Sights of Tbilisi. The place of the anomalous phenomenon on Mount Mtatsminda. Church and Metekhi area

Today I will tell you about the sights of Tbilisi and what you can see in the city in 2-3 days.

Tbilisi has become one of our favorite cities - it is the most colorful capital in the Caucasus. The city lies at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, and therefore many peoples have left their traces here. The name of the city is translated as “warm spring”, and indeed Tiflis (as the capital was called until 1936) was founded on warm springs, where sulfur baths are now located.

Tbilisi is a very diverse city, both in architecture and in mood: modern buildings, such as the Bridge of Peace or the House of Justice, easily coexist with quiet streets in the historical center, and if you turn off the wide, busy Rustaveli Avenue, you find yourself in cozy courtyards. And the picturesque rocky shores of the Kura ... this city is remembered for a long time!

In Tbilisi, I want to stay longer, take my time and walk around these incredible quarters in the center. It seems that everything is falling apart, the cracks in the houses are the size of a fist, but how colorful and atmospheric!

Hold 20 the best places what to see in Tbilisi:

The capital of Georgia is divided into several districts: Old city, Avlabari, Rustaveli, Vake, Mtatsminda and others. Traditionally, at the end of the post, attach a map with all interesting places cities for better orientation.

Narikala can be seen from almost anywhere in the old city, it rises on a cliff above Tbilisi. In the 8th century, the residence of the Arab emirs was located here, it was they who built the fortress. Subsequently, Narikala several times passed from hand to hand to the Georgians, Persians, Turks, and was almost completely destroyed by the explosion of the ammunition depot.

Wonderful views of Tbilisi open from above, and you can get here by going up from the Metekhi bridge past Armenian Church St. George and further up the stairs.

Another option is to take the lift, which will take you from Rike Park on the other side of the river to Narikala Fortress for 2 lari and 5 minutes.

Address: Narikala hill

Entry fee: for free

Working hours: 09:00-21:00

Sulfur baths are a visiting card and one of the main attractions of Tbilisi. Even Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin himself bathed here, calling them the best baths he had ever visited. It is convenient that all the baths are concentrated in one place and look like the scenery for a movie about Central Asia. All baths are underground on sulfuric hot springs and are covered with a dome. Orbeliani and the Royal Baths are considered the best, I recommend going there.

Address: Abano district

Entry fee: 40-50 lari private rooms, 3 lari common room.

Working hours: 08:00-22:00

3. Old quarters

In Tbilisi, everywhere you can stumble upon old buildings different eras: Arabic motifs, merchants' houses, monumental Soviet buildings... But their greatest concentration in the old city is the area between Narikala Hill, the river and Freedom Square. Central street in this area is Kote Abkhazi with many restaurants, cafes, shops and souvenir shops.

1. Old town

⇒ Walk through historical center cities.

The main tourist attractions are gathered in the old part of the city. Must-sees in Old Tbilisi: Gabriadze Marionette Theatre, the oldest Tbilisi Anchiskhati church built in the 5th century, Bridge of Peace, the oldest bakery in Tbilisi, where wonderful Georgian lavash is still baked, Tbilisi Cathedral Mosque, the oldest city district of Abanotubani, Inzhirovoe gorge with a waterfall, Metekhi temple of the 11th century. A map of the city with the main routes can be found at tourist offices, for example, in the square near Freedom Square.

2. Narikala Fortress

⇒ Climb on the ropeway up Mount Narikala to the old fortress.

Narikala Fortress is one of the most ancient monuments of Georgian architecture, built in the 4th century. A church was built on the territory of the fortress in the XII century, which was reconstructed not so long ago. The fortress offers a stunning view of the city.

3. Mtatsminda

⇒ Ride the funicular to Mount Mtatsminda

The Tbilisi funicular leads from Tbilisi itself to the park on Mount Mtatsminda, where, by the way, the best viewing platforms in the city are located. We recommend that you walk around the Bombora amusement park, look at the city from the Ferris wheel, try Lagidze Waters lemonade with different flavors (vanilla, chocolate, tarragon, saperavi ...) and dine at. Along the way you can visit the Pantheon where famous writers, artists, scientists and national heroes of Georgia and where the grave of A. Griboyedov and his wife N. Chavchavadze is located. On the territory of the Pantheon there is a cave of St. David of Gareji, one of the most revered saints in Georgia, near which a temple was built in the 19th century.

