GEORGIA - Tbilisi (Part 1)
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Tbilisi is the capital city of Georgia and also known as the heart of Caucasus. This vibrant capital is surrounded by mountains with amazing architecture, filled with nice food and wine.
![DSC05513 DSC05513](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRItp5XyljpNlgQzWYbpksDU6aCNGQN0K4ue7H3sgzPCY9QFnLeFurwYdZlc7gyj6dXMXZ1nyq0Uws_nhcuQjOIx3cJYM7oZgGs1KzN-5KPwmVy6mDQznc9xwRDmlsjWjH0JJsTe-Gkl0/?imgmax=800)
Spent few days here in Tbilisi exploring the city.
![DSC05447 DSC05447](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGgXVoIZXVyVvld7b-5prwsWBfdXUHDStyEH86xkDOV4pLoTnhia9UywBnVLUFBFVwMwS91FzhhBayRjIC2RDljb6KhsNSryxRVkIIlajnleK1MITrVFK_9iz7DgOaxhihfKoABTW-QYg/?imgmax=800)
Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi or more commonly known as Sameba is the first cathedral that we visited in Tbilisi since it is located nearby our hotel. This is the side entrance to the cathedral.
![DSC05448 DSC05448](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfGXCOwqSlt4s2M4JJBnKM1jPAdOM6HBYXq1kup01NyZsmSOUZUhVlI4yoZ7-6Qt7-_3BxnnhdxeSrz7LpG1Cz9gnv5BfCaozcZj-idMOPgOAdnUYzqaLnZA9B6SV-aLTPPGoHiNYcaFg/?imgmax=800)
This is not the main cathedral but a smaller chapel on the side.
![DSC05450 DSC05450](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT96y7nwvpCPEylxDG5MdKR7CKMq5fgmavZQ-jocMg2GTte72CNyUBC_fAgtuKSzzJT4L4J34p8eaAfLccxp8gqh78tpYosmgRDz0jPPEYdpVs7sTW2uDWw0oJM9H94X1Df26HkDcPCnlh/?imgmax=800)
The internal view of the chapel.
![DSC05452 DSC05452](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiITlghjfJ5WMUNr3DNPiUAbNAV2OCBB86C_oKR_v4-BgqERRt0qWdJIpjzAgXMYuC9O0hczwjG0w4ABNiGFs_ysgko22VzWH9vpyrDDcORGhiJcBQVwr5qfam6-gpUeMAs_zLrcmj9JyjS/?imgmax=800)
The main cathedral is constructed between 1995 and 2004. The construction of the church is sponsored mostly by anonymous donation from several businessmen and common citizens.
![DSCF5185 DSCF5185](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9Y32emtLlx9V5HsMdHLNazB2oTiHrOFrU_ELR8OJKEdxKhnYAo7WmN5vQ33BxUJMSBxn2Xa9D7h6NHVDLcZrUkk9L4fw_xV4M_uXKQDahvALWfpPLmPtjLoRqKSuDfO9j88AN5SeIC8C/?imgmax=800)
The Sameba is the main cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church located in Tbilisi and is the third tallest Eastern Orthodox cathedral in the world measuring at approximately 98m high. .
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The church is constructed with traditional Georgian church architectural.
![DSCF5203 DSCF5203](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAInBaZBdcRTCVQQ1pLNI9Z8Z_emJ1WAoH2cTZ5rcgjcCMe0r7_8uHtw4XAbmj2OQ_r3CPKLGDxcwy5zWjOTjPlkHBfmrqmh3sgjGG3PHIjHj87yKCE6qTkhLTsejqKwJhFzwMVzDvoxsG/?imgmax=800)
Grapevine Cross or better known as Georgian Cross and is the symbol of the Georgian Orthodox Church.
![DSCF5206 DSCF5206](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb52C8xtAjVeFh0TxfGHTqgu8jRgXS_0uy9OIMSuhwSuRgGdp1-hq1tx9MbueQzxn_AEbZgGJ2eEImNZ4Hdm_Nlx8-u8Fq-u3pOo5SuEebBDpeze5QijTJSsKZVUcNwY08ncsUwauVbjDo/?imgmax=800)
Some call the cross Saint Nino cross as she introduced this cross and also she is know to be the first person to preach Christianity in Georgia during the 4th century.
![DSC05478 DSC05478](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnc-rEqE4S4xHHK8XSGHeuKePdcaKuk8Hxb0K0GWdlaUXgUDPHia54cD8EuA6h7pySxBo1XoU6Q-k1hba9ZYYNByAzP4fVuLr7fQIjFZFWPf4NXUY-yv8HcsczqXeavDNBMbNL-nnPwsgx/?imgmax=800)
A poster of Tbilisi Sameba Cathedral and the surrounding neighbourhood.
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An actual picture of Sameba Cathedral and the surrounding neighbourhood taken by me during my ascend to Narikala Fortress.
