Anchiskhati Basilica
Anchiskhati Basilica
4.5
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Plan your visit
The area
How to get there
- Freedom Square • 8 min walk
- Avlabari • 10 min walk
Best nearby
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Restaurants
1,658 within 5 kms
Attractions
185 within 10 kms
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4.5
247 reviews
Excellent
151
Very good
72
Average
23
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Xanerin
Alice Springs, Australia1,470 contributions
Dec 2022
This is the oldest surviving church in Tbilisi. (6th Century). It was built by King Dachi. Originally dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it was renamed Anchiskhati ( icon of Ancha) in 1675 when the treasured icon created by the 12th century goldsmith Beka Opizari at the Ancha monastery in Klarjeti was moved to Tbilisi to preserve it from an Ottoman invasion. ( this now at the Art Museum of Georgia). So rich in history and well worth a visit.
Written 29 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ali Nazifpour
Tehran, Iran58 contributions
Sept 2024 • Solo
The oldest Orthodox church in Georgia, and my favorite among the ones I've visited. The architecture is beautiful and the small intimate atmosphere enables you to witness the rituals much better. The highlight is the polyphonic chanting which is simply sublime.
Written 21 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Coryy20
Port of Spain, Trinidad6,357 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
This used to be the main Church in Tbilisi City but ever since they buildt a new one on the hill this one has become a bit lowkeyed. It is located near the clock tower and can do with some TLC. It is one of the oldest church in the city but no longer shines as the main church but just one from the past. I don't think it is worth going out of your way to see if you have limited time in the city...unless you really want to do so.
Written 18 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Iolanda Guerra e Andrade
Lisbon, Portugal3,736 contributions
Sept 2023 • Solo
The fact that this 6th century Basilica withstood many attacks, having been damaged due to the ongoing wars between Georgia and the Persians, as well as the Turks and subsequently rebuilt, is in itself reason to be visited. We unfortunately found its doors closed and only managed to photograph it from outside. I was nevertheless impressed by it.
Written 26 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DonaDemu83
Tbilisi, Georgia35 contributions
Aug 2013 • Family
According to the old Georgian annals, the church was built by the King Dachi of Iberia (circa 522-534) who had made Tbilisi his capital. Originally dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it was renamed Anchiskhati (i.e., icon of Ancha) in 1675 when the treasured icon of the Savior created by the twelfth-century goldsmith Beka Opizari at the Ancha monastery in Klarjeti (in what is now part of northeast Turkey) was moved to Tbilisi so preserve it from an Ottoman invasion. The icon was preserved at the Basilica of St Mary for centuries (it is presently on display at the Art Museum of Georgia).
The Anchiskhati Church, 1890
The basilica was damaged and rebuilt on several occasions from the 15th through 17th centuries due to wars between Georgia and the Persians and Turks. The brick belfry near the Anchiskhati Basilica was built by Catholicos Domenti in 1675.
The look of the structure was drastically changed in the 1870s, when a dome was added. During the Soviet period, all religious ceremonies at Anchiskhati Basilica were halted, and the building transformed into a museum for handicrafts. It was later used as an art studio. From 1958 to 1964 restoration works took place in celebration of the 1500th Jubilee of the founding of Tbilisi, which changed the view of the church back to the seventeenth-century version, however, it was not until 1991, after the independence of Georgia was restored, that the basilica reverted to religious use.
The Anchiskhati Choir based out of the Anchiskhati Basilica is the world's leading exponent of Georgian polyphonic choral music.
The Anchiskhati Church, 1890
The basilica was damaged and rebuilt on several occasions from the 15th through 17th centuries due to wars between Georgia and the Persians and Turks. The brick belfry near the Anchiskhati Basilica was built by Catholicos Domenti in 1675.
The look of the structure was drastically changed in the 1870s, when a dome was added. During the Soviet period, all religious ceremonies at Anchiskhati Basilica were halted, and the building transformed into a museum for handicrafts. It was later used as an art studio. From 1958 to 1964 restoration works took place in celebration of the 1500th Jubilee of the founding of Tbilisi, which changed the view of the church back to the seventeenth-century version, however, it was not until 1991, after the independence of Georgia was restored, that the basilica reverted to religious use.
The Anchiskhati Choir based out of the Anchiskhati Basilica is the world's leading exponent of Georgian polyphonic choral music.
Written 9 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pinoytraveller2
Luzon, Philippines15,074 contributions
Nov 2015 • Solo
This review is quite late. I just came from the Puppet Theatre when I passed by an old church buildoing which turned out to be the Anchiskhati Basilica. The simplicity of the architectural design enhances the beauty of the structure.
Written 10 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jincognito
Gainesville, FL639 contributions
July 2019
Right the hustle-bustle of the old town, is this small, ancient church from the 6th century. They give you coverings for bare legs and ladies heads. Atmospheric inside, but small. It only takes a few minutes to see everything.
Written 29 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony L
71 contributions
July 2018 • Family
Nice atmosphere, whether you are religious person or not it is worth a visit make a part of your tour in Tbilisi.
Written 3 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stefano C
Geneva, Switzerland170 contributions
Aug 2017 • Solo
A masterpiece of Georgian religious architecture. The oldest in town, severe and dark but really fascinating.
Written 20 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ApolonSx
Tbilisi, Georgia99 contributions
Nov 2015 • Couples
The church was built in 522-534 of our age, Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, The basilica was damaged and rebuilt on several occasions, is small church, It looks different than any Orthodox church.
Written 25 January 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Здравствуйте! Подскажите пожалуйста во сколько можно услышать у вас как поёт хор ? В Марте
Written 9 March 2019
shelly c
Glasgow, United Kingdom
I wonder if you can help me. I will be in Tbilisi in July on the 7/8/9 and the 17/18th and i wondered if there would be any singing at Anchiskhati on those dates - either during a service or for any other reason.
If you could advise about other places in Tbilisi to hear Polyphonic singing that would be wonderful.
Many thanks
Shelly
Written 28 June 2018
Hi Shelly,
I'm not entirely sure for the dates you mention, but when I was there in early June, there was scaffolding up but I believe on Sundays there may be a church service. Might be good to ask the accommodation you are staying at to ask on your behalf.
Hope that helps.
Firoz
Written 29 June 2018
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