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Tbilisi · Shavteli Street · old town

Visit Anchiskhati Basilica

Tbilisi's oldest surviving church keeps a quiet basilica plan beside a busy old-town lane.

Church of Anchiskhati.2
Photo: კოლხი · image credits

Why visit

Anchiskhati dates from the sixth century and is linked by tradition to King Dachi, son of Vakhtang Gorgasali. Its name comes from an icon of the Saviour that was brought from Anchi Monastery in the seventeenth century. That icon is now kept in Tbilisi's art museum, not in the church.

What to expect

The basilica remains an active church with a separate bell tower in front. Short visits fit easily between Sioni and the Bridge of Peace. Allow extra time to sit in the courtyard or hear a service from the back.

Plan your visit

Allow20 min–45 min · at the site; travel is extra
AreaShavteli Street · old town

Before you go

Dress respectfully, keep quiet during services and ask before photographing inside.

Allow extra time

Visit times are estimates for this activity only. Travel, queues and breaks are extra.

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