![DSC05480 DSC05480](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5H7L5QcQdxGDcnDDnd8y1af4z5EUSNCB0cQTjLO9Y4FTLhKXK_7nro-6AaX8SdiSRKQ23roOS1WWpDyjqN5s3o8va6tjU8qP11u-4V0bfHPqpsmjxo26qWFjD6wMSNkbGSKchbh84LweA/?imgmax=800)
This is the main entrance of the Sameba. On the right is the bell tower.
![DSC05488 DSC05488](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGmNHEDDU2jovN5yNTLOuJZtY6zZWVWFOaDzvrs2gn3J1zlK59TQzSJUei_S4t7NxPwsNf2MFZAOIdD0wgh_0SSTgWdxy3kg4t04X374P4zy4H1-1SHfwNfzxnXvu3DhSxwpkHE-n6Ct6/?imgmax=800)
This area used to be a large cemetery whereby the oldest Armenian cemetery in Tbilisi known as Armenian Pantheon of Tbilisi.
![DSC05489 DSC05489](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4hzgndWpwySPTPohxSTOPqZyV0oDNshCmWhMlPP0cIx-jgnBSFA_CzbL5zTqXLFjb7EjFUQTMcVf2846u9BqfkrbnfRjJ6hggjOcxkE_krJkiMH8WUQmARXLpWcRp7-pUsRIrdt_o8Xs/?imgmax=800)
The construction of the church was proclaimed as a symbol of Georgian national and spiritual revival.
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Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi is really beautiful.
![DSC05493 DSC05493](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hJc7g8Q1K_8OkLgpA2mfhWr8aDF2YZ-9lGSt_vDb8Ny2SxSJI0dSOAv0HMxc9Rz-B9PTK4XGuydeL1mizup4BHTeteH_JcvRHpDvQQQnG88ypnCiDLoQH9XbsPJHZLvY_vN7KBYJSWLl/?imgmax=800)
I’ll be back at night, as my tour guide told me that the view at night is worth a look.
![DSCF5354 DSCF5354](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgly8BqbOMr4iXCXumz4O6XFVRRJlrckjHnh0IQtveymbgdujR5q9gnZpv46hPo4tVEh5wta8Pi85xI7mK-1kPX07-bjp4cUYlR-UR0OgkQTFkBrChyF0AErx0B7c6WuDpRrapYAnz1jIHj/?imgmax=800)
My next destination is also a church – Metekhi Church which is located above the Metekhi Bridge.
![DSC06620 DSC06620](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiseJrBOtsJOkhopNnsIvXUQskxHmCWDDrIHShf7071EJsuhF7HSqIrIKNFumHp35yo3AamXFkdIsPLt0A69LfMU2wjtlCch3GscbhyphenhyphenHyxzEOHw5331fz01Ix6HbiCtkpTszFInXKr3nb0T/?imgmax=800)
The Metekhi Church and the 1960s equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali beside it at a rocky outcrop.
![DSC05508 DSC05508](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKgcfqqfF7fCd44dnggeZw-uWVeWbi44ERjd8y1Fejwu0u2C3x6JmmQfKBs5YTERn3V-6yNVg0pvNK9_3z_sH0x9-VEWwPySWBocib29-tUjpgqB_CValp_vbzFjXB-Zy9eGCu1vChg-VH/?imgmax=800)
When Vakhtang Gorgasali made Tbilisi his capital in the 5th century, this is where he built his palace and the site’s original church. The existing church was built by King Demetre Tavdadebuli between 1278 – 1289. But it has been reconstructed many time since. The church was still undergoing restoration when I visited it.
![DSC05498 DSC05498](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23G08ggzs-fz4i5YPr7yBBnix5gccdbCWmLBePad-QKPSfOGjlOIboxea_TlmVWXPAy-OhSfzRsBb31iRNMZBu3FyY0iHV6r0WfFd7ptyvi_gpXDgmudLphggdCpM6WAGKS-8fed9GPVF/?imgmax=800)
Tbilisi city view from the Metekhi Church.
![DSC05503 DSC05503](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrvayPESlBXmN9oJp2_xP7cUOR9faRKWcZi_IAzYhUu9ijLuEpFg-KMh0umUKXUzAd3UAtTDJduVIZsuaG9j5qAJYmAFYTpfLTNf6PD57WCwL1NBfMSMDvgs9PZyPoOiqj2etq3JoFqft/?imgmax=800)
The Metekhi Bridge.
![DSC05522 DSC05522](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8YcfhRWits6bMVSMmp8jEs_nNWqjBzkHEnGtdfP1cSt3dqzt2i5rmewAUE4mO0eJkx8st3xuNJwPnupFep_lRMNqLp_DJ73nos6-xDjDyTkFfFCaOEqKuqPUMof7QhC-UkBSB3K5YiFP/?imgmax=800)
The interior of Metekhi Church.
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Persecution of the Christians by Arab Muslim invaders.
![DSCF5265 DSCF5265](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmgn3dvErRTZbo_zpVfYot95SuHVBy6eEu2bUkxBcaPBor9tXlSq1OteVMAbN9pJjWOrOYjes4LVEvBNlwWDzl9ZSbAM2KNKmgil_b0IZoRI-Dl-4m6FtgEBSlfqC9smytD8vywrJG6epn/?imgmax=800)
Passed by Freedom Square.
