Tbilisi Upper Bethlehem church
Upper Bethlehem church is distinguished among the other historical churches in Kldisubani (the district of rocks), Upper Kala district, old Tbilisi area. According to the legend, the first church here was constructed by the King Vakhtang Gorgasali, founder of Tbilisi 5th c., and it was one of the distinguished churches symbolically resembling the church of the birth of Christ in Bethlehem.
The city was destroyed innumerable times (28 times was counted). In the 15th c, the Virgin Mary church was founded on the very place by local Armenians, and in the first part of the 18th century a new church was constructed. Bethlehem was the sacred place for both nations living here, for Armenians and Georgians, so the construction of the church was carried out with the resources of both nations. During the Soviet regime, liturgical ceremonies were banned in the church and a workshop was disposed there. Starting from 1994 the church, sanctified with the name of the Birth of Christ, the Georgian Orthodox Church made renovation and provides the daily service.
To reach the place, we recommend two ways: there are 120 upward saps from Lado Asatiani Street or you can drive to Kartlis Deda monument and from there follow the downhill easy pass directly to the Upper Betlemi Church. Both ways are rewarding - unique, amazing streets of 18th c in the district of rocks with innumerable places of worships, very cosy neighborhood and wonderful panoramic views.
Working hours: every day 09:00-19:00
Entrance: free of charge
Dress code: required
To book private tour, please, contact travel manager here.
