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Asia Georgia Tbilisi Do & See Narikala Fortress

Overview

Narikala Fortress

The guide was updated: 2024-09-17

This ancient fortress sits on top of a hill right next to the National Botanical Garden and enjoys an unrivalled view over the city. For this reason it had been a key strategic point in the city's defence for many centuries, until it was almost destroyed in an earthquake in 1827. Visitors can reach the fortress on foot or with the new cable car from Rike Park.

Useful Information

Address: Narikala Hill, Tbilisi

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Metekhi Church

Metekhi Church

Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, this charming little church overlooks the city from a steep cliff on the left bank of the Kura river. Throughout its history, the church was destroyed and rebuilt several times and is now one of the most important landmarks of Tbilisi. Outside the church stands the equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, the city's founder.

Dedaena park

Dedaena park

Right beside the Dry Bridge market sits Dedaena park, the hangout spot for the city's young and hip. On sunny days the lawns fill up with groups of people enjoying fresh air. The park has been fully renovated and now features a skate park and several bars.

Tbilisi Skybridge

Tbilisi Skybridge

Even though Georgians are not the biggest fans of their Soviet heritage, this great example of Tbilisi 70s brutalism must not be missed. Built on steep slopes in Nutsubidze street, it is one of the quirkiest constructions you will ever see. The three apartment blocks are connected by a bridge that goes through them. From the sky bridge, you can also see a nice view of the residential parts of Tbilisi. Once you are up and walk through the bridge, turn right and take a walk down the winding streets and admire a Caucasian architectural know-how: semi-legal additions to residential blocks of all shapes, sizes and materials.

Mtatsminda Park

Mtatsminda Park

Mtatsminda Park is a landscaped amusement park located at the top of Mount Mtatsminda at the hight of 770 metres. The giant ferris wheel and the old Soviet TV-tower are can be spotted from most places in the city. You can hike up one of the trails or ride a renovated funicular car.

Chronicle of Georgia

Chronicle of Georgia

The Chronicle of Georgia is a bombastic, sci-fi looking monument near the Tbilisi sea. It was created by Zurab Tsereteli in 1985, but was never fully finished. The 16 30–35-metre-tall pillars features kings, queens and heroes while the bottom part depict stories from the life of Christ. Combine it with a beach day on the lake and grab a picnic basket.

Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi

Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi

Although relatively new, the Cathedral of Tbilisi is absolutely spectacular. Colloquially known as Sameba, Georgian for 'Trinity,' the construction is a traditional Georgian cross-dome construction with strong Byzantine undertones. This enormous cathedral towers over the city from its perch on the Ilya Hill and offers a spectacular view. Come here just before sunset for optimal lighting.

Narikala Fortress

Narikala Fortress

This ancient fortress sits on top of a hill right next to the National Botanical Garden and enjoys an unrivalled view over the city. For this reason it had been a key strategic point in the city's defence for many centuries, until it was almost destroyed in an earthquake in 1827. Visitors can reach the fortress on foot or with the new cable car from Rike Park.

Bridge of Peace

Bridge of Peace

The Bridge of Peace was built in 2010 and connects the old town with Rike Park on the other side of the Kura River. This bow-shaped pedestrian bridge is a marvel of modern architecture, a blend of steel and glass that shines with countless lights during the night. The bridge also offers a majestic view over the Metekhi Church and the Narikala Fortress.

Anchiskhati Basilica

Anchiskhati Basilica

Though some parts of it were renovated, or even added throughout history, Anchiskhati Basilica still remains the oldest church in Tbilisi, dating back to the sixth century. The church is adorned with icons and holy images and in some spots, a few of the original frescoes are still visible.

Sulphur Baths

Sulphur Baths

The sulphur baths in Tbilisi are world-famous, in fact the whole city was built on top of thermal springs, with hot water reaching up to 40-50 degrees. There are different baths with different prices, from the cheaper shower rooms to the more expensive private rooms with sauna and massage.

Rike Park

Rike Park

Among both locals and tourists Rike Park has become one of the most important meeting points and recreational areas of Tbilisi, a place to relax and stroll around in tranquillity. Rike Park also hosts the main terminal of the cable car that leads to the Narikala Fortress and the two modern tube-shaped buildings that are the new Concert Hall and Exhibition Centre.

Georgian National Museum

Georgian National Museum

The Georgian National Museum is the product of the unification of several museums and research centres that hosts various exhibitions, both temporary and permanent, from archaeological treasures to modern art collections and cultural exhibits.

Liberty Square

Liberty Square

Liberty Square is a focal point in Tbilisi and even though it changed names multiple times during its history, it is now a symbol of the Georgian struggle for freedom and independence. In the centre of the square stands the Freedom Monument, a white column with a golden statue on top depicting St George, the patron saint of Georgia.

National Botanical Garden

National Botanical Garden

The National Botanical Garden of Georgia in Tbilisi covers an area of 161 hectares in the foothills behind Narikala Fortress and contains a collection of over 4,500 different plant groups. An arched bridge built over a waterfall provides a magnificent view on the Tsavkisistskali river and the garden.

Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theatre

Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theatre

Founded by the famous Georgian artist and writer Revaz 'Rezo' Gabriadze, this small puppet theatre has become a staple in the city's cultural life. The theatre offers various plays such as 'The Autumn of Our Springtime' and 'The Battle of Stalingrad' and even has a little cafe out front. Next to it is the so called Leaning Tower, a curious clock tower that was designed to look like it's about to fall down. Visitors are advised to check for availability as the theatre has a limited capacity.

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