Sight guide · Tbilisi · Georgia
Visiting Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba)
Completed in 2004, Sameba is the main cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church and one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, with a gilded cross visible across the city.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Alexey Komarov, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba) is a religious site in Avlabari, Tbilisi. Allow 45 minutes; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Religious site
- Area
- Avlabari
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free and architecture
- Best months
- April, August and November
About Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba)
Completed in 2004, Sameba is the main cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church and one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, with a gilded cross visible across the city. Its grounds include gardens, smaller chapels and a bell tower.
Tip: Visit during a Sunday morning service to hear the choir, dressing modestly.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 45 minutes.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Avlabari, hilltop district around Holy Trinity Cathedral, with good-value guesthouses.
Best time to visit Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba)
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:
- November: 13°C (55°F) highs, about 5 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- April: 19°C (66°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- August: 31°C (88°F) highs, about 5 rainy days, busy crowds.
When to visit Tbilisi has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Tbilisi itinerary visits Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba) on day 2, together with Kartlis Deda (Mother of Georgia), Metekhi Church and Mtatsminda Park and funicular.
- No. 4 of the 18 sights in our Tbilisi things-to-do list.
- Day 2 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 2 of the 5-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Tbilisi.
Near Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba)
Also in Avlabari, so you can walk between them:
- Metekhi Church — 30 minutes, free
If you like Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba)
- Anchiskhati Basilica — Old Tbilisi, 20 minutes
- Sioni Cathedral — Old Tbilisi, 20 minutes
- Rustaveli Avenue — Rustaveli and Mtatsminda, 1 hour
Staying near Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba)
Stay in Avlabari ($) to walk here: hilltop district around Holy Trinity Cathedral, with good-value guesthouses. All areas to stay in Tbilisi.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba)?
Plan 45 minutes. With Metekhi Church nearby, it fits a half-day in Avlabari.
+Is Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba) free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba)?
April, August and November, the quietest of the good months. Visit during a Sunday morning service to hear the choir, dressing modestly.
+Do I need to book Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba) in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.