Sioni Cathedral

Sioni Cathedral of the Dormition is one of the most revered religious sites in Tbilisi, offering visitors a journey through centuries of Georgia’s Christian heritage. Nestled in the heart of the city’s Old Town, the cathedral bears the name of Mount Zion in Jerusalem, following a medieval Georgian tradition of naming churches after sacred places in the Holy Land.
The original church on this site was initiated by King Vakhtang Gorgasali in the 5th century, but the structure you see today was primarily rebuilt in the 12th century by King David the Builder after the earlier version was destroyed by Arab invaders. The basic elements of the existing church date from this period, though it has been damaged and repaired multiple times throughout its long history, including severe destruction in 1226 by the order of Jalal ad-Din Mingburnu and further damage by Tamerlane in 1386.
Sioni Cathedral served as the main Georgian Orthodox cathedral for centuries until the construction of the Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba). It remains a significant place of worship and a burial site for eight Catholicos-Patriarchs of Georgia.
Beyond its historical importance, Sioni’s architectural beauty, with its cross-dome structure and ornate interior, draws visitors from all over the world. Inside, visitors will find ancient religious relics, including the cross of St. Nino, Georgia’s most treasured symbol of Christianity.
A visit to Sioni Cathedral is a must for those exploring Tbilisi’s rich religious and cultural heritage, with its peaceful atmosphere and proximity to other attractions in the Old Town.