4. Sulfur Baths

⇒ Take a steam bath in a sulfur bath in the old town, where Pushkin himself took a steam bath.

There is a legend about the origin of the city of Tbilisi: the Georgian king Vakhtang Gorgasali shot a pheasant while hunting, he fell into sulfur springs and boiled. On the site of these warm sulfur springs, the city of Tbilisi was built (tbili means warm in Georgian). Warm sulfuric water enters the bath directly from the ground, it is very beneficial for the skin and for the body as a whole. While visiting the bathhouse, you plunge into a small pool with very hot sulfuric water; if you wish, you can order the services of a bathhouse attendant. There are both public baths and those providing for private visits and even VIPs.

5. Rezo Gabriadze Puppet Theater

⇒ Go to a performance at the Rezo Gabriadze Puppet Theater.

The Rezo Gabriadze Puppet Theater is world famous: it tours all over the world every year and gathers full houses in Moscow, Paris, New York, Tokyo, etc. The performances are in both Georgian and Russian. The program includes three performances: Autumn of my spring», « Stalingrad" And " Ramona". It is better to buy tickets in advance on the website or at the theater box office from 11.00 to 19.00. The theater building itself is a tourist attraction: an unusual clock tower in front of the entrance attracts the attention of tourists. Every hour, a golden-winged angel appears from the painted doors and strikes the bell with a hammer. Twice a day, at 12 and 19 o'clock, you can see an amazing puppet show - "Circle of Life". In the same building there is a wonderful cafe with Georgian and European cuisine, where you can have a great time before or after the performance. In summer, a cozy terrace opens in the cafe.

Address: Shavteli, 13

6. Paintings by Pirosmani

⇒ Visit the exhibition of the famous Georgian artist Pirosmani of the late 19th - early 20th century, who worked in the style of primitivism, on Rustaveli Avenue.

Even if you have never seen his work, you must have heard the legend of how the poor artist sold all his modest possessions to buy a million scarlet roses for the woman he loved. This story really happened to Niko Pirosmani at the beginning of the 20th century. About the woman who inspired him, it is known that it was Marguerite de Sèvres, singer-chansonnier, dancer and actress of the Belle Vu miniature theater in Paris.

Niko Pirosmani first saw her on a poster and fell in love. It was then that he painted the famous painting "Actress Margarita". And after he heard her singing at a concert, he decided to sell all his property and bought all the flowers in Tbilisi. This romantic story Subsequently, Konstantin Paustovsky will describe it in his story, and Andrei Voznesensky will translate it into a poem.

Address: 11 Shota Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi, Georgia

Mon-Sun 10:00 – 18:00

7. Georgian National Ballet Sukhishvili

⇒ Watch the performance of Sukhishvili's ballet.

The Georgian National Ballet was founded in 1945 by Iliko Sukhishvili and Nino Ramishvili. Now the troupe is led by the third generation of the Sukhishvili family. The history of the troupe is associated with many interesting and incredible facts. For example, in India, a stage erected under open sky, collapsed during the performance, and then the volunteers from among the audience until the end of the performance kept her on their shoulders. It is not for nothing that the ensemble is often called the "Eighth Wonder of the World" in the foreign press.

Today the ensemble consists of 500 dancers and its own orchestra. Throughout its history, the team has been on more than 250 tours, traveled 11 times 5 continents, 88 countries, held 12,300 concerts, and more than 7 million people have become spectators of the troupe's performances.

“Try to jump up while crouching in the air. Then drop to the floor right on your knees and jump up again to do it all over again! Perform a toe spin in soft boots at such a speed that no one can see your face. And then rotate on your knees around the perimeter of the stage. Captivate the beautiful ladies, who watch calmly and playfully your bold dance, the purpose of which is to win their favor. The Washington Post (USA)

Since the ballet troupe constantly performs on tour around the world, it can be quite difficult to get to a performance in Tbilisi, but trust us, it's worth it! It is better to check information about the dates and program in advance on the ensemble's website or at the ticket offices of the city. If you did not get to the performance of Sukhishvili's ballet, do not despair. You can have dinner and watch the performance of the national dance ensemble and the Georgian choir in the restaurant .

8. Dry bridge

⇒ Buy souvenirs on the Dry Bridge.

On dry bridge is the most famous and popular Flea market Tbilisi - a very colorful place, known for its daily exhibition and sale of paintings and a flea market. It is best to come here on weekends, as you will see the most souvenirs and antiques, but the flea market itself is also open on weekdays.

