The Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi

Built from 1995 to 2004, the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi is not exactly ancient, but this does not mean it's not worth a visit. The Sameba Cathedral, as it is commonly known (Sameba meaning Trinity in Georgian) is erected on the Elia Hill, which rises above the left bank of the Mtkvari, in the historic neighborhood of Avlabari in Old Tbilisi. Controversies arose when building began, as the chosen site was formerly a very ancient Armenian graveyard. Seems like christians, no matter which denomination, can't help but to build their places of worship on former holy places, be they pagan or other christians.

It is built in traditional Georgian style, but with a strong vertical emphasis, making it the third-tallest Eastern Orthodox cathedral in the world.

The inside is just beautiful. The verticality really feels, giving a sense of majesty and spirituality. I can only imagine how it must be when the light is warmer, but the weather keeps on being shitty.

A wedding was being celebrated (several, as other newlyweds left the church as I arrived). It was more silent than Catholic ones I've seen. No church organ, no singing. Also, people roamed around the central area. I felt somewhat conspicuous, not because of the look (well, also, since I was not all dressed up) but because I never crossed myself and never kissed the various saints' icons. All in all I've perceived a deeper tie to religion, here. From men, to women, to kids, it felt different from our "light catholics".

Beneath the church there is a large, mostly empty complex. I am not sure what it is used for, but there was a also room with a man speaking to a crowd, next to a large Georgian flag. He did not seem to belong to clergy. It was probably a very natural thing, but I had a "secret society preparing for a coup" feel. The fact that nobody asked me what I was doing there clearly shows I played far too much Assassin's Creed. Just in case, I did not take any picture.

And below that area, under the main church there is... another church. I took this picture above roughly from the place where the man was giving his speech (another sign I should probably stop seeing things), which turned out to be a sort of balcony overlooking this smaller church.

If it wasn't clear enough, this place is astounding, a must-see for everyone visiting Georgia.