Tabor Monastery Tbilisi

Panoramic Viewpoint & Visitor Guide

Tabor Monastery in Tbilisi: Panoramic Viewpoint & Visitor Guide

Tabor Monastery in Tbilisi stands on Tabori Ridge, high above the southern edge of the historic city. Officially known as the Tabor Monastery of the Transfiguration, this active Georgian Orthodox monastery offers one of the most distinctive panoramic views of Old Tbilisi.

From the monastery and the nearby viewing terraces, visitors can look directly across towards Narikala Fortress and the Mother of Georgia. The wider panorama includes the Mtkvari River, Metekhi Church, the colourful roofs of Old Tbilisi and the golden dome of Holy Trinity Cathedral.

Although the monastery is clearly visible from many parts of the city, it remains quieter than Tbilisi’s better-known viewpoints. A new pedestrian trail has also made it much easier to reach from the Old Town.

Why Visit Tabor Monastery?

The main reason to visit Tabor Monastery is the view.

Unlike the popular viewpoints around Narikala, Tabori places Narikala itself in the foreground. This creates one of the best angles for photographing the fortress, the historic centre and the layers of hills surrounding Tbilisi.

The location is especially rewarding for visitors who enjoy:

Panoramic city photography
Quiet places away from large tourist groups
Short but steep urban hikes
Georgian Orthodox architecture
Sunset views over Old Tbilisi

The monastery is also a peaceful religious space. Visitors should remember that it is an active place of worship and not simply a tourist viewpoint.

History of Tabori Mountain and Monastery

The present Church of the Transfiguration was built between 1995 and 2001, making it a modern example of Georgian Orthodox architecture. However, the history of Tabori Mountain extends much further into the past.

A medieval fortress once stood on this strategic ridge. Known as Tabori Fortress and also as Korchi-Kala, it guarded the southern approach to Tbilisi and the historic road leading towards the city’s Ganja Gate. Only traces of the old defensive structures remain today.

The present monastery continues the religious tradition of the site. Its name refers to the Transfiguration of Christ and the biblical Mount Tabor in Galilee, traditionally associated with this event.

What Can You See from Tabor Monastery?

The viewpoint provides a wide panorama across the historic and eastern parts of Tbilisi.

The most prominent landmarks include:

Narikala Fortress
Mother of Georgia
Metekhi Church and the statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali
The Mtkvari River
Abanotubani and the Old Town
Sameba Cathedral
Rike Park and parts of the modern city centre

The exact view changes as you move between the monastery grounds and the terraces along the pedestrian trail. Narikala Fortress looks particularly impressive from this side of the valley.

The New Tabori Mountain Walking Trail

A new pedestrian trail connecting Baazovi Street with Tabor Monastery was completed in 2024.

The route includes metal staircases, railings, lighting, security cameras and several viewing terraces with seating. Before this infrastructure was installed, climbing from the Old Town side was considerably more difficult and the route was easy to lose.

Despite these improvements, the walk remains steep. The trail includes a long uphill climb and many steps, so it may feel demanding during hot weather.

From the Tbilisi Sulfur Baths area, allow approximately 30–45 minutes to reach the monastery, depending on your pace, starting point and how often you stop at the viewpoints.

Wear comfortable shoes and carry drinking water, especially between late spring and early autumn.

How to Get to Tabor Monastery

On Foot from the Sulfur Baths

Walking from Abanotubani is the most scenic way to reach the monastery.

Begin near the Sulfur Baths and continue uphill through the streets behind the bath district towards Baazovi Street. From there, follow the developed pedestrian route and staircases leading towards Tabori Mountain and the monastery.

Navigation applications do not always show every pedestrian connection clearly. Search for both “Baazovi Street” and “Tabor Monastery of the Transfiguration” before starting the walk.

The trail is steep and has limited shade. Avoid beginning the climb during the hottest part of a summer afternoon.

By Taxi

A taxi is the easiest option for visitors who want to see the view without completing the full uphill walk.

Enter “Tabor Monastery of the Transfiguration” as your destination rather than simply “Tabor Monastery.” The vehicle route approaches the monastery from the Krtsanisi or Kharfukhi side and may look surprisingly long on the map because it travels around the ridge.

Read the guide to online taxi apps in Georgia before ordering a car.

A convenient option is to take a taxi uphill and return to Old Tbilisi on foot using the new trail. This allows you to enjoy the views while avoiding the most tiring part of the climb.