9. Anchiskhati

⇒ Visit the oldest church in Tbilisi.

In the center of the Old City is ancient church Anchiskhati, built in the VI century. The construction of this sacred temple began shortly after the capital of Georgia was moved from Mtskheta to Tiflis. The name of the church is associated with a very famous icon - the Image of the Savior Not Made by Hands, which was transferred from the Anchi Cathedral in South Georgia during the attack Ottoman Empire. The church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary served as a shelter for the holy icon, as a result of which the ancient basilica received a second name - Anchiskhati, which means "Anchi icon". Today the Image of the Savior can be seen by visiting the Golden Fund National Museum Georgia.

10. Ethnographic Museum and Turtle Lake

⇒ Visit Ethnographical museum under the open sky near Turtle Lake.

The exposition of the museum is a kind of Georgian village, where each house and estate is a reflection of various regions of Georgia. You will learn why in Eastern Georgia they lived in invisible dwellings underground and in high towers, and in Western Georgia - in wooden and stone houses. The museum occupies almost 50 hectares, which house about 70 residential and commercial buildings brought from different parts of Georgia, including the famous watch tower from Svaneti. Be sure to take a tour, then you will really be able to understand all the intricacies of life in all the main regions of Georgia. On weekends, you can try to bake Georgian bread yourself in real clay ovens “toni” and much more. After the tour, you can go to Turtle Lake where you can enjoy scenic views and eat at the cafe. The lake itself is very popular among local residents: in the summer there is a cozy beach and open summer verandas, there are also sports grounds and boat rental along the lake.

We have told you only about a few interesting places in Tbilisi, in fact, this list is endless, our city is so beautiful and unique.

As a rule, everyone’s vacations are short, but you want to see everything at once, so during a vacation in Georgia, Tbilisi is given at best a couple of days. In this article I will talk about the sights of Tbilisi that you can see in one day.

Let me remind you that I lived in Tbilisi for a little over a month in February-March and rented this apartment at the Tsereteli metro station for $ 30, and in 2016 I rented.

If you go with a company or at least two, it turns out to be more profitable than living in a hotel or hostel.

Before you go to explore old Tbilisi, you need to understand one thing. What is important in Georgia? That's right - the atmosphere and the people! I understand that everyone is now armed to the teeth with navigators, smartphones with applications and virtual cards, but try to just forget all this at home, go outside and talk to people about how to get to this or that place.

Believe me, it's worth it! You will find out where and at what time it is best to buy cheese, how to get to one place or another for free, why not all Georgians are satisfied with the policy of the new president and other interesting things.

To feel Georgia, you need to talk, otherwise you just look at the sights, take pictures of the churches and never understand where this most advertised Georgian magic is.

Yesterday you exchanged a few words with a Georgian television operator, and today you are standing at the foot of Mount Kazbek with his friends. Anything can happen in Georgia!

Sights of Tbilisi.

It is most logical to start the walk from the Avlabari metro station - from there you can walk to most key places. Listed below are my favorite sights in Tbilisi in the order in which they are convenient to visit in terms of logistics.

Monument to Mimino by Tsereteli near the Avlabari metro station

Tsminda Sameba

The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Tbilisi was completed 10 years ago on the hill of St. Elias. According to rumors, the cathedral was built at the expense of Georgian billionaires. They also donated money for construction. simple people. Many jewels donated by the citizens of Tbilisi can be seen in the temple near the icons.

There are real sapphires, emeralds and other valuable stones. Tsminda Sameba was built on the site of an old Armenian cemetery, which caused a big scandal and dissatisfaction on the part of the Armenian diaspora in Georgia, since during the excavation of the pit, graves were opened, which were not subsequently reburied.

How to get there: St. Elijah Hill, 5 minutes walk from Avlabari metro station

Tsminda Sameba

Armenian Church of Etchmiadzin

Nor Echmiadzin Church (“New Echmiadzin”, Ejmiatsin Armenian Church, Tbilisi) was built in the 18th century by settlers from (a kind of Armenian Vatican).

At the entrance is a khachkar - a cross carved on a stone stele. Throughout Armenia, there are several thousand khachkars. If you put them together, you can read the history of the country. We look at the khachkar, go to the church, get acquainted with the Armenians (optional). Forgive me Georgians, but this is my favorite church in Tbilisi. It is simple, but with its own special energy. After her visit, I again felt an unbearable desire to go to Armenia.