![DSC05540 DSC05540](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSW-x9n_eotigNZlZ4VETcf6dt29DJo76y6nebNJShaUqFQUmJD0cguiW-LC9YmFA2Ey-NNDMSL3Gd-stpTzFL4h3SMW6GUtp7gzaisqna9YNEI2rG-5nfvB1_EeqAc0t3khTOh9wdzI5/?imgmax=800)
The Old Parliament building in Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi. The new parliament building is now in Kutaisi few hundred kilometres away from the capital city, Tbilisi.
![DSCF5274 DSCF5274](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98YBFIJ1aMGiDtWx6CfGf4eNxXPrs1eiGB2eBazi88KSLCWU-7QpWgWB_4c7qJkx4As8htrE1euBqwroXi6KwQEMZ7AfsLptSOqanRSSgUUKY63iN1750PWa1Ikrv5pzDf-G34S-ZzByF/?imgmax=800)
National Gallery.
![DSCF5290 DSCF5290](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNzIMhsYt15LzKhfpCjxkzbcDV7WyeiPag0mMTX2HaJy9NotrkPpzNXYzvVDFuJk0Go7ruxbkIHOJRNeaO8cpt3TYgKC1WME65hEce2kHGblYgjMrYzo2lN_yfEt_eoBtUR2medePA0qL/?imgmax=800)
Museum of Modern Art Tbilisi or in short MOMATBILISI at Rustaveli Avenue.
![DSCF5315 DSCF5315](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZSNpXvllJIFHHk3RASHz3K9_e7TSlkAB3vXkbaytTg3grlpONBgr-rhB_ImzBwxEdMckCws7QaHIxsLV4k1Bg8J3RqHvDsQldY_55zhyphenhyphenWu6aWIOcJPz8am9bW_bj3QNnSlrWVAM9vM50/?imgmax=800)
There are very few skyscrapers in Tbilisi and this building will be the tallest building in Tbilisi once its construction is completed.
![DSCF5313 DSCF5313](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMaCwU6YteQfU95CnkoFOMTCDidd_PP_EGMQIkxhbe_p5e0__WfKoA7vRY-4fZEoSrG2S9xGILvTY3dTxIgzPkHVq5xtrYjNTQHFDXM5Y-RPFK4ySVT6_WAZoOCiacWl3PDEdmCRQDvdL/?imgmax=800)
An unfinished Soviet monument.
![DSCF5305 DSCF5305](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJVsRwIwVxi6TJV1RtYe6MWiqLlrO-njXFADsTShjXUPVKG2ZW2NuIfp0YFgA0u-mTzIeptHGQZwv9nnHbhsrqVxMOxhqly7PEqwijjuWNT6rDmqlEaawUTymtzGTefzTFTMDF8spyuxo-/?imgmax=800)
Tbilisi Concert Hall opened since 1971.
![DSC05576 DSC05576](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdF77_0wg9cMRWM9b4x7CZGGTf5vnHikfwtKUFShboo2K37itffPxD7-gDIBGreotAgr5n8Pv6Aw3m8pO1q1vZZSxCSnntFxpjCQdi-7TXg87VRtUdmHMS5gr0xkSer24BgQT2iTnY-suH/?imgmax=800)
Presidential Palace.
![DSC05584 DSC05584](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJTolMzlfUMWpvXmJHVoWUshtL0BscgVnJJWhtYNeSlkBMa6GDejhQ5KabwP78qLItcIgIYChgEF6wBoiZu4SIW-Nw6zUqr-5DU0VxwDvqshrvYQ_hJncyzcmtuWs-5kwbV1JmiOtmK7c/?imgmax=800)
Passed by Metekhi Church again.
![DSC05591 DSC05591](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dVgn7D85N62acw9o34sMmZ5Q_HFkj2jK4A5Y5siAMbJ_ME73DQMhsWRBMOJisOSR0PNilX26VNDybLSVo6Fp7IZtC7JXn7N7rmTRU3gt1JyNqB5XSQvYInx6U8xKuXYv26zY0mx8V9Bp/?imgmax=800)
The cable station where I took a cable car to reach Narikala Fortress.
![DSCF5389 DSCF5389](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZRuHvy62f744Qr7nb0vbzbL8UhNtizcY7sQtXuUBzf1bPuyHXTvnaTb1KEqyjtj_CDloLRd9QflTLU9tM5GyRaU7f2rrO35Edq-sWI_R-BtquiJCh1tkZCqDdTE_Z7rXknorC5AMqa6V/?imgmax=800)
Mother Of Georgia to the right and the Narikala Fortress to the left.
![DSC05677 DSC05677](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEw45qbgbKX6uIK-oFlD8DHF0xOJ_dm3m-74wAbQHBTbzxr6XfCql5LG9TZ6yKjlHos2cD1x2l4jNAK4dclyt6Ty9XSpMpqziXQOPIpidUTIJfTy1EEaB2N6QcdO1mOq9aKb-FkbKw0kl3/?imgmax=800)
First stop, Mother Of Georgia.
