Visiting the capital city, Tbilisi, where all the churches seem to look alike, which ones are the oldest churches in Tbilisi? Here is a list of the oldest churches (considering when first built) that will provide insight into how the Georgian Orthodox church has remained the religious center for over 1,500 years.
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Jvaris Mama Church with its Armenian and Georgian Churches
In the walled area of the Jvaris Mama complex sits two churches that source in two different orthodox churches. The Jvaris Mama is Georgian while the St. Mary Church is Armenian. The Georgian is active while the Armenian building sits as a hollow shell reserved for pigeons. Let’s explore this monastery complex.
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Were Zoroastrians in Tbilisi?
Persian armies conquered Tbilisi again and again, yet Georgia remained firmly Christian. Why? Did the Persians deliberately avoid converting the population to Zoroastrianism, seeking peaceful coexistence, or was the empire’s ancient faith reserved for its own administrators and elites? The ruins of Tbilisi’s Fire Temple point to a striking paradox: an imperial religion present at the heart of the city, yet never fully imposed. This tension reveals a complex encounter between power, faith, and cultural coexistence.
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Exploring the Sololaki Ridge in Tbilisi
The southern Sololaki ridge on the hillside in Tbilisi has been a fortified defensive site since at least the 4th century, when the Narikala Fortress was built. On the ridge, the Narikala Castle, ancient fortress towers, and the 20th-century Mother of Georgia can still be visited. Let’s visit this strategic ridge and learn what important markers still remain.
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The Vanishing Church and Forgotten Armenian History of Tbilisi
A dormant church stands in the Jvaris Mama complex, fueling ongoing contention between the Armenian and Georgian Orthodox churches. This abandoned church reminds visitors how the city often overlooks Armenian history. Let’s explore the beauty of this church and uncover its rich story.
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When Stones Cry Out: The Lost Memory of the Red Gospel Armenian Church in Tbilisi
During my visits to Tbilisi, Georgia, I discovered some aspects of the Armenian presence in the city. Let’s explore some of these hidden finds in this amazing city, which reflect the tension between Georgia and Armenia today.
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