The modern capital of Georgia is a city with more than 15 centuries of history. It literally imprinted all those eras through which he passed, and froze in the form of architectural monuments, in the ruins of ancient palaces and in the greenery of nature, which enveloped all this.
We offer now to learn about the brightest and most popular sights of Tbilisi. Our virtual tour will prepare you for a real trip that will be incredibly interesting and exciting. We note right away that our tour will consist of individual sights of Tbilisi and the surrounding area, and of specific routes, which will be described in detail at the end of the article. Let's go!
Narikala Fortress
If you come on an excursion to the Georgian capital or visit relatives and friends here, be sure to visit this wonderful place. This attraction of Tbilisi is located in the very center of the city on the Holy Mountain, it is rightfully considered the main pride of the city.
The fortress isis an ancient monument of architecture, the first mention of which dates back to the 4th century AD, although many historians claim that it stood there long before that date. Here you will come across not only the unearthly beauty of an old building, but also a unique energy, a kind of magical atmosphere, which is nowhere else on Earth. As a bonus, the walls of the fortress offer a unique and bewitching view of the city of Tbilisi. The sights that you will consider after Narikala, you will see from here.
Ethnographic Museum
This place contains the entire centuries-old history of the people, architecture, life and customs of Georgia. The landmark of Tbilisi with a modest and inconspicuous name "Ethnographic Museum" includes models of traditional houses of this people, interior items, tools and weapons that belonged to different eras. All this is combined into a museum complex, the exhibits of which are located both indoors and outdoors.
Therefore, if you want to get to know the Georgian people, their culture, traditions and way of life, then by all means visit this place in Tbilisi. The sights that are exhibited in the museum are really interesting and exciting. By the way, the complex itself is located in Vake Park, which is located right on the shore of Turtle Lake. Therefore, after enjoying the exhibits from the distant past, you can rethink everything by walking along the purest water.
Botanical Garden
From all the countries of the world,which can boast of a unique and breathtaking nature, Georgia is far from last. There are more than enough attractions in Tbilisi that demonstrate, so to speak, the natural beauty of the city. But the center of natural violence is the capital's botanical garden. It features over 3,500 rare plants, which are collected in an incredibly harmonious and unified ensemble, complemented by fountains, streams, ponds and even rocky cliffs.
It is recommended to look into the garden on hot summer days to breathe in cool air and free your ears from the bustle of the city. Here you can also walk along the most beautiful bridge of Queen Tamara, which sags between the rocks, and feel like a piece of wildlife. This unique landmark of Tbilisi is located in the city center, just behind the Narikala Fortress. The garden is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 6 pm.
Tsminda Sameba Cathedral
Let's answer the simplest question together: what to see in Tbilisi? The sights of this city, however, as well as the whole country, are mainly in the majestic and unique temples. One of these is the Cathedral of Tsminda Sameba, or the Holy Trinity, which is located in the ancient Avlabari district, which can be reached by metro or bus. This building has long served as the main symbol of the Georgian capital and is also the tallest temple in the country - as much as 101 meters in height.
The temple itself is a workart. Its carved arches and portals catch at first sight, the facades have a unique architecture, decorated with carvings and patterns. All the walls of the cathedral are painted by ancient masters, and the most sacred here is the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, which was painted by Patriarch Ilia II himself. On the altar is a modern bible, hand-written in an ancient manner. In a word, there is something to see in the temple. The sights of Tbilisi and Georgia, one might say, are gathered here into a single whole, along with the history and religion of this people.
Lisi Lake
In the middle of a noisy, but very atmospheric and beautiful city, there is a mini-resort for summer holidays. Indeed, why not organize a civilized vacation in a quiet, picturesque and very nice corner of nature? You can just come here to enjoy the beauty of the lake, take a break from the hustle and bustle, look at the calm water and think about the universe.
