The Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi, usually just called Sameba (“Trinity”), is the main cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church and one of the biggest landmarks on the Tbilisi skyline. Its gilded cross and dome sit on Elia Hill in the Avlabari district, above the left bank of the Mtkvari (Kura) River, and are visible from much of the city.
Entry is free and the cathedral is a working church, so this guide covers the dress code, how to get there and what to see in the wider complex.
Plan your visit to Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba)
- Entry: free
- Open daily, early morning to evening
- Time needed: about 1 hour
History of Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba)
The idea of a new cathedral was put forward in 1989, to mark 1,500 years of the Georgian Church’s autocephaly and 2,000 years of Christianity. Architect Archil Mindiashvili won the design competition, the foundation stone was laid on 23 November 1995, and the cathedral was consecrated by Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II on St George’s Day, 23 November 2004.
The site has not been free of controversy: part of the land had belonged to the old Armenian Khojivank cemetery, and the construction drew criticism from Armenian community representatives.
Attractions at Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba)
- The main cathedral: about 86 m tall to the top of its cross, it is often listed as the third-tallest Eastern Orthodox cathedral in the world. The interior is huge and fairly austere, with icons, frescoes and candlelit chapels.
- Nine chapels: five of them are in a large underground level beneath the main church.
- The bell tower: a free-standing tower in the grounds (it is not a public viewpoint).
- The wider complex: the Patriarch’s residence, a monastery, a seminary and theological academy, workshops and landscaped gardens with fountains.
Things to Do at Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba)
- Attend a liturgy: services take place daily, with the busiest on Sunday mornings; Georgian polyphonic chanting is a highlight. Keep quiet and stand at the back if you’re only visiting.
- Walk the grounds: the gardens and terraces give good views of the cathedral and across Avlabari.
- Light a candle: candles are sold inside, as in any Georgian church.
- Photograph it from afar: the cathedral looks best from Narikala, the Rike Park area or at dusk when it is lit up.
Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba) – Entry Eligibility and Open Timings
- Entry: free.
- Hours: the cathedral is generally open daily from early morning until evening; times can change for services and church holidays.
- Dress code: women should cover their heads and wear a skirt (wraps and scarves are usually available at the entrance); men should wear long trousers and remove hats. Shoulders and knees covered for everyone.
- Etiquette: no flash or photos during services, and keep voices low.
How Long to Spend at Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba)
Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour for the cathedral and grounds, longer if you stay for part of a service.
How to Get There
- Metro: Avlabari station (Line 1) is the closest; from there it’s a short uphill walk of about 10 minutes.
- On foot: from the Old Town, cross the Bridge of Peace or Metekhi Bridge and walk up through Avlabari (about 20 to 30 minutes).
- Taxi: Bolt is widely used in Tbilisi and inexpensive.
Arriving at Tbilisi Airport? Book a fixed-price airport transfer straight to your hotel.
Eateries Nearby Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba)
The cathedral grounds have no proper restaurant. Avlabari around the metro station has simple bakeries and cafés, and the Old Town and Rike Park, across the river, have plenty of Georgian restaurants within a 20 to 30 minute walk.
Other Attractions Nearby Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba)
- Narikala Fortress: across the river; take the cable car up from Rike Park.
- Bridge of Peace: the glass-and-steel footbridge linking Rike Park and the Old Town.
- Mother of Georgia: the statue on Sololaki ridge above the Old Town.
- Metekhi Church: a 13th-century church on the cliff above the river, a short walk downhill.
Before your trip
- Find hotels in Tbilisi: Avlabari is handy for Sameba, while the Old Town and Sololaki keep you close to most sights.
- Get a Georgia eSIM on Klook before you land, for maps and Bolt.
The Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba) is the symbol of Georgia’s post-Soviet church revival: free to visit, enormous inside and best seen during a Sunday liturgy or lit up at night. Remember the dress code and allow about an hour.
Combine it with the cable car up to Narikala Fortress and a walk across the Bridge of Peace for a full day in Old Tbilisi.
