The city, which became the capital of Georgia, was founded in the V century by the ruler of Iberia, Vakhtang I Gorgasal. According to the old legend, during the hunt, a pheasant shot by the king, having fallen into the source, unexpectedly boiled, because the city based on this place was called Tbilisi, which means “warm source” in Georgian. And today we go on a trip through the wonderful Caucasian city to see the sights of Tbilisi, located both in the center and in the vicinity of the Georgian capital.
Abanotubani
Since Tbilisi is a warm spring, it is logical to begin acquaintance with the city by visiting the unique sulfur baths area in the heart of the Georgian capital.
The first mention of bathhouses in this place dates back to the 16th century, and even then they were very popular. Experts note the incredible healing properties of sulfur sources.
The architecture of baths is also unique. They were erected in an oriental style with squat hemispherical domes and large glass windows through which light enters, since the rooms themselves, where baths and lounges for relaxation are located, are below the surface of the earth.
Anchiskhati
When in the VI century Tbilisi became the cultural, spiritual and administrative center of Iberia, the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary was built in the city. The building in a somewhat rebuilt form has survived to the present day, and today it is the oldest building in the Georgian capital.
The temple witnessed both glorious and tragic events in the history of the Caucasus. During the endless military clashes of the XV-XVII centuries it was repeatedly destroyed, but as a symbol of faith and fortitude it was restored.
The church got its current name after the icon of the Savior "Anchis Hati", belonging to Queen Tamara, was transferred to the temple.
Narikala Fortress
Residents themselves call this historical monument "the soul and heart of the city." It was from here, from the fortifications on Mount Mtsatminda, that Tbilisi began.
The unique fortress causes controversy among historians regarding the date of its construction, but archaeological research has shown that already in the 4th century there were the first stone structures.
In the center, surrounded by walls, stood a church built in the 12th century. Having survived multiple wars and natural disasters, the historical monument rightfully tops the list, which includes the best sights of Tbilisi.
Metekhi
History buffs will appreciate the ancient Metekhi district, located on the banks of the Kura River. Georgia began from here, as it is the oldest settlement in the Caucasus.
The district itself received the name due to the fact that it was built around the Vakhtang Gorgasale palace. "Metekhi" in translation from the Georgian language is translated "around the palace".
Since its foundation, Metekhi has been a kind of residence of rulers. A lot of legends and legends are associated with the district, therefore, visiting it you can find out many interesting facts from the history of the city and Georgia as a whole.
Metekhi Temple of the Mother of God
In the 12th century, on the Metekhi hill, near the most beautiful bridge over the river, a magnificent and wonderful temple was erected, towering above the city.
It was rebuilt several times, and today the architectural monument delights the residents and guests of the capital with magnificent domes, original architectural elements and decoration of the external facade from brick of the 17th century.
The interior of the temple is made in the classical style, and to the right of the altar is the burial place of the first great martyr of Georgia, Queen Shushanik Ranskoy. She was killed by a pagan husband for her commitment to Christian values in the 5th century.
Freedom Square
On a relatively small but beautiful city square, modern avenues and streets of old Tbilisi converge. Throughout the history of its existence, it was renamed several times, and there were times when it bore the name of Lenin, and the top and Beria.
The current freedom square is the main place of the Georgian capital, where the most important events in the life of the state, the main national holidays, take place. Rallies and protests did not bypass her.
Gilded St. George rises above a beautiful square on a white stone column.
Rustaveli Avenue
From the square we take a walk along the beautiful Rustaveli Avenue, on the edges of which plane trees are planted. In the shade of these magnificent trees you can relax and enjoy the beautiful buildings.
The avenue housed the most important administrative and tourist institutions of the capital. Here is the Georgian Parliament, opera and ballet theater, hotels. You can have a great time sitting in a cafe, or go shopping at souvenir shops and boutiques.
The avenue is especially good in the summer months, but in winter the main street of the city is not less beautiful, and is always filled with townspeople and tourists.
Old Tbilisi
Dzveli Kalaki, as they also call this part of the city, is divided into two parts, namely, the Upper City of Zemokala, and the Lower City of Kvemokala. The streets of Upper are comfortably located on the side of the mountain, but the lower buildings are at the very foot of Mtatsminda.
In this historical part of Tbilisi, medieval brick and clay buildings and small, modern buildings harmoniously blend in with the ancient landscape.
It is in this area that the main monuments of history and architecture of the ancient city are concentrated. But you can also find here the grim hostess, where you can taste the magnificent Georgian wine.
Zion Cathedral
The main church of Christian Georgia, harmoniously fits into the landscapes of Old Tbilisi. And today it is one of the city’s most unique in historical and architectural terms.
The Byzantine nobleman Guram I in the VI century during his visit to the Caucasus ordered the construction of a Christian church. But the first building was destroyed by the Arabs, and six centuries later, David the Builder erected a new temple.
Within the church, consecrated in honor of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the hierarchs of the Georgian Church are buried. But in the temple itself there are many Orthodox shrines, among which the cross of St. Nina stands out. The Orthodox history of Georgia began with this cross.
Tbilisi Botanical Garden
In the very center of the capital, in the valley of the Tsavkisisskali river, shady avenues, public gardens and parks of the botanical garden are spread.
It was founded at the end of the 19th century, and today thousands of tourists do not miss the opportunity to get acquainted with rare plants and magnificent flowers planted in its greenhouses. In total, the collection contains more than 3.5 thousand of the rarest plants.
Today, the garden covers an area of 128 hectares, and its natural compositions, flower beds and alleys complement bridges, fountains, artificial waterfalls and sculptural compositions.