How to get there: 100 meters from Avlabari metro station

Church and Metekhi area

The Metekhi region perched on a rock overhanging the Kura River. King Vakhtang I Gorgasali founded his first palace on this site in the 5th century when the city was appointed the capital of the country.

During the Mongol invasion, the palace and the church that stood in that place were razed to the ground, but in the 13th century a new temple was reborn from the ashes, then the Persians did not like the church, and during the 15-17th centuries it was repeatedly rebuilt by the Georgian kings.

Near the Metekhi temple there is a monument to King Vakhtang I Gorgasali, and a wonderful view of the Kura opens from the Metekhi bridge.

Europe Square and Rike Park

On Europe Square you can walk along cozy park Rike, where young people gather in the evenings, and then get closer to some of the newly built attractions that can be seen in most photos of the center of Tbilisi.

Rike Park, where you can look into the eyes of Reagan :)

Peace Bridge

Glass bridge built in 2010 on the initiative of Mikheil Saakashvili. The architect was Italian, the designer was French. The bridge turned out to be very pretty. Recently, the new authorities wanted to demolish this bridge, but so far they seem to have left it.

Bridge of Peace in Tbilisi

State Theater of Music and Drama

Two huge glass pipes that are visible from anywhere in the center of Tbilisi. Despite the fact that the building looks quite finished, interior decoration To date, it has not even begun, and construction has been frozen for an indefinite period.

Presidential palace

The Palace of the President of Georgia is located in historic district near Avlabari metro station on a rock. The construction was initiated by the same former President of the country Mikheil Saakashvili.

Cableway Tbilisi

After a cursory inspection of the objects listed above, we return to Europe Square and sit on the cable car. If you have a card that can also be used on the metro, then one-way travel on it will cost 2 lari ($1). In 3 minutes we go up to the observation deck overlooking the center of Tbilisi.

Narikala fortress

If, having risen on the funicular, you stand with your back to the city, then on the left you can see the path leading to the Narikala fortress. The history of the building dates back more than 1500 years, the most significant destruction was brought to the fortress by the earthquake of 1827, during which many walls and the Church of St. Nicholas were destroyed. This is perhaps the main attraction of Tbilisi. From the walls of the fortress, stunning views of the entire city open up.

Also, the Narikala fortress can be reached on foot along the streets of old Tbilisi in 7 minutes, so as not to pay for the funicular.

View of Narikala fortress from the streets of old Tbilisi

The path to the Narikala fortress along the streets of old Tbilisi

Statue of Mother Kartli

The statue of Mother Georgia is located on the top of the Sololaki hill. If, having climbed the cable car, stand with your back to the city, then you need to go to the statue to the right. The monument reflects the character of the Georgian people. In one hand, the statue holds a cup of wine to greet those who come in peace, and in the other hand holds a sword to strike down enemies.

Church of Tabori

This modern Temple of the Transfiguration of the Lord called Tabori is located on the mountain of the same name and is visible from almost anywhere in Tbilisi. The only way to get to the church is on foot.

Meydan Square

View of old Tbilisi from Meydan square

Excursions in Tbilisi

If finances and time allow, I recommend ordering a tour of Tbilisi. Below is a list of the most popular excursions in Tbilisi, which are highly rated by travelers. You can scroll through the list and click "View All" to see full list excursions to the cities of Georgia, which can be ordered.

Old Tbilisi in 1 day. My TOP 13 best attractions!

Each region of Georgia has something to see. The map will help you orient yourself and make a convenient route.

Green labels indicate objects from our list

1. Old Tbilisi

The old part of Tbilisi is full of historical monuments from different eras. Ancient fortresses and temples, the famous Tiflis sulfur baths and the architecture of the Middle Ages have been preserved here. And a walk along the narrow cobbled streets is simply indispensable if you want to feel the mood of the city.

How to get there

The closest metro stop to the Old Town is Ploshchad Svobody.

2. Memorial "History of Georgia"

This is the creation of the hands of Zurab Tsereteli. The monumental ensemble is located on a hill, not far from the Tbilisi reservoir, and consists of 16 columns 35 meters high. Each of them depicts scenes from Georgia. The memorial impresses with its scale and special atmosphere.

How to get there

By bus number 60 from the Tbilisi metro station "Grmagele" or by taxi.

