Tbilisi

Do you remember, Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia. In the old city you and I can visit lots different churches all close to each other. You will be churched out.

Sion Cathedral.

Dating originally back to the 6th and 7th centuries, it was the historic seat of the Georgian Patriarch and houses the sacred Vine Cross of St. Nino. Sorry you will have to ask Mr Google what it looks like inside. There was a service happening. The Georgian chanting was amazing wasn’t it. We just sat outside with lots of the local parishioners and listened. Magic. They have built a new Cathedral for the new Patriarch ( like a pope for the Georgian’s)

Church Number 2: Anchiskhati Basilica

This is a 6th Century Orthodox Church. Are you unsure what orthodox means….the altar is usually a wooden screen with icons on them. Parishioners stand to pray. Old churches like this one will have murals on the walls and may have framed icons as well.

This basilica is famous for its icons and some have been placed in the museum nearby.

Coming in at Number 3: Metekhi Church of the Assumption

This is perched on the side of the river cliff. It was part of a fortress. You can see the whole city and there is a statue of a King.

The service has just finished so we can  visit the church. It is quite beautiful inside.

Georgian Orthodox churches usually have 3 openings…one in the centre and one on either side but it can depend on the design of the church.

Now I know you are disappointed but you can’t visit ( well you can pretend anyway). It’s Jewish New Year. There used to be a big Jewish population in Georgia but now it is only about a 1000. Many left after World War 2.

Only one more church today. Listen to the beautiful singing.  We will just peek in the door.

The priests robes are magnificent aren’t they

Can you smell the sulphur? Thermal waters and ancient Roman baths were discovered in Tbilisi. They are one of the favourite things for locals to do for relaxation. You can go to a public bath ( men and women separate as you are naked) or  a private bath. It’s pretty along the river isn’t it? I spy a coffee shop…..coffee break

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There is an ancient Bazaar. Don’t get excited, the guide said we have to be quick…..looking, no bargaining,no stopping.☹️

Rustaveli Street is in the centre of the church area. It used to be a Caravanserai and called Dark Street because there was a tent like covering over the top. Now it is a fashionable street for artisans and nightclubs

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Only one more stop for today. The Narikala Fortress. You get to go on a cable car to reach it.

I have so many more things to show you of Tbilisi but the bus is waiting so it will have to wait till we come back in a few days.