Tbilisi, Georgia

Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, has undergone many restorations, invasions, and a huge development from what it was centuries ago. According to the archeological expeditions, Tbilisi’s territory was inhabited in an antique period, while in 1-2 centuries AD, it already was a small town settlement. 

Anchiskhati church is the oldest church in Tbilisi. Built by King Vakhtan Gorgasali’s son in the 6th century, it was originally constructed for Virgin Mary, but in the 17th century, an icon of Christ was transported from Anchis Cathedral in Klarjeti here, and therefore changed its name to Anchiskhati, or Icon of Anchi if translated literally.

The oldest district of the capital, the Narikala Fortress, a brick structure, dates back to the 4th century when Tbilisi was a Persian citadel. The fort sits on a steep hill between the sulfur baths and the botanical garden. The St. Nicholas Church, located inside the courtyard, is a fairly recent construction (1996–1997), but it replaces the original 13th-century one, which was destroyed by fire. You can walk up the steep hill from Maidan Square or take a cable car.