Free public transport, traffic restrictions in Tbilisi for Patriarch Ilia II’s funeral

The Georgian government has announced that municipal, intercity, and railway transport in Tbilisi will be free of charge on 21-22 March to facilitate citizens’ attendance at the funeral of His Holiness, Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II.

Levan Zhorzholiani, Head of the Government Administration, said that additional routes will also be added from regional cities to Tbilisi, which will also operate free of charge.

“Georgian Railways will provide free service during these dates. This measure aims to make it easier for citizens to travel to Tbilisi on 21-22 March to pay their respects to the Patriarch,” Zhorzholiani said.

In connection with Patriarch Ilia II’s funeral, traffic around the Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba) will be restricted. 

Vehicle movement is prohibited on the following routes: from Avlabari Square to Meskhishvili and Gonashvili streets; from Baratashvili Uplift to Tsurtsumia Street; from Akhvlediani Street to Samreklo Street; from Saingilo Street to Gumbri Street; from Gorki and Bukhiaidze streets to Samreklo Street; and from Tsurtsumia Street to Gurjaani Street. Access is also restricted from Dmanisi, Vakhtang VI, Avlabari, Irbakh, and Tsiskari streets toward Meskhishvili and Gonashvili streets.

Pedestrians can access the Holy Trinity Cathedral from Avlabari metro station via Meskhishvili Street and return via Gonashvili Street.

The public viewing for Patriarch Ilia II continues at Sameba Cathedral, allowing citizens to pay their respects 24 hours a day.

Patriarch Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia, Archbishop of Mtskheta-Tbilisi, and Metropolitan of Bichvinta and Abkhazia, passed away on 17 March at the age of 93. His burial will take place at Sioni Cathedral on 22 March. A period of national mourning has been declared across Georgia.