Thanks to several invasions, Georgia’s capital city Tbilisi was completely destroyed and rebuilt around 30 times. Weaving together its past, present and future is an astounding fusion of architectural styles to appreciate and be inspired by.
Set between the Caucasus Mountains and the Black Sea and bordered by Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia, Georgia is an exceptional blend of Europe and Asia. Heart-wrenching and heroic in equal parts, the country’s tumultuous history comes alive in its architectural diversity. Think crumbling brick residences, ornate Art Nouveau mansions that double as speakeasies, ancient castles, medieval churches and wine-making monasteries standing side by side with jaw-dropping modern structures that showcase a whacky use of metal, glass and geometric patterns, and bridges and airport terminals that look like abstract art sculptures. However, what flows through it all is Georgian vernacular and energy, and the country’s effort to find a balance between preserving its rich heritage and embracing innovation.
Old City Panorama.Lals Stock
If you’re someone who chases art, design and architecture wherever you go, Georgia’s capital city Tbilisi will bowl you over. A crossroads of civilisations and an outpost on the Silk Road, the city is exploding with vibrant history, hidden spots, and compelling stories.
Saunter The Alleyways Of The Old District
Tbilisi is a city where quintessential European elegance and romance meet modernist, big-city glamour. Begin your adventure with long walks in the maze-like, atmospheric Old Town with streets radiating from the Freedom Square.
Observe the Old City Wall ruins on Pushkin Street before making your way to Alexandre Dumas Street 17 with centuries-old dilapidated houses awaiting refurbishment. It’s tough to believe that many still have lavish interior decoration, rich tapestry, stunning stained-glass windows, metal details, and more. Don’t miss the pretty ceramic signs on some streets.
Reflecting Tbilisi’s rhythm and communal character are apartments with brightly painted, intricately carved wooden balconies, a mishmash of laundry lines, Italy-style courtyards dressed with wine trellises and flowering plants and a well as a source of fresh water. This courtyard culture dates back to Soviet times when large buildings were sectioned into smaller homes to accommodate the influx of Georgian families from rural areas.