Mount Mtatsminda

Mtatsminda, the Holy Mountain, rises 770 meters above central Tbilisi as part of the Trialeti Range. Its summit has been associated with Saint David Garejeli since the 6th century, and a stone Church of Saint David was built at his place of prayer in the 19th century. Since 1929, the Mtatsminda Pantheon around the church has served as the burial place of prominent Georgians. An amusement park with rides, a Ferris wheel, cafés, and walking avenues opened in 1938, and viewpoints overlook Tbilisi. A television tower was erected in 1955 and replaced in 1972 by the illuminated 277-meter structure visible from much of the city. Visitors can arrive by funicular, car, bus, or hiking trails from the lower station. Viewpoints near the Funicular restaurant reveal the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Narikala Fortress, and other major landmarks.

A legend recalls Saint David Garejeli, a missionary who helped strengthen Christianity in Georgia. A woman falsely accused him of causing her pregnancy. At the trial, David predicted, 'You will give birth to a stone.' When this occurred, the stone was placed in the foundation of Kashveti Church, while the saint withdrew from human conflict into the wilderness.