Tbilisi — Saint Nino's Vine Cross Secret

Your quest begins in front of Sioni Cathedral, dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. Built between 1050 and 1120, it is one of Tbilisi's oldest churches and houses the major relic: Saint Nino's Cross, carved from grapevine. This symbol of Georgian Christianity, used by Saint Nino in the 4th century to convert the country, survived Persian invasions and Russian occupations, necessitating restorations in the 15th and 19th centuries. Its Byzantine-style naves, reaching 25 meters in height, bear witness to the resilience of faith.

Continue to Anchiskhati Basilica, Tbilisi's oldest surviving church, dated 527-532, from the era of Byzantine Emperor Justinian. Its name, 'Mother of God' in Georgian, recalls its dedication to the Assumption. It once housed the miraculous 6th-century Mother of God icon (Anchiskhati), restored in the 19th century, and was partially rebuilt in the 17th century after Persian destructions. This site testifies to the continuity of Christianity since the early centuries, a pillar of Tbilisi's historical heritage.

En route to Narikala Fortress, you encounter the Monument of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, an equestrian statue erected in 1967. Vakhtang Gorgasali (446-522), whose nickname means 'wolf-eyed', founded Tbilisi in the 4th century and established Christianity as the state religion. This 10-meter-high monument symbolizes Georgian independence. Narikala Fortress, founded by him, has overlooked Tbilisi since the 4th century, its current ramparts mainly dating from the 17th-18th centuries, covering 4.5 hectares and inscribed on Georgia's cultural heritage list since 1977.

Descend towards the Sulfur Baths (Abanotubani), a 17th-18th century thermal complex, built over natural geothermal springs. Their stone domes cover individual tubs where water reaches 37-42°C, recognized for its curative properties since antiquity. Close to Narikala Fortress, these baths have been a major tourist site since the 19th century. Then, cross Shardeni Street, an 800-meter artery named after chronicler Vardo Shardeni (16th century), connecting Sioni Cathedral to Narikala, retaining its medieval urban architecture with 19th-century wooden balconies and a historic caravanserai.

Your journey concludes near Erekle II Street, named after King Erekle II (1720-1798), who unified Georgia and made Tbilisi its permanent capital. This commercial artery blends medieval buildings with 19th-century constructions, reflecting Tbilisi's architectural evolution. The Church of the Holy Cross, dedicated to Saint Nino, recalls her central role in the 4th century and the legend of Queen Nana's healing with the Grapevine Cross. Your exploration of Old Tbilisi and its monuments will have immersed you in the legacy of Georgian Christianity, a journey through the centuries of this historic capital.