The Anchiskhati Basilica of St Mary is considered the oldest surviving church in Tbilisi, Georgia. Built back in the 6th century by King Dachi of Iberia, it was originally dedicated to the Virgin Mary and renamed Anchiskhati when an iconic painting of the Savior created by a 12th-century goldsmith was preserved here from Turkish invasion. Though for many years services were not held here due to opposing forces from conflict surrounding Georgia, restoration works in 1958 brought the structure back to its original shape and now, as part of the Georgian Orthodox Church, it serves regular religious ceremonies and practices. The bell tower added in the 1870s along with its baroque-style paintings create a truly special experience for visiting guests - a real trip back in time!