By Public Transport

There is no convenient direct public transport connection to the monastery entrance.

Visitors using city buses will still need to walk uphill from the nearest surrounding streets. For most tourists, walking from Abanotubani or taking a taxi is simpler.

Best Time to Visit

Late afternoon is usually the best time to visit Tabor Monastery.

The sun gradually moves behind the city, producing softer light over Old Tbilisi and Narikala Fortress. Arrive at least 45–60 minutes before sunset if you want enough time to explore the terraces and photograph the view.

During summer, avoid the middle of the day because the trail is steep and shade is limited. Early morning offers cooler temperatures and fewer people, but access to the church or monastery courtyard cannot always be guaranteed.

The trail has lighting, but first-time visitors should preferably complete the descent while there is still some daylight. Steps may become slippery after rain, snow or freezing weather.

Visitor Etiquette and Dress Code

Tabor Monastery is an active Georgian Orthodox men’s monastery.

Visitors should dress modestly when entering the church or monastery grounds. Shoulders and knees should be covered. Men should remove hats inside the church, while women may be asked to cover their hair.

Keep voices low and avoid disturbing religious services or the residential areas used by the monastic community. Landscape photography is generally acceptable, but ask permission before photographing inside the church or taking close-up pictures of monks and worshippers.

Food and picnics are better kept away from the monastery courtyard. Use the public viewing terraces respectfully and take all rubbish with you.

Practical Information

Official name: Tabor Monastery of the Transfiguration
Alternative spelling: Tabori Monastery
Georgian name: თაბორის ფერისცვალების მამათა მონასტერი
Location: Tabori Ridge, above Old Tbilisi
Type: Active Georgian Orthodox men’s monastery
Entrance fee: Free
Recommended visit time: 45–90 minutes at the monastery and viewpoints
Walking time from Abanotubani: Approximately 30–45 minutes uphill
Best time to visit: Late afternoon and before sunset
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging uphill walk
Accessibility: The walking trail has steep sections and many stairs and is not step-free
Facilities: Limited; do not rely on finding drinking water, food or a public toilet at the top
Opening hours: No consistently published official visitor hours; daylight visits are recommended

Access to the church and inner monastery areas may depend on religious services and the daily schedule of the monastic community.

What to Visit Nearby

Tabor Monastery can be combined with several attractions around Old Tbilisi:

Narikala Fortress and the Botanical Garden may appear very close from Tabori Mountain, but they stand on the opposite side of the gorge. There is no direct crossing between the two ridges. To continue towards Narikala, visitors normally need to descend to Old Tbilisi first.

Is Tabor Monastery Worth Visiting?

Yes. Tabor Monastery is worth visiting for one of the most unusual panoramic views of Old Tbilisi, especially if you enjoy photography, quieter landmarks and uphill walks.

The monastery itself is modern, but the ridge has an older defensive and religious history. Together with the new walking trail and viewing terraces, this makes Tabori Mountain an interesting alternative to Tbilisi’s busier panoramic locations.

FAQ

Is entrance to Tabor Monastery free?

Yes. There is no entrance fee for the monastery or the outdoor viewing terraces. Visitors may leave a voluntary donation inside the church.

How difficult is the walk to Tabor Monastery?

The walk is relatively short but steep. The developed trail has staircases and railings, but visitors should still expect a continuous uphill climb. It is unsuitable for wheelchairs and may be difficult for anyone with limited mobility.

How long does it take to walk from the Sulfur Baths?

Allow approximately 30–45 minutes for the uphill walk from the Abanotubani area. The total visit can take 1.5–2 hours when walking both ways and stopping at the viewpoints.

Can a taxi reach Tabor Monastery?

Yes. A road approaches the monastery from the Krtsanisi and Kharfukhi side. Use the full name “Tabor Monastery of the Transfiguration” in your navigation or taxi application.

Is Tabor Monastery open 24 hours?

The monastery does not publish reliable 24-hour visitor access. The pedestrian trail and outdoor viewpoints may remain accessible beyond church hours, but access to the church and monastery courtyard can vary. A daytime or early-evening visit is the safest choice.

Is Tabor Monastery good for sunset?

Yes. Late afternoon and sunset provide the most attractive light over Narikala Fortress and Old Tbilisi. Arrive early enough to explore the trail and begin your descent safely.