![DSCF5390 DSCF5390](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6qAJ1umRsaV5kWLooR0gXqiPRxbBWRsu8Y0DHNBwDuNAGLh1R8MK6hGEXeLEvyoAce0nzrPc1xrmatJmy_5PaYWc2TBLaYnYwgT91P4g2OUnUNqg-Cvv3ktaED96vcRmy0YyOm0I8KtQ/?imgmax=800)
We’re both mothers. Haha.
![DSC05615 DSC05615](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-K-IEk7Y6O-_6pTWXytXGiqIe4uQhnspibENOhP-bTKDIhlrjcw9iuueSiPT4m3pWOwyHRefBjMtNE5O3a4hHQRhAIreK81B2pwQP0XRbL39YlyPHmlg8Cg0AgaWDqAfgWHLlGSiIgjiD/?imgmax=800)
Statue of Mother of Georgia was erected in 1958, the year when Tbilisi celebrated its 1500th anniversary. This 20 metre aluminium statue symbolise Georgian national character: in her left hand, a bowl of wine to greet friends and in her right hand is a sword for enemies.
![DSCF5394 DSCF5394](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_43AspLdWY03LyUhqngtVU2XrWWa4mV1x6PBMjbXdBgSDEDNSbOCxZFVAeqGPDOTIvXyfn1btovEsNnKB8MpTx35k60qaBcCVh26KlcnHG2fHUKDFwYl3xRkeXqzIGOE-V3LugBMFyuGl/?imgmax=800)
Front view of the statue.
![DSC05504 DSC05504](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU41aIoIUOFonzJbnsAcHAa_vF6A20SqrXEqJ4LFgqaZPrvHJeiyXps4p4n44AnAhgA0Ib1iYxl_dy_ZP1z6yhxbx4Zphvdq1StyMsmb7ec1B6F-vmQpc6qOIjkWo6uUdkA16nhoTzY2f8/?imgmax=800)
Still best to view it from the bottom.
![DSCF5402 DSCF5402](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJ1G9jgGgB5UxlqO23O4aYZUNTwAkGb6__nIOR-pOxwmR4OrCGdpe3qh-fnxZiSJwe9SE0-ksdiAVR-AnAPfcG3-9LuKm4wclXCXEUVRwgI9U1cDj3MRDHANfmOln02phd5IxRFwS0tJO/?imgmax=800)
Narikala Fortress is within walking distance from the Mother of Georgia.
![DSC05623 DSC05623](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TD5tYuCLpBzMe1lL9IQWSC0UUj91w37x3o4qOJ_tnnRZk_V09me-Cq2PpJTwQ7EzGo8YobhMOVmKNiWK-ZgWqr2SdGY2zlexzR8hvrutf3SErAiU3eBo82uQz96fj6BFmdHcllt2WU44/?imgmax=800)
A balcony overlooking the lush green botanical garden.
![DSC05621 DSC05621](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4io53Lio6o3P_xfsjh43qN-7wuUZ0zk8W8tDYfLH6J7eGDZMsUNHWUe-Yn0DvMiTT_TWYfHcJUuD_BEE8ilKhdrtxdkDnUmfhB9wGXGQTKYYgWvSCSDrDVK8kOGa8BK4qY7M5jdwEd6O/?imgmax=800)
A big mansion.
![DSC05630 DSC05630](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6XtCnvZDY9uYvNICgaTM_bzrRUnVhDQKvO88cuz0q6RAxzzIEeuiSMRwBm_t0EOjpJGMXQBVCCTibOWFGx7joMov_bDYo9uceq4jovncuyDluBnTW400jufN9lLhsEonnYctbr7FaCDc/?imgmax=800)
Continue walking towards Narikala Fortress.
![DSCF5408 DSCF5408](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT8aWEAfHz550aJj0UUQd4yPA85NJs_e522mA8NNOETkJd7ocPa5xjdhNKdzofxFkPcJH0Tc4RPe0qH_DJdF242-fSmUr9fXUIoeT-MYqb5K4f2Ryx2i6M1PszFwroMPhLgW98XdmjpLiq/?imgmax=800)
The weather was cold that day. Wish I’d worn a wind breaker like my baby.
![DSC05633 DSC05633](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj537M1B2IW2Uj9VIpx1xBpovdlwCL-tIBFtyoa36Oz56BC6Y8j6IIczcWGGvx2t70TRnO6jDl3KpbOrGfQS8I0_gdMJ8l8R-mrhNlg8rXLBa3o2C0_STZZBORo_u7OJQVbyRWOW2DrYUFG/?imgmax=800)
Narikala Fortress dates back to the 4th century when it was a Persian citadel. Most of the present walls were built in the 8th century by the Arabs. Subsequently Georgians, Turks and Persians captured and patched up Narikala.
