the main religious celebrations of the year, such as Orthodox Christmas (7 January) and Easter, which draw tens of thousands of worshippers.

Practical visit information

  • Hours: open daily 8:00–20:00; free access to the exterior.
  • Location: Elia Hill, Avlabari district, Tbilisi.
  • How to get there: Avlabari metro station + 15 min walk or taxi.
  • Dress code: shoulders and knees covered; headscarves for women available at the entrance.

Combine the visit with the nearby Metekhi Square for a tour of Tbilisi's great religious monuments.

Frequently asked questions

When was the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi built?

Construction began in 1995 and the cathedral was consecrated in 2004, coinciding with the year of Georgia's Rose Revolution. The project lasted nearly a decade and was funded primarily through donations from Georgian faithful around the world.

Is it free to visit Tsminda Sameba Cathedral?

Yes, admission to the cathedral is free. Entry to the interior is open during opening hours, though respectful behaviour and appropriate dress (shoulders and knees covered) is expected. Headscarves for women are available at the entrance.

What is the best time to visit Tsminda Sameba?

Early morning or at sunset the cathedral is less crowded and the light is more favourable for photography. On Sundays there is a solemn liturgy which you can attend as a respectful observer. The atmosphere during major Orthodox feast days is very special.