Tbilisi

The capital city of Georgia and the largest city in the county with over a million inhabitants, Tbilisi’s recent history has been plagued by political turmoil but, despite this stigma, remains one of the best places to visit in Eurasia.

The foundation myth of Tbilisi tells the story of king Vakhtang I Gorgasali, who was hunting in the woods during the 5th century when both his falcon and prey fell into the forest’s hot springs and died. So impressed was Vakhtang by the event that he decided to found a city on the spot. In reality, records show a fortress on site in the 4th century and the aforementioned king was responsible for building up the city instead. The subject of frequent takeovers by Persia, the Byzantines, Arabia and the Turks from the 7th century to the 12th century, this latter period proved a Golden Age due to the intervention of David the Builder, king of Georgia, who made the city capital of the united country. Again disrupted by foreign invasion in the 13th century which lasted until Russia became dominant from 1801 onwards, Tbilisi remained central to the country and enjoyed cultural and economic prosperity.

The capital of Georgia throughout the tumultuous 20th century, Tbilisi was also pivotal to the Rose Revolution of 2003 which displaced then-PM Eduard Shevardnadze. However, the recent instability has since been overcome and tourists can safely enjoy all the city has to offer.

Attractions & Culture

Built in the 4th century with the name ‘Invidious Fort’, the Narikala Fortress is synonymous with ancient Tbilisi. Expanded in the 11th century by David the Builder, it has since been largely destroyed due to the ravages of time and an earthquake in 1827. Nevertheless, the extant remains still compose one of the major tourist spots in the city.

Also connected to the foundation of Tbilisi are the sulphur baths in Gorgasali Square, as attractive to locals and tourists as they were to Vakhtang I, and the Holy Mountain of Mtatsminda, symbol of Tbilisi and incorporating the Church of the Father David.

Built in the 6th and 7th centuries, the Tbilisi Sioni Cathedral of the Dormition has since been reconstructed numerous times. Remarkably though, the current Cathedral reaches back to the 13th century, standing in medieval Georgian style with a neoclassical bell tower from the early 19th century, commemorating Russia’s victory over the Ottomans.

Also worth a visit is the Anchiskhati Basilica of St. Mary. Although rather plain at first glance, the Basilica was actually constructed during the 6th century, making it the oldest church in the city, and used to house the fabulous icon of Anchi (now located in the Georgian National Museum of Fine Arts).

The Metekhi cliff is another popular spot, immediately recognisable by the equestrian statue of the 5th century ruler Vakhtang I Gorgaslan. Also incorporated within the complex is the Metekhi Church, built by king St. Demetrius II in the late 13th century in Orthodox fashion with the typical domed top.

Georgia was known during the Soviet era for its myriad galleries and museums and the same is true today. The most famous of these is the Georgian State Art Museum in Gudiashvili Kucha and the Janashia Museum of Georgia in Rustaveli Gamziri, the latter reputed for its outstanding collection of pre-Christian art.

Shopping

You’ll find it difficult to walk down any street in Tbilisi without encountering various stalls. However, the open-air market in Didube is one of many more organised environments to find local arts and produce.

Both Kostava Street and Rustaveli Avenue are the places to go for more common high-street stores.

Nightlife & Dining

Georgian local cuisine is certainly an interesting experience, with dishes like sturgeon kebab, chicken tabak and lavash bread reflecting the diverse influences which can be traced to the city’s history. Of the many places to eat in Tbilisi, Marco Polo in Rustaveli Avenue, Restaurant Tamada in Orbeliani Street and Au Sans Souci in Shavteli Street come highly recommended.

Common tourist hotspots for drinking are the Dublin Pub in Akhvlediani Street and the Fashion Bar in Rustaveli Avenue. Tbilisi also has a number of good nightclubs like Night Office under the Baratashvili Bridge, Noa Noa in Rustaveli Avenue and Profile in Kiacheli Street.

Alternatively, search out the Shota Rustaveli State Academic Theatre and the Tbilisi State Opera Theatre for a little high culture.

Tourist Information

‘Visit Georgia’ Tourist Office
14 Nishnianidze Street
Tbilisi
0105
Tel: +995 32 996 829
E-mail: visitgeorgia@geo.net.ge
Web: [http://www.visitgeorgia.ge Visit Georgia]

Airport

Tbilisi is served by [http://www.airport.ge/ Tbilisi International Airport (unofficial website)], some 20 km from the city centre.

International and domestic connecting flights are available to multiple locations regularly.

British Airways (London-Heathrow) use Tbilisi International Airport to and from British locations.