Old Tbilisi
Old Tbilisi is the historical core of the capital of Georgia. Its colorful neighborhoods are delineated roughly in the location where ancient Tiflis, founded back in the 5th century, was located in the Middle Ages. The ancient streets paved with cobblestones are always full of tourists, because most of the attractions of Tbilisi are concentrated in the Old Town. In almost every house located here guests can find cafes and atmospheric restaurants, wine stores, small hotels, souvenir stores, original museums or art galleries.
Video: Old Tbilisi
Contents- Highlights
- History of Old Tbilisi
- Sights
- Entertainment
Shopping - Cafes and restaurants
- Hotels in Old Tbilisi
- Practical information
- How to get there
Highlights
Old Tbilisi is located in the southeastern part of the city, in a mountain valley, on both banks of the Kura (Georgian name: “Mtkvari”). The valley is framed by rocky hills, creating a picturesque urban landscape. The highest of the surrounding mountains is Mtatsminda. Its name translates as “Holy Mountain”. The plateau on its top is 727 meters above sea level. There is a cable car line from the Old Town. You can also climb up the stairs laid on the slope. On Mtatsminda there is a pantheon of outstanding citizens of the country – politicians and scientists, poets and writers. The 275-meter Tbilisi TV Tower, one of the symbols of the capital, is built on the plateau.
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The historical center is home to well-restored blocks of ancient buildings, monuments of bygone eras. The oldest of them is Narikala Fortress, built to protect the valley in the first centuries AD. In Old Tbilisi, tourists can find atmospheric hotels, hundreds of restaurants and wine bars, theaters and museums are open, and many small stores are open.
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If you are lucky enough to be here in late October, you will find yourself in the epicenter of the grand festival Tbilisoba, founded in 1979 as a celebration of Old Tbilisi. The squares are set up with stages where folklore groups, singers and dance groups, rock bands from all over Georgia and foreign countries perform. Restaurants and cafes serve dishes cooked according to ancient recipes, and in the evenings festive fireworks shine over the city.
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