Sioni Church, Tbilisi

Serving as Tbilisi's main Georgian Orthodox cathedral until the completion of Tsminda Sameba in 2004, Sioni Church features a history stretching back more than 1,400 years, providing insight into the spiritual history of the nation. Originally founded in the late 400s, the church has been razed and rebuilt many times; the structure that stands now likely originates from 1112, when the church was completely rebuilt during the reign of King David IV. Step inside to walk the aisles and examine the frescoes that adorn the walls. The church also houses an important relic, the cross of Saint Nino--or the Grapevine Cross--a symbol of the Georgian Orthodox Church dating from the 4th century. You can see a replica of the cross on display; the real cross is locked away. Work out when and for how long to visit Sioni Church and other Tbilisi attractions using our handy Tbilisi trip planner.