3. Jvari

Jvari Monastery became the country's first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is believed that after the baptism of Georgia, St. Nina erected a cross on this place. Its foundation is still kept within the walls of the monastery, which is why Jvari is so revered.

The temple was erected on a mountain, and from its observation deck overlooking the confluence of two rivers - Aragvi and Kura. Lermontov wrote about this in his poem "Mtsyri".

How to get there

Jvari is located 25 km from Tbilisi, near the city of Mtskheta. The most convenient way to get there is by car, as the monastery is located on a mountain.

4. Svetitskhoveli

"Life-giving pillar" - this is how the name of the most important temple of Georgia is translated. According to legend, the tunic of the Lord, an important relic of Christians, was buried here. A cedar grew at the burial site, which was considered sacred, and later turned into a pillar and laid at the base of the temple. Thus, the first Christian church in Georgia arose. The cathedral is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

How to get there

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is located in the city of Mtskheta, 25 km from Tbilisi. It is easy to get there by public transport or taxi.

5. Arch of Friendship of Peoples

The arch was designed by the famous sculptor Zurab Tsereteli, and it was installed at an altitude of 2,384 m in honor of the friendship between the Georgian and Russian peoples. The arch is decorated with mosaics with scenes from Georgian history. Fascinating views can be observed from the observation deck, which is the arch in combination.

How to get there

The arch is located near the village of Stepantsminda. The place can be reached not only by private car and, but also by public transport from Tbilisi. Choose fixed-route taxis that go to Stepantsminda or Gudauri. They depart hourly from Didube metro station.

6. Church of the Holy Trinity in Gergeti

The church was built seven centuries ago, and it is located at an altitude of 2170 m at the foot of Mount Kazbek. In addition to its historical value, this place is also attractive for tourists due to its location. During the ascent to the church, a breathtaking view of the mountains opens up.

How to get there

Go to the village of Gergeti. Minibuses Tbilisi - Stepantsminda are suitable for this. From the village you need to climb along a dirt road. You can overcome this distance on foot or by taxi. The hike will take about an hour.

7. Signagi

A small town in Kakheti is famous for its legends and has the status of a city of love. They say that it was here that Niko Pirosmani, being a poor artist, sought the reciprocity of the European actress Margarita and gave her a million scarlet roses.

And Sighnaghi is a local round-the-clock. You can sign here at any time of the day. It is enough to have documents and two witnesses with you.

The atmosphere in Sighnaghi is attractive. Narrow cobbled streets, going up and down, and views of the Alazani valley do their job.

Another attraction of the city is the ancient fortress wall 3 km long.

How to get there

Personal or public transport. Shuttle taxis Tbilisi - Sighnaghi depart from the metro station "Samgori".

8. Alaverdi Monastery

Alaverdi was built at the beginning of the 11th century and belongs to the four most significant medieval temples Georgia. For almost a thousand years, it was the highest in the country: as much as 50 m to the top point. But in 2004, the construction of the Holy Trinity Cathedral was completed in Tbilisi, which turned out to be 18 m higher than Alaverdi.

Restoration works slightly changed the appearance of Alaverdi. But inside the cathedral are still preserved unique frescoes and wall painting of the XI-XVII centuries.

How to get there

The cathedral is located 20 km from the city of Telavi, away from main route. So go by car or join a tour.

9. David Gareja

How to get there

By train or bus from Didube metro station in Tbilisi.

12. Vardzia

The atmosphere of this place can bewitch anyone. cave city was cut down during the reign of Queen Tamara. It included many rooms, tunnels, a plumbing system and a monastery and was completely hidden in Mount Erusheti. But in 1283, after a strong earthquake, part of the mountain collapsed and Vardzia was badly damaged. Now there are about 600 rooms left, including a functioning temple with unique frescoes.

How to get there

By regular buses or taxis from the city of Akhaltsikhe or with an excursion group.

13. Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory

The Abastumani observatory became the first high-mountain observatory in the USSR. Its construction began in 1934 at an altitude of 1,650 m. It is noteworthy that it is still functioning and its territory is open to visitors.

You can climb Mount Kanobili, where the observatory is located, by a special cable car or by car. And the most interested have a chance to get on a night tour and even look at the stars through a telescope.

How to get there

The first goal is the village of Abastumani, where the road to the observatory begins. You can get to the village by your own transport or use public transport. bus service established with Tbilisi, Borjomi and Akhaltsikhe.

