Antique and modern, European and Asian, calm and vivacious, Tbilisi is a place which possesses all those epithets. Built around 5th century A.D, Tbilisi is capital of Georgia for more than 1000 years. Actually, there are not many cities around the world where you can find Georgian Orthodox church, Armenian-Georgian church, Roman Catholic church, a Jewish synagogue, a mosque and a Zoroastrian temple not so far from one another.
Although it is a capital city, the inhabitants are very hospitable. The people are generous and often rent their rooms free of charge for tourists, and very often the taxi drivers won’t accept money from them. “The visitor is sent by God” – they say.
The Kura is an east-flowing river, dividing the city in two parts, giving it a metropolitan charm. The most interesting places are the old town and the city center. The city is characterized by gradient streets, traditional houses with wooden terraces and historical sulfur baths. The ancient fortress of Narikala (built around 4th century A.D) will make you feel like you are visiting a medieval city, along the big number of churches around.
While you are visiting the old town, do not forget to visit a traditional restaurant and taste their authentic food. Also, you will have the opportunity to taste their amazing wine, for they have a very long tradition of wine production.
If you are looking for the elite-restaurants and bars, you should visit the Chardin street, also knows as “Little Paris”. There you can find the current politician, music stars and sports players.
The architecture is balanced between old town’s medieval buildings and city center’s modern buildings, such as “The Dry Bridge”. Tbilisi’s modern pearl is the Rustaveli Avenue, where you can find the Moorish Opera House and the Parliament building. On the other side of the river you can visit the biggest orthodox church in the World (with space for more than 15.000 guests), the cathedral Sameba, which means The Holy Trinity.
Few other places you can visit as well:
-Svetitskhoveli Cathedral – an iconic 11th century orthodox cathedral, featuring a 4th century baptismal font.
-Jvari – 6th century mountaintop monastery, recognized as World Heritage site by UNESCO.
-Bridge of Peace – a modern pedestrian bridge, placed over the Kura river.
-Kartlis Deda – erected on the top of Sololaki hill in 1958, it is a monument celebrating the 1500th birthday of the city.
-The National Botanical Garden
-Mtatsminda Park – a landscaped park looking over Tbilisi. The park has roller-coaster, water slides and many more amusements.
-Art Museum of Georgia – a museum representing Georgian, Russian and Eastern art.
-Kus Tba – a “turle lake” placed in the periphery of the city.
-Anchiskhati Basilica – the oldest serving church in Tbilisi, built circa 6th century
-Tbilisi Open Air Museum of Ethnography – a museum representing examples of folk architecture from various regions of the country.
Overall, Tbilisi offers everything you want to see in a place you are visiting: history, culture, tasty food, amazing wine and hospitable nation. So, do not miss stand the chance to be enchanted by its beauty.