Capital Tbilisi | თბილისი

All regions of Georgia

Where is Tbilisi

Location

The capital Tbilisi / Tbilissi is located in eastern Georgia and is picturesquely situated between the banks of the Mtkvari river. In the north, it extends to the foothills of the Saguramo Mountains, in the east it borders the northwestern part of the Iori Plateau, and in the west it nestles against the foothills of the Trialeti Mountains. Tbilisi is divided into several districts for administrative purposes, including Gldani, Didube, Vake, Isani, Krtsanisi, Mtatsminda, Nadzaladevi, Saburtalo, Samgori and Chugureti. The Mtkvari river forms the main urban waterway.

Geography

Once the plains of Tbilisi were covered by dense oak and hornbeam forests, but over time these forests around Tbilisi were cleared to make way for the growing city. The adjacent plains, hills and mountain slopes are now covered with Paliurus forests, tiered vegetation and artificial plants. The capital Tbilisi is characterised by significant geographical features such as lakes, gorges and small rivers. The area of the Tbilisi National Park is densely forested.

Climate

The climate in Tbilisi is generally subtropical and semiarid, with hot summers and cold winters. The average air temperature in July is +24.4 °C and in January +0.9 °C. Sulphurous thermal water springs up in various places in the historic districts of Tbilisi and is an important mineral for the city.

History

Etymology

The city known today as Tbilisi was originally called Tphilisi, as can be seen from early Georgian written records about the ‘Conversion of Kartli’. This name was also used for the capital of Georgia in the neighbouring languages. In Greek texts from the Byzantine period, the city appears as ‘Tiflis/Tifliza’ (Greek Τιφλίδα), while in Latin it is mentioned as ‘Triphelis’, ‘Tiphlitana’ and ‘Tephlis’.

The Russian name ‘Тифлис’ reflects the Persian and Turkish variant – Tiflis – and was used until 17 August 1936, when the Soviet government decided to introduce a new form of the city’s name, namely Tbilisi. However, the old Georgian name was retained for some time. Finally, in 1937, the city’s current name, Tbilisi, was officially adopted. However, the name Tbilisi is still used in European languages.

The Legend of  Tbilisi

One day, Vakhtang Gorgasali went hunting near Tbilisi with a large group of hunting companions. The hunting assistants pursued one pheasant, while Vakhtang’s hunting companions chased the other pheasant. Soon both birds were out of sight. The hunters followed their tracks and finally came to a place where a hot spring was gently splashing.

There they saw an unusual sight: the two birds had fallen into the hot water and were splashing around happily. The hunters told the king that the warm water had healing powers. It seems that the king did not hesitate for long, because he liked this place. He ordered a city to be built and named it after the warm water: Tbilisi.

Key historical passages

The history of Tbilisi is a legend based on a true story. The area was first settled in the Early Bronze Age (4th millennium BC) and was an important centre of the Georgian culture from the 4th century BC until the 7th century AD. Until the end of the 4th century, it was the residence of the Persian representative Pitiakhsh. In the 5th century, the city was rebuilt by Vakhtang I Gorgasali, who had a vision of making the city the capital, but was wounded in a battle against the Persians. His son Dacho realised this vision and Tbilisi became the capital of Georgia. However, Vakhtang Gorgasali is considered the founder of the city.

The oldest settlement was built around the sulfur springs, which are now the famous sulfur baths. Thanks to its location, Tbilisi became an important centre in the Middle East with trade routes to Eastern Transcaucasia and the Near East. Until the 7th century, the city was the scene of military conflicts.

In the 7th and 8th centuries, the city was conquered by the Arabs and remained under Arab rule until it was liberated by David IV. Aghmashenebeli in the first half of the 12th century. Tbilisi became the capital of unified Georgia. After the division of Georgia in 1490, it became the political centre of the Kingdom of Kartli.

In 1735, Nader Shah conquered the city, which was liberated by Erekle II in 1748. Under Erekle II, Tbilisi experienced a period of prosperity. This was followed by terrible events, such as the destruction by Shch abas at the end of the 18th century. In 1801, the Russian army marched in, dissolved the Kingdom of Kakheti and made Tbilisi the capital of the First Republic of Georgia.

In 1921, Russian-communist troops conquered Tbilisi and Georgia became communist. Tbilisi remained the capital of socialist Georgia until today.