14. Cable car "Argo"

The longest cable car in Georgia was built in the resort city of Batumi. Its length is 2.5 km, and the ascent takes 10 minutes. The trailers start from the lower station, not far from the sea station, and finish on Mount Feria, gaining a height of 252 m. This The best way how to see the whole of Batumi in the palm of your hand, including it tourist area, industrial areas and the sea line to the horizon.

IN tourist season the cable car is open until one in the morning, which allows you to admire the sunset and the lights of the city at night.

How to get there

bottom station cable car located near the sea station Batumi, st. Gogebashvili.

15. Batumi Seaside Boulevard

Dynamic sculptures, tower with chacha and alphabetical tower, Ferris wheel and Batumi lighthouse. Also bike paths dancing fountains, flower beds, palm trees and, of course, seascapes. The length of the modern seaside boulevard reaches 8 km. This place has become a new symbol of the resort Batumi.

How to get there

Buses and trains run to Batumi from almost any part of Georgia. The city also has an international airport.

16. Temple of Bagrat

From the hill on which the temple is built, you can see the whole of Kutaisi and its surroundings. This is the most high point city and its main attraction. In 1089, King David the Builder was crowned here.

The temple has a difficult fate. Several times it suffered from enemy raids, and in the end only ruins remained of its walls.

The ruined Bagrati was added to the list of World Heritage Sites. Later, restoration began, and in 2012 it ended with the installation of a two-meter bronze cross on the renovated temple. However, such changes did not suit UNESCO, and the temple was removed from the lists due to the loss of its former appearance.

How to get there

The Bagrat Temple is visible from anywhere in the city, so it is easy to find it. You can ride or climb on foot. The road from the center of Kutaisi will take no more than half an hour.

All cabins and stations of the cable car are a real rarity: they have been used for more than half a century. Locals are accustomed to such transport, but for beginners this entertainment may seem extreme: the slope of the lines reaches 48 degrees.

How to get there

The mining town of Chiatura can be reached from Tbilisi or Kutaisi by minibus or train. Fixed-route taxis depart from the Didube metro station in Tbilisi.

20. Svan towers

Largely thanks to these medieval fortress towers, Upper Svaneti was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. When enemies attacked local settlements, the Svans used the towers for defensive purposes. Now it is a symbol of the region.

You can look at the unique Svan buildings in Mestia - administrative center Svaneti, as well as in the highland village of Ushguli.

How to get there

From Tbilisi to Mestia not only go scheduled minibuses, but planes also fly: an airport was built in the mountain village. Plane tickets are better to buy in advance at the airline office: Tbilisi, street them. Vazha Pshavela, 5.

Tbilisi and its environs are becoming more and more popular and favorite places among tourists and independent travelers. In addition to attractive prices, stunning nature and tasty food, it combines notes of Italian, French, Dutch architecture. But they are combined in a completely unimaginable extravaganza, characteristic only of Georgia.

Here are a few places to visit in and around Tbilisi to get a little idea of the place.

1. Shota Rustaveli Avenue

Shota Rustaveli Avenue is probably the most popular avenue among people who still remember Soviet Georgia. It was there that the secular evening walks before opera house, Lagidzevsky waters flowed like a sweet river (lemonade, which has no analogues in the world) and an immeasurable amount of khachapuri and achma was eaten.

The first Tbilisi school still stands on Shota Rustaveli Avenue, where the children of the most famous people of Georgia studied, including the current President Mikheil Saakashvili.

Nowadays, the places of old small eateries have been replaced by more expensive cafes, restaurants and shops. But, since then, at the beginning of the street, there has been a collapse of local art and souvenirs. The entire avenue is decorated with small bronze figurines, and in the evening the lights are turned on.

Until now, the most popular souvenir from Georgia is a wine horn.

2. Shardeni street

Shardeni Street is one of the parts of Tbilisi that has completely changed thanks to Saakashvili's transformation plan. The street is decorated in a European, closer to French, style with small cafes, art galleries and souvenir shops.

It's just nice to walk along the street, taking breaks for a cup of coffee, sometimes feeling like in the center of Paris.

At the beginning of the street you can see the monument "Mother of Kartli" - a woman with a sword in one hand and wine in the other. The monument symbolizes Georgia's attitude towards strangers and friends.

On Shardeni you can see an enlarged copy of a bronze archaeological find from the 7th century BC. - Tamada.

