Sioni Cathedral of the Dormition
Ancient Georgian Orthodox cathedral in Old Tbilisi, housing the sacred relic of St. Nino's cross and adorned with medieval frescoes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Sioni Cathedral of the Dormition
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ancient Georgian Orthodox cathedral in Old Tbilisi, housing the sacred relic of St. Nino's cross and adorned with medieval frescoes.
"A stunning, historic Georgian Orthodox church with beautiful frescoes and a peaceful atmosphere."
🧥 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for this active place of worship. :pray:
🤫 Be Quiet & Respectful
Maintain a hushed tone and be mindful of ongoing services. :microphone_off:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
St. Nino's Cross
Inside the Cathedral
Witness the legendary grapevine cross of St. Nino, a sacred relic central to Georgian Christianity.
Medieval Frescoes
Interior Walls
Admire the intricate and ancient frescoes adorning the cathedral walls, showcasing centuries of artistry.
Architectural Grandeur
Exterior and Interior
Experience the blend of Georgian architectural styles, reflecting its long and storied history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for this active place of worship. :pray:
🤫 Be Quiet & Respectful
Maintain a hushed tone and be mindful of ongoing services. :microphone_off:
📸 Photography Etiquette
Check for signs regarding photography; some areas or times may be restricted. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Explore Old Tbilisi
Sioni is centrally located, perfect for combining with other Old Town sights. :city_sunrise:
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for this active place of worship. :pray:
🤫 Be Quiet & Respectful
Maintain a hushed tone and be mindful of ongoing services. :microphone_off:
📸 Photography Etiquette
Check for signs regarding photography; some areas or times may be restricted. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Explore Old Tbilisi
Sioni is centrally located, perfect for combining with other Old Town sights. :city_sunrise:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Sioni Cathedral for its profound historical and spiritual significance, particularly its role as the home of St. Nino's cross and its beautiful medieval frescoes. The architecture is often described as stunning and ancient, contributing to a peaceful, albeit sometimes dimly lit, atmosphere. Some note that certain areas could be better illuminated to showcase the art fully.
"“A beautiful Cathedral in the lively old centre of Tbilisi!” ✨
One of the many beautiful cathedrals and churches in the city of Tbilisi, which is definitely worth the visit!
On any day you might see multiple brides getting their pictures taken outside of the cathedral, which gives it a bit of a magical feel.
Reminder, as with all churches and cathedrals in Georgia, you need to wear appropriate attire to enter. (Which is definitely worth it!)
— Genuine Gems Overview —
⭐ Rating: 5/5
💰 Price Paid: Free!
💎 A Genuine Gem? Yes"
Genuine Gems (By Paul & Merel)
"Very beautiful cathedral and one of the most known churches/cathedrals in Tbilisi.
The cathedral was initially built in the 6th and 7th centuries. Since then, it has been destroyed by foreign invaders and reconstructed several times. The current structure is based on a 13th-century version, with some modifications made between the 17th and 19th centuries.
Its name is due to a medieval Georgian tradition of naming churches after specific places in the Holy Land. It served as the main Georgian Orthodox Cathedral and the seat of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia until the Holy Trinity Cathedral was consecrated in 2004."
Abdulrahman Qazzaz
"Most unique experience so far on our few day visit. We were just walking by and saw a car stuck on the stairs of the church!!! Long story short we tried to help them - but no common language or common sense, we finally gave up and eventuallly tow truck was coming. Anyway, this place i will never forget, thank you"
Aliza
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sioni Cathedral is located in the heart of Old Tbilisi, making it easily accessible. You can walk from many central locations, take a taxi, or use public buses that frequent the area. It's a popular landmark, so asking locals for directions to 'Sioni' will usually get you there quickly.
Yes, Sioni Cathedral is very centrally located in Old Tbilisi. It's within walking distance of the Bridge of Peace, Abanotubani (sulfur baths), and the Narikala Fortress cable car station, making it easy to incorporate into a day of sightseeing.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Sioni Cathedral is generally free. As a functioning church, it's open to visitors for worship and exploration without an admission fee. Donations are always appreciated, however.
The cathedral is typically open daily from morning until early evening. However, hours can vary, especially around religious holidays or during services. It's best to visit during daylight hours for exploration.
Photography policies can vary. While some areas might be permitted, it's crucial to be respectful. Avoid using flash, especially during services, and look for any posted signs or ask church officials if you're unsure.
🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience
Sioni Cathedral is one of Georgia's most historic and sacred churches, dating back to the 6th century. It served as the main cathedral until the Holy Trinity Cathedral was built and is most famous for housing the grapevine cross of Saint Nino, a pivotal relic in Georgian Christianity.
It's important to dress modestly out of respect for the religious nature of the site. This means covering your shoulders and knees. Scarves are often available at the entrance if needed.
Yes, despite its central location, Sioni Cathedral often offers a peaceful atmosphere conducive to reflection, especially outside of peak service times. The ancient architecture and spiritual significance contribute to its serene ambiance.
The primary highlight is the revered grapevine cross of Saint Nino. You should also take time to admire the beautiful medieval frescoes that adorn the interior walls, showcasing significant Georgian and Russian artistry.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Absolutely! Sioni Cathedral is in Old Tbilisi, surrounded by numerous cafes, traditional Georgian restaurants (supra), and bakeries. You'll find plenty of options for a quick bite or a full meal just steps away.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior architecture, especially the facade and bell tower, offers great photo opportunities. Inside, focus on capturing the ambiance and details of the frescoes, but always be mindful of photography restrictions and respect for worshippers.
Photography of St. Nino's cross is often restricted due to its sacred nature. It's best to refrain from taking photos of this specific relic unless explicitly permitted.
For Different Travelers
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👨👩👧 Families with Kids
⛪ Devout Visitors & Pilgrims
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Sacred Relic: St. Nino's Cross
While the cross is a central focus, the cathedral itself is a testament to centuries of Georgian history and architectural evolution. Originally built in the 6th century, it has undergone numerous reconstructions and renovations, most notably in the 13th century. This layering of styles reflects the changing influences and artistic trends throughout Georgia's long and often turbulent history.
Architectural Journey Through Time
Visitors will notice the characteristic use of stone in its construction, a hallmark of Georgian ecclesiastical buildings. The interior, though sometimes dimly lit, reveals stunning medieval frescoes and murals. These artworks, some dating from the medieval period and others from later Russian influences, depict biblical scenes and saints, offering a visual narrative of Christian theology and Georgian artistic traditions. The interplay of light and shadow within the cathedral can create a particularly evocative and spiritual atmosphere.
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