Located on a rocky cliff overlooking the Kura River, this ancient Georgian Orthodox church has been a spiritual sanctuary and symbol of Tbilisi for centuries.

The history of the Metekhi Church of the Holy Virgin dates back to the 5th century when it was originally built as a royal residence. Later, during the reign of Vakhtang I Gorgasali, (the founder of Tbilisi), it was transformed into a religious complex. Throughout the centuries, the church was repeatedly destroyed and then reconstructed.

The first Georgian martyr - Saint Shushanik, the daughter of a king and the wife of a vassal prince, Vazken, is buried in the Metekhi Church. Vazken went to the Persian Shah, renounced Christ, and accepted the religion of the Persians. Upon his return, he tried to convert his wife to the new faith, but she refused. Vazken beat her and put her in chains in the palace.

For 7 long years, the Saint spent in captivity, refusing help and continuing to pray. People came to her from everywhere for help, her prayers made the childless women have many children, the sick were healed, and the blind could see. Upon learning of her death, King Vakhtang marched with an army against Vazken, defeated him, captured him, and then hanged him. The relics of Shushanik were transported to TsorTaq, and after 100 years - to Tbilisi, to the Metekhi Church.