Rules for Entering Saint Nina’s Tomb
- 1
While waiting in line to enter the tomb, please keep silence; this time can be used for quiet prayer.
- 2
Only four people may enter the tomb at one time.
- 3
Entering the tomb with a lit candle, or lighting one from the vigil lamp inside, is not permitted.
- 4
When venerating the tomb, please kiss only the marble, the silver covering, or the glass.
- 5
Please do not place or leave any items on the tomb; instead, you may simply touch the glass or the silver covering in reverence.
Saint Nina’s Tomb
Saint Nina spent the final years of her earthly life in Bodbe, where she also reposed in the Lord. King Mirian wished for her to be buried in Svetitskhoveli, yet even two hundred men could not lift her coffin from its place. Before his own repose, King Mirian instructed Queen Nana to divide the royal treasury into two parts and dedicate one portion to Bodbe, for this place was worthy of great honor
The fresco on Saint Nina’s tomb dates to the sixteenth century. The silver covering and the tombstone – crafted from Cappadocian marble – were restored in 1997. In the mosaic, the lioness, the eagle, and the rose symbolically express Saint Nina’s strength, wisdom, and spiritual beauty.