3. Bridge of Peace

The Bridge of Peace is one of the buildings of the new Georgia. This pedestrian bridge above Kura, built in 2010, as a symbol connecting the old and new Georgia. The bridge symbolically stretches between old Tbilisi - Metekhi district and the new one - with Saakashvili's palace and Rike park.

The shape of the bridge was designed by the Italian architect Michele de Lucchi. It looks most advantageous in the evening, when the backlight turns on and the bridge begins to shimmer, as if strewn with large diamonds. The lighting of the Peace Bridge was designed by French designer Philippe Martineau.

4. Rike Park

Rike Park is located opposite the Peace Bridge, next to the Saakashvili Palace. Rike Park, one of the most clear examples modern Georgia. Its opening took place in 2010. It harmoniously combines dancing fountains with a holographic show, huge chess with human-sized figures and a small playground. During the day you can ride a Segway, and in the evening with local residents admire the center of Tbilisi in multi-colored illumination lights.

5. Mtatsminda Amusement Park

Mtatsminda is one of the oldest parks in Tbilisi, it is located on a mountain hill. A few years ago, an amusement park for children opened there. The park has almost everything that is in amusement parks major cities world for children of all ages. From the interesting - in the park there is a Ferris wheel, from which in clear weather you can see beautiful view to the city.

But the main highlight of Mtatsminda is not so much the attractions as the general architectural appearance of the buildings. These are surreal houses, fairy tale characters, unusual shapes and unexpected color combinations.

On New Year's days, the Georgian Santa Claus (Tovli Babua) comes to the park and congratulates the kids on the holiday.

6. Tsminda Sameba or Cathedral Holy Trinity

Georgia is a country that adopted Christianity back in the 4th century, and throughout history (even in the Soviet period) managed to remain a confidently Orthodox country. For this reason, most of population in the country are extremely religious and observe the basic canons of faith.

Tsminda Samebe plays a huge role for Orthodox Georgia. Cathedral was built like main temple country for the 2000th anniversary of the birth of Christ, entirely through donations. Inside the temple is decorated with drawings and frescoes, and the floor is lined with mosaics. All the most important services are held in the temple. Around the temple there is a wonderful park with a pond where white and black swans live.

7. Mtskheta (about 20 km from Tbilisi)

Mtskheta– ancient city, which was the capital of the Kingdom of Kartli (the state on the site of which Georgia is now located) until the 5th century. The city is located in a lowland, on the way of the confluence of the legendary rivers - Kura and Aragvi. Many famous artists praised the beauty of the nature of these places.

So, the action of Lermontov's poem "Mtsyri", known to everyone since the school bench, takes place here. ancient heritage the city is felt in every stone. There is even a story that Mtskheta was founded by the descendants of Noah.

8. Svetitskhoveli

On the territory of Mtskheta stands one of the most important churches for Orthodox Christians - Svetitskhoveli. Before the construction of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, it was the largest Orthodox church. Svetitskhoveli is protected by UNESCO and is part of the monuments world heritage.

9.Jvari

The current temple and monastery of Jvari were also built in the vicinity of Mtskheta on the mountain. From the hill you can see the confluence of the rivers and the city of Mtskheta itself. The history of the temple is full of mysteries, to the extent that the exact date of construction is not clear. It is only known that in 545 a small church stood on the site of the current temple.

The temple itself is made of stone and has an extremely unusual architectural appearance, it differs from the churches we are used to.

10. Sighnaghi - the city of love (about 110 km from Tbilisi, Kakheti)

Sighnaghi became a city of love not so long ago, thanks to the plan for the transformation of Georgia put forward by Saakashvili. Until that moment, Sighnaghi was a charming ancient city with a miraculously preserved fortress wall. In addition, St. Nino, who baptized Georgia in the 4th century, is buried in its vicinity. But the most exciting thing about this place is the opening views of the Alazani Valley.

The Alazani Valley has its own specific microclimate, which allows local farmers to grow an unusual grape variety and produce wine from it that has no analogues in the world.

The very same city of love is a combination of Georgian-Italian architects. Small houses, narrow streets, paved roads and evening lighting create a feeling of romantic ease. It is here that lovers from all over Georgia come to legitimize their relationship or just to make beautiful photo shoots.

By the way, it is in Sighnaghi that the only 24-hour registry office in Georgia (perhaps in the whole of Transcaucasia) operates.