Tbilisi - Georgia - regions
Tbilisi is the capital and the largest city of Georgia, lying on the banks of the Mt’k’vari (Kura) River. The name is derived from an early Georgian form Tpilisi and it was officially known as Тифлис (Tiflis) in Russian, until 1936. The city covers an area of 726 kmІ (280.3 square miles) and has 1,093,000 inhabitants.
Tbilisi is the central focus of Georgian culture, located among green rolling hills along the River Mtkvari, and containing many beautiful architectural features – ancient churches, theaters, museums, and the unique area of Old Tbilisi. The ruins of a great castle overlook the city, behind which are the peaceful 150 year old Botanical Gardens. Alongside these historic monuments are modern hotels, shops, cafes, restaurants and all amenities.
Founded in the 5th century by Vakhtang Gorgasali, the Georgian King of Kartli (Iberia), and made into a capital in the 6th century. According to an old legend, the present-day territory of Tbilisi was covered by forests as late as 458 AD. One widely accepted variant of the legend of Tbilisi’s founding states that King Vakhtang I Gorgasali of Georgia went hunting in the heavily wooded region with a falcon (sometimes the falcon is either substituted by a hawk or other small birds of prey in the legend). The King’s falcon allegedly caught/injured a pheasant during the hunt, after which both birds fell into a nearby hot spring and died (from the burns received in the hot water). King Vakhtang became so impressed with the hot springs that he decided to cut down the forest and build a city on the location. The name Tbilisi derives from the Old Georgian word “Tpili”, meaning warm. The name Tbili or Tbilisi (“warm location”) therefore was given to the city because of the area’s numerous sulfuric hot springs that came out of the ground.
Today Tbilisi is a significant industrial, social, and cultural center. The city is also emerging as an important transit route for global energy and trade projects. Located strategically at the crossroads between Europe and Asia and lying along the historic Silk Road routes, Tbilisi has often been the point of contention between various rivaling powers and empires. The history of the city can be seen by its architecture, where the Haussmannized Rustaveli Avenue and downtown are blended with the narrower streets of the medieval Narikala district.
The demographics of the city is diverse and historically it has been home to peoples from different cultures, religions and ethnicities. Despite being overwhelmingly Orthodox Christian, Tbilisi is one of the few places in the world (Sarajevo and Paramaribo being another) where a synagogue and a mosque are located next to each other, in the ancient Bath district several hundred meters from the Metekhi Church. In recent times, Tbilisi has become known for the peaceful Rose Revolution, which took place around Freedom Square and nearby locations.
Notable tourist destinations include Tbilisi Sameba Cathedral, Freedom Square, Sioni Cathedral, Metekhi, Narikala, Parliament of Georgia, Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre, Anchiskhati Basilica, Mtatsminda (Holy Mountain), Kashveti Church along with the National and Historic Museums of Georgia and numbers of art galleries. Tbilisi is the home of famous artists. The city life was immortalized in their art by Niko Pirosmani and Lado Gudiashvili.
The architecture in the city is a mixture of local (Georgian), with strong influences of Byzantine, European/Russian (neo-classical), and Middle Eastern architectural styles. Many beautiful old buildings are now being renovated, and the numerous unique churches have been restored to their former glory. The oldest parts of town, including the Abanot-Ubani, Avlabari, and to a certain extent the Sololaki districts clearly have a traditional Georgian architectural look with Middle Eastern influences. The areas of Tbilisi which were built up mainly in the 19th century (Rustaveli Avenue, Vera district, etc.) have a contrasting European/Russian (neoclassical) look. The turn of the 20th century was marked with an architectural revival, notably, with an art nouveau style. With the establishment of the communist government the style was decreed as bourgeois and largely neglected. Architecture of the later 20th century can mainly be identified with the type of building style that was common during the Soviet Era throughout the Soviet Union.
This included building large, concrete apartment blocks as well as social, cultural, and office facilities which did not particularly fit Tbilisi’s landscape. Since the break-up of the Soviet Union, Tbilisi has been the site of uncontrolled/unsanctioned building projects. Since 2004, the city government has taken new initiatives to curb uncontrolled construction projects with mixed success. In the near future, Tbilisi will have two skyscraper complexes. The Axis Towers and the new Adjara Hotel/Business Complex (under construction) will be the tallest buildings/skyscrapers in the Caucasus.
There are international quality hotels, some of which are located in magnificently restored buildings, but with every modern facility. New and old cafes and restaurants offer Georgian and international cuisine with opportunities to taste the legendary Georgian wine and brandy.
In Tbilisi you have great opportunity to listen to the haunting polyphonic music, often sung by choirs with magnificent voices, sometimes during Georgian Orthodox Christian church ceremonies which all can attend. Georgia’s famous dance groups offer an exciting and totally different experience. Tbilisi has a world-famous Opera House, located on the main wide and impressive Rustaveli Avenue. Close by is the recently restored grand Rustaveli Theater performing works by Shakespeare and other international writers. Gracious, spacious Rustaveli Avenue and Rustaveli Theatre are named after one of Georgia’s most famous poets, the medieval creator of the legendary epic masterpiece, “The Knight in the Panther Skin”. Concerts are regularly performed in the Philharmonic Hall and the music Conservatoire.
There is also an excellent circus. Tbilisi has a unique puppet theatre, centrally locally and orchestrated by Reso Gabriadze’s team of master puppet-makers.
The old areas of Tbilisi are ideal for a walking exploration. Many of the houses date from the 19th century and have attractive balconies and beautiful wrought iron work. Galleries display paintings, ceramics and handicrafts. There are numerous museums, including the State, Ethnography and art Museums, containing unique artifacts and treasures, including brilliant medieval enamel work and gold collections. Of particular interest is the house of one of Georgia’s most famous painters, Elene Akhvlediani, on Akhvlediani Street.A new attraction is the recently opened “Tower” on Rike (left side of Old Tbilisi) A rotating cabin is connected to a 60 meter high structure and is moving constantly.
Construction was carried out by foreign experts. The “Tower” gives guests an opportunity to take a unique look at Tbilisi. At night the sparkling tower on the hillside above the city gives an added dimension to the floodlit castle and churches.Nightlife is most active on Perovskaya and J.Chardin Streets, where a number of international restaurants, clubs and bars with music are located
Georgian Tourist Board for more information, see internet site
www.georgia.travel