Peace Bridge in Tbilisi

Peace Pedestrian Bridge over the Kura River is one of the sights of the city of Tbilisi. In the capital of Georgia this spectacular structure was opened in the spring of 2010. The Peace Bridge connects the neighborhoods of Old Tbilisi located on the left bank of the river with the newly developed Rike Park on the right bank of the Kura River.

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Video: Peace Bridge

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Bridge architecture

The architectural appearance of the Peace Bridge is very unusual. It is crowned by an undulating marquee in the shape of a stretched Greek letter “omega”. In the evenings, when the spectacular backlighting of the structures is turned on, the bridge resembles waves splashed on both banks of the river and frozen, as if by magic. The name of the magician is known – it is the Italian architect and designer Michele de Lucchi, who created this amazing project that resembles a huge abstract sculpture.

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Peace Bridge Arch

How to get there

Peace Bridge is built in the center of Tbilisi, it is located between Metekhi Bridge and Baratashvili Bridge. You can reach it by metro (Avlabari station), or by city buses #31, 44, 50, 55, 71 and 80. You can get off at the stop “European Square” or at the stop “Sioni Church”, they are approximately equidistant from the bridge. From the Old Town side, the pedestrian street of Irakli II will lead you to the Peace Bridge.

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Sights nearby

From the Peace Bridge you can clearly see the elegant old Metekhi Church overlooking the Kura River in the Old Town. At its foot is an equestrian monument to King Vakhtang Gorgasal, the founder of Tbilisi. In this area, sights and monuments are found at every step.

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On the opposite side of the river, the Peace Bridge leads to Rike Park. From the park, a 600-meter cable car will take you to the hill where the ancient fortress of Narikala stands. The cost of a flight over Tbilisi in a transparent capsule is 2.50 GEL.

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Not far away, in the historical district of Avlabari rises the building of the residence of the President of Georgia, built in neoclassical style – columns, rustic, the central facade is marked by a portico. The building is crowned with a glass dome made of bent three-dimensional glass, these elements were manufactured in Germany. The residence was designed by Georgian and Italian architects, the works were completed in 2009. The facade of the building is decorated with mosaic panels reflecting the history of Georgia. Art compositions on the square in front of the entrance are dedicated to this theme. The work was done by designer Natalia Amirejibi de Pita. There is also a rotating tricolor monument representing the three branches of government. It was created by Princess Gabriela von Habsburg, the granddaughter of the last emperor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Charles I.

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Peace Bridge with a view of Narikala Fortress

Cafes and restaurants within walking distance

Hungry travelers will find many cafes and restaurants in the Peace Bridge area. Right in the building of the Caravanserai Museum near the Sioni Church on the banks of the Kura River is the Shukhman bar-restaurant with author’s Georgian cuisine. Sommelier helps guests to choose wine and appetizers. Wine tasting can be ordered (from 12 GEL). The cost of main courses is 20-23 GEL.

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‘ Tbilisi, Ambasadori Hotel Tbilisi 5* (17 Shavteli Street). Here a chic casino is open 24 hours a day, there are several restaurants and bars. The hotel offers a swimming pool, spa and fitness center, sauna and hamam. Many sights of Tbilisi are visible from the windows. The cost of accommodation is 90-232 € per room per night.

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On the left bank of the Kura River, in the Old Town, in a historic building on a picturesque cobblestone street, there is a stylish Vinotel 4*. The house once belonged to a famous wine merchant in Tbilisi, and wine cellars have been preserved here. The conceptual project of the hotel is conceived in the form of an old Georgian manor. There are only 13 rooms, all of them decorated luxuriously, stylishly, furnished with antique furniture of the century before last. The restaurant’s chef is known as a master of Georgian dishes, from khachapuri with cheese to juicy kebabs and thick kharcho. The hotel organizes tastings of Georgian wines, the sommelier recommends drinks, the feast is conducted by a toastmaster, and you will listen to Georgian songs over a horn of wine. In summer the tables are set on the terrace in the garden. The cost of accommodation is 82-163 € per day.

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In walking distance from the Peace Bridge there are also modern chain hotels, for example Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel 5* (1 Rose Revolution Square), the cost of accommodation – 118-308 € per day.

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