Tourist Attractions in Tbilisi, Georgia
Narikala Fortress
This magnificent building dominated the skyline of the city for hundreds of years. In order to defend themselves against their foes, the Persian kings of the time period erected the original version of Narikala Fortress in the fourth century. After some time had passed, a lot of individuals eventually improved the stronghold by constructing walls at various points in time. Arabs, around the 8th century, built the majority of the walls that are still standing today. The work that was done in this location during the 17th century was the most recent building. From the highest point of the stronghold, there is a breathtaking panorama of the city below.
Kartlis Deda Statue
The Mother Georgia Statue, also known as Kartlis Deda, can be seen next to the Narikala Fortress. The monument is well recognised as a representation of Tiblisi and was constructed in the 1960s. This monument stands at a height of 65 feet and is constructed of aluminium. The statue is holding a sword in one hand and a cup of wine in the other hand. Both hands are visible. The cup of wine represents the gracious hospitality that is shown to visitors, while the sword conveys the idea that the people of Georgia are courageous. In close proximity to the monument, you’ll also locate the remnants of the Shahtakhti Fortress.
Botanical Gardens
The Folk Art Museum may be found in close proximity to the Botanical Gardens. You may reach here by using Botanikuris Street, which is one of the nearby streets. In the 17th and 18th centuries, these grounds were home to the royal gardens of the reigning monarch. A physic garden was established in this location at the beginning of the 19th century, and by 1845, it had developed into the ideal Botanical Gardens. These gardens include a diverse assortment of flora and florae, including plants and flowers.
Armenian Cathedral of St George
It was during the middle of the 13th century that construction began on the renowned Armenian Cathedral of St. George. The origins of the contemporary building that still remains today may be traced back to the 18th century. Despite the fact that the original structure is so huge, the inside is quite modest in size. Frescos of exquisite beauty may be seen adorning the inside. Additionally, it is the location where Sayat Nova, a poet who served King Irakli II, was executed in the year 1756. Visitors will be able to locate his grave close to the front entrance, and it has an inscription.
Tbilisi Sulfur Baths
Abanotubani is the name given to the sulphur baths in Tbilisi by the locals. This location is situated along the bank of the river. If you want to travel to this location, you may reach there by using the side street that runs in front of the Armenian Cathedral. A bath house in the style of the orient with a dome may be found here. It is said that Alexander Dumas and Alexander Pushkin both took pleasure in a relaxing soak at this location. Even Pushkin remarked that this was the nicest bath he had ever had in his whole life. Tolstoy has written a few words on these baths as well.
Jvaris Mama Church
The construction of the Jvaris Mama Church began in the 5th century. The edifice that is still standing now was constructed in the 16th century. Within the walls of the church are painted in frescoes that are both lovely and intriguing. The atmosphere in this place exudes a sense of sanctity and calmness. The Armenian Norasheni Church, which was constructed in 1793 but is no longer in use, may be found in the vicinity of this church.
Museum of Money
This museum may be found in the historic district of the town. The National Bank of Georgia is responsible for its upkeep, which contributes to the museum’s reputation as having the finest maintenance of all in the city. The year 2001 was the year when the museum first welcomed visitors. An intriguing collection of coins and financial notes spanning from as far back as the sixth century all the way up to present times are now on show here. You may also discover ancient coins from a variety of different nations here.
Tbilisi History Museum
Sionis Street is where you will find the Tbilisi History Museum. The museum, which is housed in an ancient caravanserai, has an amazing collection of photos and photographs of Tbilisi before it was occupied by the Soviet Union. The museum chronicles the evolution of Tbilisi from a little village known for its thermal springs to the modern metropolis that it is today. The museum is proud of its contemporary interior design and has an art exhibit that showcases the work of many current artists. In this museum, you can also discover a variety of weaponry that were created and utilised inside the country at various points in its history.
Sioni Cathedral
The seat of Catholicos Ilia II is located at Sioni Cathedral. The primary church at this location was founded somewhere about the 6th century, and the structure was subsequently restored many times throughout the following centuries. A significant component of the building was constructed during the 1st and 12th centuries. The church is famous for having preserved the cross of Saint Nino, which is said to have been fashioned from vine branches linked together using Saint Nino’s hair. The cross is a significant religious artefact.
Anchiskhati Church
Dachi, the son of King Gorgasali, had the idea for this ancient church, which is now the city’s oldest building. The Anchi Cathedral in Turkey provided inspiration for the naming of this cathedral, which dates back to the sixth century. The Georgian State Art Museum now has an icon from this church in its collection. During the 17th century, the church underwent restoration, which included the construction of new arches and columns. Frescoes dating back to the 17th century may be seen at this location. A brick bell tower and gatehouse can be seen to the west of the structure, and they are reminiscent of late-medieval examples of Eastern Georgian architecture.
Georgian State Art Museum
A diverse selection of examples of Georgian art may be found at this location. While some of the pieces of art are about two thousand years old, others only date back to the latter half of the 20th century. There are a number of antique religious paintings that have a lot of charm and beauty. The portraiture of the 19th century, particularly that of the “primitive” artist Niko Pirosmani, is equally fascinating. This includes the work of the 19th-century artist.