![DSC05635 DSC05635](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh86PSNeg2gr2QT3mbsy0bH060FT2bDwIEgfaEWHcV1DJNoGngtnX8TzKT3w0L1h21zvy10Sf2FRk7R1guR8NdS5I2sM0LUEmLmlHVxlmyP2Dj0dwivIgQBgiUKgUdKXczXV2qyDcq2xZvO/?imgmax=800)
The Metekhi Church and Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi can be seen from the fortress.
![DSC05643 DSC05643](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZnnks0bZY7Ws77f2amuaFSBCrTF9a-bHPRwZ14MiMV332EghWjTEWI4fLmoaxIUbT3JExOKIct3V-Sa1bUV-MMUg3-gNA9OJKKrVNlL3tsrYCXqvdw0a2XM2a1o8vOwayoDrMUeBlJzW/?imgmax=800)
The building with small domes on ground floor is where people can get sulphur bath and massage.
![DSC05644 DSC05644](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHpekYARu6r7gbfOS5rsGCZpolyybDEK1J-K8NJVej9OMsbyoMN6vOuAU17evnBSMK-2YY9SqtcrXezZCGTvR1S1gb-6UU4SxjYwGrQthfx_xRG-LZNqyqj10XwXUj-yebXZTgHtwC58c/?imgmax=800)
Nearby the sulphur bath house is a mosque.
![DSC05674 DSC05674](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWFfPv0DV6iWJJ0GsMVtEqXt-Bm4D406FJwLlLrq8eBP89PVhoCBBFrshIMfGySd7gOZQcm18nYZDyxH_tYztC86wb1n13ki9ITcjOoisSHh-7sj5uHr7DS3hdQfLEwg5xBUpNY_Zf4K4L/?imgmax=800)
Our tour guide, Anri with my hubby and baby.
![DSC05648 DSC05648](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghk7JBSuZ13Q3pkosKRc6PoIpr2wG4wXFTwm1n2hLZC0uPP0_mBicKFzvsG2jSbIh5LGBGlr2-iqMcnNphjC69GlwrD00o7bTg0zWNZkrFgahzisCUyVfJBfZK3NsfMM4F4k0SeT3shnW1/?imgmax=800)
In 1827, a huge explosion of Russian munitions stored here ruined the fortress and Church of St. Nicholas insides it.
![DSC05650 DSC05650](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9p4ockqTPLcya8ByzCxsZaPYOW3W0RcTT-OSKMQ9BWwvEi0GWLSh6nVt283cyEOh8Or4bBH0kAJF0J1ta-S1FXCJTP4mL8BANQAcx4AHMLr50qxTjDMo6s4aa72P4jsALp7fb0Hj59_1/?imgmax=800)
This church was rebuilt in the 1990s with the help of funding from a police chief.
![DSC05659 DSC05659](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggKL236K_W-ycww3fVYpNvNS8n870LAdbOTYOXKLluUC2wJhxqBvSFNMIZylJoCXKsIur1DYpiz-BvhRvhtkq-o_cMwucJkNl7_eY068ODcVJ49RZSuWh6luHpSBNMB1vKHKNoxN3TVK7/?imgmax=800)
It is possible to climb up the Narikala Fortress but you should watch your steps as some parts is a steep climb.
![DSCF5438 DSCF5438](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7VYRMAqVexmsR6scy_C7uicdJfsPAq6fvwNG3GfatvEO1oaqhObLU6MQCQd0dvh7rtFd0Af_qSW-ukLY6MIlQDccguolVofaKCQf3N38e2hqftP7LXH00Tbvs4Srrl_j_yR08o9x-K-k/?imgmax=800)
Entering into the church.
![DSC05669 DSC05669](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirjCj-1ZmBYJzHoBw7goumG5aoknMmw1ZOw73khxMgls-f5JV9XXFUpVct91cPn0IDkYcfK-dHeKuHX-6dUKOEkzUnwPhqLwZEzh0Nq8BUOmrmE4kNp3RCWQ3HpA2leLQ2qdpmZTAxXpxE/?imgmax=800)
The interior of the church.
![DSC05684 DSC05684](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihWq-vpjvOJOTYZPSLH0-f7wD_mJTHuFlEbLYc9q5dvKqjRhfJFK-srfs0ZQvsRkh6oOIuwmXL71KFfXHiIpVyUlP6zSWJIwoBv-FJnisruZOUxt8LpVPPFZMmKSuBdhx6GQAb6VM6NemQ/?imgmax=800)
After visiting the Narikala Fortress, it’s time to head back to the cable car station. It is definitely the best place to see the superb view of the Tbilisi city beneath.
![DSC05505 DSC05505](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOhDLp9wxvBY98mBVyhQYDWP-FYRjTkAYapBVT0Pj8d4niI5MKIIWNsumNvP7T2ae8wteQuZJO_JV1rPKNZHamPE-CXpUrSYM-X8Qye8gpM5TYV-QfQrLcOSTiqbGZi-ZDlNK0moNjUKT/?imgmax=800)
View from the city. Narikala Fortress to the left and Mother of Georgia’s statue on the right
![DSCF5399 DSCF5399](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkJsfHzdhGB1haWXCe18LEeIIkWl9IU0SFduvWMKayEz1C3IcLA35qRTQP5q_0ZxA6CsHz0QpALJ7l7kxt7cDxO2HL42NI3ym3npHpO6FKA0HgqBQB0-IIyWZefrSbaP0s19UfqJP5Sbj/?imgmax=800)
Panoramic view of Tbilisi City.
