Metekhi Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary

The Metekhi Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary is one of the oldest churches built in Tbilisi. Researchers confirm that the temple was built in the 6th century. King Vakhtang I Gorgasali built a church, castle and palace here, which also served as the king's residence. The temple symbolized the Temple of the Virgin Mary in the Garden of Gethsemane in Jerusalem. georgiantravelguide.com/en/metekhi-church-of-the-nativity-of-the-virgin-mary

According to the legend, the first version of a church was built in the 5th century. It’s the reign time of King Vakhtang Gorgasali. The current church is not initial. The building period is 1278-1289. It is the ruling time of King Demetre Tavdadebuli (Dmitry the Sacrificed). The older version of the church burned in 1235, during the invasion of Mongols.
During its long lifespan, there were many reconstructions of the church. On the construction body, it’s easily noticeable several layers of brickwork.During the Russian Empire’s ruling time, there was a prison in this area. After the Soviets took over, they abolished the prison in 1934 and rearranged the whole area as an art museum. Later, the relocation of the museum emptied the church. At a different time, there was an art workshop and a theatre in a church. In 1967 Georgian sculptor and painter Rezo Amashukeli built a Monument of Vakhtang I Gorgasali.
Source: tushetiland.ge/metekhi-church