Metekhi Church
A major draw for visitors to Avlabari is the Metekhi Church. It is thought that the earliest building to ever be constructed at this location dates back to the 5th century. According to the beliefs of the locals, Saint Shushanik was laid to rest at this location. In the 13th century, Mongol warriors were responsible for the destruction of the church; nevertheless, it was rebuilt not long after that. In 1819, the structure was also used as a jail, and in 1974, it was converted into a theatre. In spite of this, it was re-dedicated once again in the decade that followed.
Janashia State Museum of Georgia
It is strongly recommended that you pay a visit to the Janashia State Museum of Georgia. The museum is home to an impressive subterranean treasury that showcases a variety of artefacts for visitors to peruse. Visitors often go there in intimate groups. A lovely assortment of icons, frescoes, and porcelain pieces may be discovered at this location. Gold artefacts and pre-Christian Georgian jewellery are also on show here. These objects date from before Georgia became Christian.
Museum of Georgian Folk Architecture
This creative museum is perched on a hill and has distinct parts devoted to the regions of Eastern Georgia, Western Georgia, and the Mountains of Georgia. There are other fascinating reconstructions of structures located in various parts of the nation. There is a stunning home originally from the Imereti area that may be found here. Another version of the home has been reconstructed with a dome that has 452 beams and 12 corners. In addition to it, there is a basilica dedicated to the Sioni as well as a burial chamber.
Sveti-Tskhoveli Cathedral
This magnificent cathedral was constructed in the 11th century and dates back to its location at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. It is known for being the biggest cathedral in Georgia that is still in use today. It is widely held that the robe that Christ wore was laid to rest at this particular church. The first building on this site dates back to the fourth century, and it was later demolished and rebuilt in the sixth century. Patriarch Melkhisedek was responsible for the construction of the current edifice between the years 1010 and 1029. There is a remarkable cupola that dates back to the 15th century and underwent renovations at that time. The inside of the church is adorned with a stunning fresco, and additional points of interest here include the graves of a great number of rulers.
Mtskheta Museum
The Mtskheta Museum is a fascinating destination to visit since it has artefacts that were unearthed from the surrounding area. Urns that are around 6,000 years old and have flawless decoration may be discovered in this area. Armor, perfume bottles, and a painting of an Iranian sun temple are some of the other items that may be seen in this exhibit. The museum had extensive renovations a few years ago, and it is in pristine shape ever since.
Jvari Church
The Jvari Church is often ranked as one of Mtskheta’s most popular tourist destinations. It is perched on a hill and can be seen for kilometres in every direction. This church is an excellent example of the early style of Christian building in Georgia. The 6th century saw the construction of the first church on this location. Later, at various points in time, reconstructions were carried out. Although there is not much to see on the interior, this location provides excellent vantage points from which to take in the scenery of its environs.
Stalin Museum
The Stalin Museum is set in a remarkable structure and is an incredible destination for tourists to check out. The museum is in exactly the same state as it was when it was run by the Soviets. It has exhibits that focus on Stalin’s life and the significant events that occurred throughout it. The museum is divided into many sections, the first of which focuses on Stalin’s youth and childhood. In another room, artefacts from his political career and revolutionary work are shown. In this website, you may also access passages from Lenin’s last will and testament. A number of presents that Stalin received from a variety of individuals are also on display in a tiny annex that was attached to the building.
Gori Fortress
The Gori Fortification is an old fortress that is perched atop a significant hill. It is thought that Pompey took control of the first fortification that was located at this location during the ancient times in the year 65 BC. During the middle times, reconstructions were carried out, and in the 17th century, more additions were made. Here, in this area, you may locate the remnants of a church that was levelled by an earthquake in the year 1920. From the highest point, there are also breathtaking vistas of the valley below.
St George Gori Jvari Church
This chapel, which sits atop a hill in Gori, is often regarded as the city’s spiritual epicentre. The construction of the church began in the sixth century. After it was built, it was razed to the ground not once but twice: first by the Turks, and then again by an earthquake in 1920. The church is only open on Tuesdays during the summer months, while it is closed all other days of the week. Because of the large number of people that attend on the opening and closing days, the mood within the church is similar to that of a festival.
Uplistsikhe Cave City
Uplistsikhe is without a doubt the most fascinating location to check out in and around Gori. It is thought that this massive labyrinth of natural caverns has been existing since the late Bronze Age, about 1000 BC. However, it flourished between the sixth and first century BC and reached its zenith in the early middle ages of the common era. The cave city is located in a valley that is rather deep, and there are rocks all around it. An old theatre, a large hall known as Tamaris Darbazi, and Uplistulis Eklesia, also known as the Prince’s Church, are among of the places of interest that can be found in this location.
Atenis Sioni Church
The Atenis Sioni Church may be found at a location surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The Tana Valley is a beautiful place to explore because to all of its verdant foliage. The architecture of this church is very comparable to that of the Jvari Church in Mtskheta. The present outer portion, which was finished in the 7th century and can be seen now, was constructed. There are some exquisite stonecarvings and frescoes going back to the 11th century that may be seen in this area. In the last several years, a significant amount of effort has been put forward to prevent these frescos from deteriorating.