Funicular
Not every city can boast of such an original form of transport as the funicular. In Tbilisi, it leads from the very center to the top of Mount St. David.
The funicular was designed and built by Belgian engineers in 1905, and today it is especially popular among tourists. Note that he is known far beyond the borders of the country, and is even mentioned in the Twelve Chairs.
It is unique in that there are three stations on the line. At the beginning of the 2000s, the funicular stopped functioning, but in 2013 it was restored to the delight of citizens and visitors.
Mount Mtatsminda
Considering the most beautiful places, one cannot but mention the most romantic place in Tbilisi - Mount Mtatsminda. Situated on the right bank of the Kura, the mountain is considered to be a symbol of the capital of Georgia, and a magnificent natural attraction.
In the photo: View of the city from Mount Mtatsminda
Everyone will find something for himself. You can enjoy magnificent views, touch history, breathe in the romantic air.
The mountain has been repeatedly sung in Georgian folklore, appears in myths and legends, and appears for the inhabitants of the Caucasian country as a sacred mountain. Immediately on the top and slopes there is a beautiful park with numerous cafes and restaurants, viewing platforms and attractions.
Vorontsov Palace
Tourist routes will certainly lead to a unique monument of architecture and history - Vorontsovskosm Palace, which was built for the tsar's governor in 1868.
A magnificent palace was built that harmoniously fits today in Rustaveli Avenue, in the classical style of the palace of the late Renaissance.
The large size of the palace is due to the fact that the Vorontsov family not only lived here, but also receptions, business meetings, balls were arranged in its spacious halls. In addition, it housed cozy living rooms, suites and workrooms.
Georgian Betania
Not far from Tbilisi is a temple architectural complex, filled with the spirit of antiquity and grandeur. The Betania Monastery, founded in the 11th century, is still active today.
He was often visited by famous rulers and historical figures, and at one time Queen Tamara liked to spend time here. Monastic life and services in the monastery took place in the Soviet period, and in 1978 he received official status.
There are secret places on the territory where only initiates are allowed. The best example of Georgian temple architecture is annually visited by thousands of tourists and pilgrims seeking to touch the origins of Orthodoxy in the Caucasus.
Georgian National Museum
Built in the style of Old Georgian architecture, in 1825 a strict and monumental building belonged to the Caucasian Museum, where valuable pieces were collected.
Pride is a collection of medieval coins, artifacts collected from the territory of the Caucasus. The exhibits display finds from the investigated mounds and settlements.
There were also tragic events in the history of the museum, when in 1921 all exhibits were exported abroad, and returned, including the Gold Fund, only after the Second World War.
House of Melik-Azaryants
The uniqueness of this architectural monument lies in the fact that having gigantic dimensions, it practically stretched to the length of a residential quarter. It was erected in three years, starting construction in 1912.
The author of the original and unusual project was the Moscow architect N. Obolonsky, but the customer was A. Melik-Azaryants from Tiflis. The building was put on a powerful foundation, in addition, having built several floors underground.
The house impresses not only with its impressive size, but also with a magnificent facade decoration, window decoration and external architectural elements.
Kashvet Cathedral of St. George
The cathedral was built according to the medieval design of the Samtavis church, and was solemnly consecrated in 1910. This sacred place of the Georgian capital, on which the cathedral was built, was not chosen by chance, since, starting from the VI century, the cult buildings of Orthodoxy were placed here.
The pride of the temple is a painted gilded altar, in the niches of which are unique hand-written icons. The facade itself impresses with carved stone ornaments.
The walls of St. George's Cathedral are decorated with frescoes of historical and cultural value.
Peace Bridge
Of the modern sights, you cannot pass by the beautiful bridge over the Mtkvari River, symbolically connecting the antiquity of Old Tbilisi with the splendor of the new quarters.
Built a unique structure with a length of 156 meters, Italian and French architects, who were led by Italian Michel de Lucci and French lighting fixture Philippe Martino.
The bridge is especially beautiful in the evening and at night, when the entire structure is illuminated by floodlights and iridescent with all the colors of the rainbow. Most-beauty.ru has a passion for beautiful bridges, about which we wrote a very interesting article.
Ethnographical museum
Tbilisi’s interesting places undoubtedly include an ethnographic museum located in the vicinity of the capital on a slope by the enchanting Turtle Lake in Vake Nature Park.
The initiator of the creation of a unique museum was the ethnographer and historian Georgy Chitaya. For many years he created the story in miniature. Gathering the most unique and rare exhibits of architecture, folk life and interior, the ethnographer brought to life his old dream.
Thousands of tourists visit the Museum of Ethnography to immerse themselves in the national color of Georgian folk culture.
Caravanserai of Artsruni
Since ancient times in Tiflis they were engaged in crafts and trade, and the products of Georgian masters diverged to the countries of Europe and Asia and were in high demand.
It so happened that caravanserais were not only a place of trade, conclusion of transactions, but also popular vacation spots. The first such institution under the name "Aruruni" was built in Tiflis in 1818, and 3 floors of this building occupied 33 rooms of various functionality.
Such establishments were distinguished by their color and unusual atmosphere of commerce, and at the same time friendliness and hospitality. In addition to shops, there were lounges, storage rooms, and multiple shops. After restoration, the Tbilisi Museum of History was placed in a historical building.
We hope that our short review will help you while traveling, and you can easily decide what to see in Tbilisi first, and our map of Tbilisi with attractions will become a kind of guide.
MAP OF Sights of Tbilisi (increasing)
As you can see, in the Georgian capital there are many beautiful places that are worth visiting, and hospitable Georgia will give only positive emotions and leave pleasant memories.
Perhaps the metro scheme of the Tbilisi metro is also useful to you.
Article author: Valery Skiba