To reach the Cathedral of the Holy Mary, one must walk 200 meters from the memorial dedicated to the soldiers, heading towards Lomoouri Street. This magnificent cathedral, originally built as a Catholic church between 1806 and 1810, has a rich and tumultuous history. During the Soviet era, the church suffered significant degradation, as it was looted and many precious icons were lost. Over the years, the building was repurposed for various uses, including serving as a storage facility, and eventually came under the ownership of a music school.
In 1990, the cathedral was returned to the Georgian Orthodox Church, marking the beginning of a comprehensive restoration project that concluded in 2013. Today, the cathedral is an active place of worship, though it seldom sees large crowds, even during Orthodox holidays. Visiting the cathedral is free of charge, but visitors may encounter some restrictions regarding photography; it is advisable to seek the blessing of the cathedral’s rector before taking pictures.
As dusk falls, the cathedral’s cupola sparkles against the city skyline, creating a breathtaking view.
The Virgin Mary Cathedral functions as a vibrant Orthodox church, hosting daily masses and welcoming a steady stream of solitary worshippers who come to light candles and offer their prayers.
Stepping inside, visitors will be pleasantly surprised by the brightness of the interior, which contrasts with many other Orthodox churches in Tbilisi. The walls are adorned with striking frescoes, each one a testament to the artistry of the past, and many of these are currently undergoing restoration to preserve their beauty.
Adjacent to the church lies the ecclesiastical residence, adding to the serene atmosphere of the site.
The address of the cathedral is: Lomoouri Street, 7.