Hotels near Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba)

Sameba Cathedral, consecrated in 2004, is the seat of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia and the third-tallest Eastern Orthodox cathedral in the world at 84 metres. Built on Elia Hill in the Avlabari district to mark 2000 years of Christianity and 1500 years of the Georgian autocephalous church, the cathedral combines traditional Georgian church architecture with monumental scale - a deliberate statement of post-Soviet religious resurgence.

The 23000-square-metre complex includes 9 chapels, a bell tower with the largest church bell in Georgia (8 tonnes), and the residence of the Patriarch. The interior is decorated with restrained gold mosaics and modern frescoes - simpler than older Georgian churches but more spacious. Dress code applies: covered shoulders, knees, women may need head coverings (scarves available free at the entrance). Free admission; open daily 08:00-21:00.

Pro Tip: Visit on a Saturday or Sunday at 09:00 for the choir liturgy - the male a cappella polyphonic singing in the cavernous main hall is one of the most memorable sounds in Tbilisi. Photos are permitted in the courtyard but not inside the main nave.