![DSCF5444 DSCF5444](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjahmDDgG8ZOw7cfbSIhyphenhyphenvKprtLvWTFi_dL9O9n1NYfIXMJoW6-oPh7FovTXujwNxkfOUq9IDhKfSoXKNiK31W1ZQZm2ISBjWFmG8FqLftEXrOWWdnXcxNQDn-hCG7MwQYunqiE7PPwLrD/?imgmax=800)
Afterwards, I visited Georgian Synagogue, a Jewish prayer house.
![DSCF5449 DSCF5449](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2VwG5KbhEzaGhCHCQaw_Gg3EF5UbQth0H7Aav-Ir27qFpULs4nwSXyBixvYl0cV9uBFK2aCEIZA8BDr57WaGA2xl2mTmNE2rWyXn8VpGYHSrq4iXisMpnFqEJK-wdHPBnZza6aI1ZT_e-/?imgmax=800)
Tbilisi Great Synagogue built by Akhaltsikhe Jews in 1904 – 1911.
![DSCF5456 DSCF5456](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjCNTVa9C27ulyj1fdcbUeKWx5gca5vFAr2OdKKxK0X4LBEZleAhWoAN_1rz3-s_Irr12rO9HnrRM8KxQCqiAjAAwvWK-cczcvScoIyXbvmxTQYMcBI0S8Czd1-xG-Hd7zTXgmz9pgMFH6/?imgmax=800)
The interior of the Jewish church. If you want to take some pictures inside, best to turn off the flash light of your camera and do not disturb those worshipping in the church.
![DSCF5464 DSCF5464](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8PgofN_Sun3j2GUSUxmjHVgQ6buJLvT3E-LPSU_DFfgj5g2LGJIDHMYaRVcJFa-IgquSEiZxKDJP_b6AXQGLdsyz2OwGPC-Rms3-vK3Wkx9ciHrLSj_5XEnoD-vQB92z5OcxzrBSM6Dee/?imgmax=800)
Just outside the Georgian Synagogue, I saw this quirky signboard. “What’s on a man’s mind after wine?” “More wine?” LOL.
![DSC05687 DSC05687](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAf3nkGPrHFFUiSC1-gjFo9Sp-5eROltJXhesRvJkzVBY7tUMBbNxlg43oXaauE_Jz6GV_hMf6A3EjbGOmPqmefXSc93Yi76QrW6SGO3ahCsSBI62C6NugYSZtf2kEYzcHcsBdNOBwZLB-/?imgmax=800)
Georgian Carpets for sale.
![DSC05690 DSC05690](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6891tgpXVpzdf6ZyqUxClrOqC3264VvveWFAnxZUWPmohHr1WaCB_TCRyIXHUHTdWxKiIrtMukNFDg7Qpyn6qJTtbG1hmgyJQy5B6l_6uz4mWAnL44wqdZTPYxQlh2tNghLKbOKzaHUW/?imgmax=800)
The Sioni Cathedral is situated in historic Sioni Street in downtown Tbilisi. It was initially built during the 6th century, but was destroyed by foreign invaders and reconstructed several times.
![DSCF5471 DSCF5471](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnViBzRWXbqJWfxYB9tiYDkamS7yEpGiohvAl71BaxPt7r4GnJWb-Ds81zkGiDhZHhTXDR43LW-vvO9xJQOTuJOOkF7OOvKtX-J6dRRmx0HTsdPbG7p62nEth3ig5EQQE7FiDJa7b3fF9/?imgmax=800)
The current Sioni Cathedral is based on the 13th century with some upgrades from the 17th to 19 century.
![DSC05694 DSC05694](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieuCgodHnXqRLPC3o8tFghJeghDnJPtVyK50MZ9t5gs8bc9LDJtmtwMKmHb75g9rhH3vki4cpJ3JGJTO6z8azjJN5scUKIrXSBgyrS_Gsa8IdIJHhpKsKeWbS-X-cRcaE2KfNjCrWvt80x/?imgmax=800)
This stone iconostasis dates to the 1850s. It replaced the wooden one burned during the Persian invasion in 1795.
![DSC05696 DSC05696](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvCuPGirg9YCPgafQHA1M2NM9iTecxxS0iecFIB0l4cvIT-604cu8gZOwulfvEkQrhHwJdW0-9MukfQN7o50JwsCCm9lYMNnwsNRO0V2mR2_Di_A9wpqKS1r_8oeNY3U8gz9V0ermLl6W/?imgmax=800)
In April 1802, the Russian commander-in-chief in Georgia, General Karl von Knorring, assembled the Georgian nobles in the cathedral and surrounded them with Russian troops. The nobles were then forced to take an oath to the Russian Imperial crown. Those who disagreed were taken into custody.