But for those who prefer to relax actively, all conditions have also been created here. A park is laid out on the banks of the Lisi, a bath complex is attached to it. Here you can go go-karting, play tennis or rent a boat to drive around the pond.
Sulfur baths of Abanotubani
All routes of guides to sights of Tbilisi do not lose sight of this most interesting place. Sulfur baths provide an opportunity not only to take a look at the old buildings, but also to relax both in soul and body. This is far from a relic of the past, not ruins and not a rarity. Baths, despite their age, are still excellentoperate and serve not only residents of the city, but also tourists.
The “feature” of the institution, of course, is the healing sulfur springs, which, as you know, have a beneficial effect on he alth and treat various ailments. Among other things, the complex has many entertainment programs. The facade of the buildings is made in oriental style, it is equipped with huge, high windows that illuminate all the interior spaces.
Betanya Monastery
This is one of the most interesting sights near Tbilisi (about 16 km from the capital), which must be visited to raise spirituality. The monastery was built in the 11th century and is the epitome of temple architecture of that period. Here you will see ancient frescoes depicting members of the royal family, icons with painted biblical scenes, a very pretentious and beautiful altar, on which verses from the Ps alter are embossed.
The building itself is located in a beautiful place - among the green mountains. Therefore, peace and tranquility here is given not only by divine energy, but also by nature itself.
Metekhi
This ancient district of the capital of Georgia attracts tourists from all over the world. It was erected on the Metekhi rock and spread out on the banks of the Kura River. The ancient citadel deserves special attention - a castle in which kings and their descendants used to live. By the way, from the walls of this fortress offers a stunning view of the city and its surroundings. Nearby is a no less beautiful temple, in which, according totraditions, the whole history of God's word is presented in wall paintings and icons. Entrance to the territory of the ancient complex is free, but keep in mind that it is open from 9 am to 5 pm.
Peace Bridge
Well, we got to the modern sights of Tbilisi. Reviews of travelers who have been here prove that the Georgian capital is a city of contrasts. And if earlier it was the embodiment of antiquity, now it has turned into a real "colossus" that contains everything.
Across the main river - Mtkvari - the Bridge of Peace is thrown. This futuristic modern building connects the old city and the new apartments of Tbilisi. From the bridge itself, you can see a stunning panorama, in which all the main sights are clearly visible. Most often, excellent photos are taken against such a background, especially in the evening.
An important feature of the bridge is its interactive lighting, which is located on the parapets of the structure. With the help of Morse code, every hour there is a demonstration of one of the elements of the periodic table, which is contained in the human body. So the creators wanted to demonstrate the unity of all people on the planet.
Rustaveli Avenue
If you are looking for an easy route to the sights of Tbilisi, then go to the famous Rustaveli Avenue. Why this particular street?
Firstly, it is covered with sprawling plane trees, which give a welcome coolness on hot summer days. Secondly, the most popular bars are concentrated here,cafes and restaurants of the Georgian capital. Here you can not only have a delicious lunch, but also get acquainted with the national cuisine, learn a lot of interesting things from the life of the local population.
Of course, the sights of the old city of Tbilisi are concentrated here, such as the Opera and Ballet Theatre, the Art Gallery and the National Museum, the Academy of Sciences, the Parliament building and much more. It is also recommended to look into the local shop "Borjomi" - you will be pleasantly surprised.
Funicular
This attraction can not be called ancient, but it does not pull on modern either. The funicular was built in 1905 and functions perfectly to this day. He carries people for 1 lari from the center of the capital to Mount Mtatsminda (mountain of St. David). The attraction gained wide popularity among the Soviet population after the release of the film "12 Chairs". Now new trailers run along the route, so it has become more comfortable to enjoy both the daytime, illuminated by the sun of Tbilisi, and its night lights.
