METEKHI CHURCH

The church stands almost on an eagle's nest, hanging from the cliff. Occupying a strategic point, it would have been built for the first time in the ^5th century. The exact date of construction of the present church is uncertain. Its present structure dates back to 1280, when it was rebuilt by King Dimitri II Tavdadebouli (the Devotee). Metekhi also means 'place for a palace'. It was the heart of the medieval Georgian kingdom. It was razed to the ground by the Mongols in 1235. It was repeatedly rebuilt and destroyed, before its last sacking in 1795.