![DSCF5490 DSCF5490](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBcgg5_e9V9jD56p16kJqThrcVMyBPT0NYc9S7au6EaWfckWc1nFfxqwdspmC9XmBMW3d5bLHuuaRY7eUGNzYhcflrZQw8pJJuZeCauicHzaYvuUF4imNqC-2DcThVs2-OWbDJTOGmH2T/?imgmax=800)
This three storey bell tower across the street was built in 1812 in commemoration of Russia victory in Russo-Turkish War of 1806-1812.
![DSCF5527 DSCF5527](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRM5SQYXzmS-hL9A4SdkMwSuRAvf8WqUcVnDaXP5yxsYoSUDehd7r3pdk6HvqIxWsuRYr4m3Dhi5iIzBfyQwYzJK8ZT6rbPG6R5jdC8yUqKJkZHIF1MAYcHeWP6Wog4n6HCQIeC_7Gk_w9/?imgmax=800)
Next, we visited the Anchiskhati Basilica which is the oldest surviving church in Tbilisi. The church was built by the King Dachi of Iberia, who made Tbilisi his capital.
![DSCF5517 DSCF5517](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBYri5BCaEBQCi2heaQufkFfGvfun2MVz5unRBLpXJn3SabywF5szHf1J45YxoiQGIPbQ6X5G0upgqIs9lMBoQ4n4kcouUfz2S9JPluRbSrm7f0x4N5nu8BRCxXrt9Te-_UY4fNJX7Bza5/?imgmax=800)
It is currently undergoing restoration. The basilica was damaged and rebuilt on several occasions from 15th to 17th century due to wars between Georgian, Persians and Turks.
![DSCF5522 DSCF5522](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgETiA8cjp5n-L8iiHuj2BSaLrRRPF8ieabNtV53cjov63nrudr_vjF38g1DieTxF4ey5m2fUYRMiOHdfOG3njvTfUl3yLkygy84BeuR1W_bgXrdnXHu6CctapTfORiy5IXD0cfCnvPR6rZ/?imgmax=800)
During the Soviet period, all religious ceremonies were halted. It was not until 1991, after the independence of Georgia that the basilica reverted to religious use.
![DSCF5531 DSCF5531](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPYWSQRs48nR5uK8PP9YwFx6u3GCuvxKlg7N4kv1ahIQLhqETnpGK3gS39N9C2z3TVzlntlZzHZruIqLgEwFpzMWaO2hg1efm_dqsxmRN01GaOf9pMvXLYI2PSib1wIL-Q2Ahi_DrMwA4/?imgmax=800)
Nearby the basilica is a leaning clock tower. It looks like something that comes out from a storybook and a lot of tourist take pictures here.
![DSCF5561 DSCF5561](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LQarsHFSonjAywIeWrKCQf42rGztLUdqDazdHxYhAu2I2CxhX-qEWpVmOe0cQO9rSbH1eg2eDs5zRINTQVK_TA3mUUZ8ZRtySEGD3K_gddB3MNkBxY4zQCVH1q8YdYUU9FAPKwYcMLUN/?imgmax=800)
Stopped by the Dry Bridge Bazaar before heading for lunch.
![DSCF5575 DSCF5575](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh08xzySKtrKu7B3-up0mcSYp5g6nIf3tLKrwl7VG-8jLsRg7DqwaxBdUruv86g45sYDzN6rKm5ojgtUi0vUetiEe1XAs4d5CG6Tcfb4UrSEq7jkuo5Dmig_eGHOPQ7lUc1kddLaEg0TKnO/?imgmax=800)
This is the restaurant that our tour guide recommended. It’s actually a German restaurant and bar.
![DSCF5581 DSCF5581](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4obEzmY0qqn3pif4wWm95Y9CAkwCPjcgykXpKHQBOoYbajT39r789iimECotaNJxjzckLgF7dAQ8ACeggoHcRV2UjCThWQV7Ozu4R54PAkBlnek_yM8Ka13Na67h-chdHhV4frEOPDfh/?imgmax=800)
A waitress taking our order.
![DSCF5596 DSCF5596](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHkL2eImzCehbn8BmaYV07ZpPXgJPz2jfUYADW12eGp-dlypMWGb-FwIsSxt3CPOYRxFgTyANslu1Q3xC7ToQ1F-OziSLOXSjfN3rMaqh8Zg8qFQSVUtRzpXCWrYeKgZHr3GEdR-1JDFYe/?imgmax=800)
We ordered salad, kebab and Georgian famous traditional dumplings – Khinkali.
![DSCF5598 DSCF5598](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZcKJdXuu2AndFUEVTEPNMhF3XU-SqUKUzP0f3o194m7iE8kr2gHetmTdzuqiBCNagIuK5zUdw48S-yh31gQyV76nKZrFcYjIXLhtR748g_F5DDgc_fQU6YrEmJH1QkkLQgeoVrxcvUrF/?imgmax=800)
After lunch, we headed to a local bazaar.