Travel tips for the capital Tbilisi

Sights and activities

Cultural sights

• Old town of Tbilisi: The historic old town of Tbilisi includes attractions such as the Sulphur Baths, the Narikala Fortress, the Metekhi Church and characteristic architecture. A three-hour city tour offers stories and legends about the city as well as the opportunity to experience its beauty – an absolute highlight for visitors.
• Anchiskhati Church: Built in the 6th century, Anchiskhati Basilica is one of the oldest structures in Tbilisi. It took its name in the 17th century and is dedicated to the Holy Cross.
• History of Georgia: The ‘Georgian Chronicle’ monument on Temka shows historical scenes, religious stories and Georgian literature. Next to a church, it offers visitors a unique view.
• Mother of Georgia and Viewpoint: The monumental statue symbolises the history of Tbilisi. It can be reached on foot or by cable car and offers panoramic views of the city.
• Sameba/Trinity Cathedral: Inaugurated in 2004, the cathedral celebrates the 1500th anniversary of the autocephaly of the Georgian Orthodox Church and the 2000th anniversary of the birth of Christ. It was financed by private donations and is a masterpiece of the architect Archil Mindiashvili.
• Cable car: The Rike cable car connects the Narikala fortress with Rike Park and offers breathtaking views of Tbilisi.
• Peace Bridge: A symbol of the renewed Tbilisi, the Peace Bridge connects Mtkvari Erekle II Street with Rike. It was designed by Michele de Luca and offers a fascinating view of the city at night.
• Museums and galleries: Tbilisi is home to several museums, including the Georgian National Museum, the Art Museum, the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum, the Silk Museum, the Blue Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art.

Natural sights

• Kus-Tba Lake (Turtle Lake): Kus-Tba Lake is located southwest of the city centre on the northern slope of the Mtatsminda Mountains. The well-organised lake is a venue for sporting events, offers a summer bathing season and enables boat trips. The area around the lake is suitable for hiking with impressive views of the city.
• Lake Lisi: Lake Lisi, located in the northwest of the city, lies between 615 and 730 metres above sea level. It is a popular recreational area with fascinating wildlife, 3 km of hiking and biking trails, café-bars, children’s and sports fields. The lake also offers activities such as bike rental, a climbing wall for children, a sunbathing beach and picnic areas in a wooded setting. The lake is popular with water sports enthusiasts and anglers, and there is also a sulphur bath nearby.
• Lake Tbilisi: Lake Tbilisi is an important recreational area in the capital of Georgia. There is a yacht club, the Gino Paradise water park with open and covered pools, attractions and a wellness centre. In summer, the lake is ideal for swimming and enjoying the outdoors.
• Tbilisi National Park: Tbilisi National Park is located in eastern Georgia at an altitude of 600 to 1700 metres above sea level. Visitors can choose from a variety of routes for horse riding, hiking or driving and explore historical and cultural monuments as well as a rich fauna with rare species. Camping sites offer overnight accommodation.
• Tbilisi Botanical Garden: Also known as the National Botanical Garden of Georgia, the Tbilisi Botanical Garden is located in the Sololaki Mountains. It is an ideal place for relaxation and extreme sports, with roses, lilacs, a Japanese garden, waterfall, pavilions and viewpoints. A popular place for a range of interests and enjoyable leisure activities.

Activities

• Cultural tours: Tbilisi is a true paradise for culture lovers, as Western and Eastern cultures meet here. Orthodox, Catholic and Armenian churches, synagogues and mosques have peacefully coexisted for centuries. In addition to the architectural attractions, such as the floating or European buildings from the 19th century, there are numerous museums, galleries and private artist exhibitions for culture lovers. The National Museum of Georgia, the Art Museum and the ‘Blue Gallery’ painting gallery attract many visitors.
• Hiking: Tbilisi offers numerous hiking opportunities in and around the city. There are beautiful routes for day hikes, such as from Kust Bta to the Sacred Mountain or from Zkneti to the Sacred Mountain. Other beautiful routes lead around the Lisi Lakes, from Dighomi to Chili Lake and back. Tbilisi National Park is also a great place for hiking.
• Cable car: Tbilisi has a total of two cable cars and a narrow-gauge railway. The most famous cable car is located at Europaplatz and leads to the Narika Fortress, from where you can take a nice walk to the Mother George Monument and back. During the cable car ride, you will cross the Kura River and enjoy views of the old town. Another cable car in Vake leads to Kus Tba. The narrow-gauge railway takes visitors up to the Holy Mountain.
• Boat trip: On the Kura River, several boats offer 30-minute trips where you can admire the old town from the water.
• Sulphur baths: The sulphur baths have been a well-known attraction in Tbilisi since the city was founded. There are several sulphur baths that can be visited without prior reservation or with a reservation. Reservation is recommended.
• Horseback riding: In Tbilisi there are some hippodromes with good horses that offer rides and small exercises for beginners.

Tours in Tbilisi

Go to the next topic ⇒  ADJARA

Contact