Puppet Theater
On Shavteli Street there is a real corner of a fairy tale - the Rezo Gabriadze Puppet Theater. A visit to this institution will be interesting for both children and adults, it all depends on the performance you have chosen. A feature of the theater is also considered its repertoire. Even the simplest and most cheerful productions are filled with lyrics, sentimentality and, at the same time, deep meaning and morality. All of them are like little magic thatunfolds against the backdrop of a large and noisy city. You can get there by buying tickets at the box office or by pre-booking them by phone.
Cable car
There's no better way to spend an evening than riding a cable car. This attraction transport runs between Rike Park and Narikala Fortress. Of course, a stunning panorama opens from the windows of the cabin - a city flooded with evening lights, and even reflected in a perfectly smooth river! It is noteworthy that you can ride on the “air” road even during the day, if you are suddenly tired of wandering the streets and want to see all the sights at a glance. The attraction operates from 11 am to 11 pm, and a ticket for it costs only 1 GEL.
Juma Mosque
The attraction, of course, is not quite Georgian. She is not the personification of the people or culture of this country. But it is located in the city center and looks so beautiful that it is simply impossible to ignore. Alas, it will not work to get inside, so you have to inspect the building only from the outside. The building is made of red brick, topped with a minaret and a domed roof, which is completely covered with oriental patterns. The most favorable point for viewing the mosque is an observation deck near a mountain river with a waterfall, which is located nearby. There you can enjoy nature and admire the eastern building in the middle of the Georgian city.
Agmashenebeli Avenue
This place is not as popular among tourists as Shota AvenueRustaveli, which is why it has its own special zest. By right, Agmashenebeli Avenue is considered one of the most beautiful man-made places in Georgia. It is surrounded by houses that were built in the XVII-XIX centuries. Narrow “purely Georgian” streets adjoin the avenue, consisting of cozy and cool courtyards. An indescribable atmosphere of antiquity reigns here, but not as far away as in cathedrals and palaces, but close, which seems to have been quite recently.
By the way, experienced travelers know that Agmashenebeli is a great place for shopping. Here you can find much more unique things than in the central stores, and they will cost an order of magnitude cheaper.
Dry Bridge Market
At first glance, it may seem that this is a typical flea market, where it is hard to find a worthwhile and beautiful thing for yourself. But as soon as you enter it, you immediately realize that you are in a real open-air museum. Moreover, only the most valuable exhibits are not deliberately presented here. This, one might say, is a live exhibition of all Tbilisi life, life, traditions. You can find everything on the shelves of the Dry Bridge, from simple trinkets and souvenirs that you take home as a keepsake, to real antiques that can be sold abroad for a fortune.
Tourists also note that you can not buy anything at the market, but just sit on a local bench and feel the noises and conversations of the real, live Tbilisi. It is here that the real atmosphere of the city reigns, its way of life, customs and traditions are literally turned inside out.the morals of the people.
Let's build a route
Tbilisi sightseeing guides offer tourists to use one of the standard routes. This technique allows you to explore the main places of the city and enjoy its beauty with the least effort, time and money.
- Start - metro station "Rustaveli", Freedom Square.
- Leselidze Street.
- Vakhtang Gorgasali Square.
- Abanotubani - Sulfur baths.
- Juba Mosque.
- Metekhi.
- Riquet Park.
- Cable car.
- Narikala Fortress.
- Bridge of Peace.
- Puppet Theatre.
- Baratashvili Street.
- "Dry Bridge".
- Tsminda Sameba.
- Avlabari Square.
This is one of the standard routes around the Georgian capital, which shows us the main central sights of the city, its ancient streets and buildings. And with a little orientation in the city, everyone will be able to build individual tours for themselves, based on what is interesting.
Conclusion
Tbilisi is an incredibly diverse, atmospheric and truly unique city. It's like a violent clash of European and Asian cultures. There are incredibly ancient castles and cathedrals that still retain their grandeur and beauty. Along with them, objects designed by modern architects flaunt, which seem to push the city into the future. All this is surrounded by incredibly beautiful nature and an atmosphere that can only be found in a Georgian city.
