Anchiskhati Basilica, Tbilisi Travel Guide

4.7 (804)

Explore Tbilisi's oldest church, a 6th-century basilica with a rich history and serene atmosphere in the heart of the Old Town.

Home
Travel Guides
Georgia
Tbilisi
Anchiskhati Basilica

The Anchiskhati Basilica, Tbilisi's oldest surviving church, stands as a testament to Georgia's enduring Christian heritage. Built in the 6th century, this three-nave basilica has witnessed centuries of Tbilisi's history, preserving early Georgian architectural elements and offering a serene escape in the heart of the Old Town.

A brief summary to Anchiskhati Basilica

11 Ioane Shavteli St, Tbilisi, Old Tbilisi, GE
Click to display

Monday 9 am-6 pm
Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
Thursday 9 am-6 pm
Friday 9 am-6 pm
Saturday 9 am-7 pm
Sunday 9 am-7 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Anchiskhati Basilica.

Dress modestly when visiting the church; shoulders and knees should be covered.
Check the church's schedule for services and choir performances, especially on weekends.
Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor inside the church.
Photography may be restricted; ask for permission before taking pictures.
Combine your visit with a walk through Tbilisi's Old Town to explore nearby attractions.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Partere

Tbilisi Zoo

Apple of Love

Symbolic monument of Tbilisi-city თბილის-ქალაქის სიმბოლური ძეგლი

Otar Megvinetukhutsesi Square

Explore Anchiskhati Basilica on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Anchiskhati Basilica, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From Freedom Square Metro station, walk north along Leonidze Street, then turn left onto Shavteli Street. Continue for approximately 10 minutes; the Basilica will be on your left. No costs involved.
Public Transport

Take bus line 323 from the #4 Public School stop to Baratashvili Street. From there, it's a 5-minute walk to Anchiskhati Basilica. The bus fare is 1 GEL.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Tbilisi. Use a ride-hailing app like Bolt or Yandex for convenient booking. A short taxi ride from the city center to Anchiskhati Basilica typically costs between 3.3 GEL and 10 GEL, depending on the distance and traffic.

Discover more about Anchiskhati Basilica

Anchiskhati Basilica, located on Ioane Shavteli Street in Tbilisi's historic district, is the oldest church in the city, dating back to the 6th century. Commissioned by King Dachi of Iberia, son of Tbilisi's founder Vakhtang Gorgasali, the basilica has been rebuilt and restored over centuries, withstanding invasions and natural disasters.Originally dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the church was renamed Anchiskhati in the 17th century when the revered icon of the Savior was moved here from the Ancha Monastery to protect it from Ottoman invasions. The icon, now housed in the Art Museum of Georgia, lent its name to this enduring sanctuary.The basilica's architecture reflects its long history, with a three-nave design divided by two abutments forming horseshoe-shaped conches. Constructed initially with yellow tuff stone, restoration efforts in the 20th century incorporated brickwork. Inside, visitors can admire the murals, some dating back to the 17th and 19th centuries, and experience the spiritual atmosphere of this active place of worship.During the Soviet era, the basilica was repurposed as a museum and art studio before being restored as a place of worship in 1991. Today, Anchiskhati Basilica offers a glimpse into Tbilisi's past and a space for reflection in the heart of the Old Town.