![DSCF5599 DSCF5599](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFaccOdbKLEcud0zdkEdoGLQPWblNgL5qugvWBCok7pvWkV3p85_Q9h5Osm_u-q3Qoc4c_BregRm2H-v8y-MjCXMRlA_YAIPruCXDMB_WfS4UM8-M-N6VMFIsLYbtzmwmDXMevYwmXCnRM/?imgmax=800)
The bazaar is huge!
![DSCF5603 DSCF5603](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GPBWeiJgE_7FRNrmMYpenE_eATavx0YK4haJHlx-QHsLS-eMSLN4vzpr8iXFmCsIvxHhNnovTNWpGF74PqauQ-jjDimNWzCXKmXvqI8qXkrBhVSi_pA2SoQN6OJw2nsyVc4qYwD3w-Tw/?imgmax=800)
You can get everything from food, clothes, shoes and souvenirs here for a bargain.
![DSCF5601 DSCF5601](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNVPE7ZN7OKDlEfxSyaKGkEheTQz8hJwT6oGLW4AFJ1brVAoJKXM7JttbRkDGrQBstxLfjAXG8OaQKBS8_9lKXXmk5kCHljydmBm5mmBA9wqwNr6Um95yr1xMKajnzskhOixY37xMdGT80/?imgmax=800)
My hubby bought a pair of shoes since his was broken.
![DSC05710 DSC05710](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEfgZAP9JCUTqgL9kZEI0KPuJhLByyCBzXeblnUrKdIe7Buf-wnMH0ucO5o5rGtuUsHxJL6Cfmi3wZHGeH3YGSaKaS8_xOn5qitT-7lZEnFhGs-kXHMpazT82SpTtOVH2BgYB8cwdG8OvC/?imgmax=800)
At night, I went back to Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi since it is nearby our hotel. The night view is splendid.
![DSC05714 DSC05714](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkoNds9KV3A9q5CWfLAInf9oUMmudQeZTdjmzZ8kBvA0FvV2tAzgReKKbx0SCe0dmP0L3dcuf5w3qyCZwf4gN-ik1Is3B1iYEUnOUnTDqcrExVAbJLGeLq5hlL7bNP7cgfXUegqCNXgaI/?imgmax=800)
Even late at night, the Holy Trinity Cathedral is still open.
![DSC05716 DSC05716](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_qz6pvHm9668USyI1uQzY0mAxDgP944bV5uumRm7Su0NCQk4T81KsQvGC_A7aO_yVQu1iR8OZnA9hqc8Oobc46H6nl7cJbpKrds-nAa9Y8zeY3b09KeyXAqhqSmuh9FAUbsQNS70vff5/?imgmax=800)
A few people can still be seen praying in the cathedral.
![DSCF5618 DSCF5618](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFDc_C_obuhut6acHN11A7IxhyljK5uSoEW4-C0POh55QToxqJFOCLMYNclRgqIZ32olR8YlfLYE0avFeeT4C6iux47gsO7QqxUDVOxtexYBOy8ZscNQVfe8ueTeCKiiXUJDXnauhUKD6-/?imgmax=800)
A souvenir shop in the Sameba Cathedral.
![DSC05704 DSC05704](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeF1lF0vvnyCsI63CTy1S0NEBZosmNTjR22dRzBrWcLCxEIufivYF7Hk7AEsFjYNn_L26if_gKnmqLQVCpSPBBcF2ToN7vSfOnb2DXigmm-0nGQ8HdAbv0dgY_-otF5uEjwYS4FuQDqde_/?imgmax=800)
Walked round the cathedral while taking come pictures of the building’s architecture.
![DSC05712 DSC05712](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjQ-wo13-hEeR1SSZa20VQtFQH_uJ030Wnv2vshOSVBpdBY1cMhWcn990jhAuTGc2e86b7QqnUNdPzllPDGNm0LLCDWmOeKlF79hHb94gFdM6w_1vLlbUo6VfHS1WoaSQ3IwR7pNOEDay/?imgmax=800)
Seen above the mountain is the Tbilisi TV Broadcasting Tower measuring 274.5m high.
![DSC05725 DSC05725](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3NBL-YqXDJymaGToYVKh37HAi_SciUcd0nu6rXGb0VuePY_k0ptUU7WAyuqjqjriZTLxAG4H0dofCLtLh0YHz2dYv4Y3sh4LRjGou_Zw_z6DuFTBk0XVmCdHonVJecawRyPqcoxxs7uu/?imgmax=800)
The main entrance of the Sameba Cathedral.
![DSC05732 DSC05732](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPldbenY0gKw-q_YeVx3hgK-aqS5Kx9o88YblbSnH_oPhsRy7OWjSTpatmGjXZDyAo4lPJJ5SyUPhHgRlSX7zJZ5AJnAgzb4Ulev3_-_zUfVNsqUQ-QlmVQszPJFaZHiJNAE_oR4J9rYNA/?imgmax=800)
Nearby the Sameba Cathedral is the Presidential Palace. Time to call it a day after spending the whole day exploring the city. Rest of Tbilisi will be posted in Part 2.
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