Arch of Friendship of Peoples
The Arch of Friendship of Peoples in Georgia is a curious architectural landmark located below the Cross Pass, not far from the ski complex in the resort village of Gudauri. The monument, opened in 1983 and restored in 2017, is dedicated to the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of St. George, which approved the transition of the eastern Georgian kingdom of Kartli-Kakheti under the protectorate of the Russian Empire. The monumental structure is decorated with a multifigure mosaic panel. It is not only a remarkable architectural object, but also a popular panoramic location, offering views of the majestic Caucasus Mountains and the vast valley.
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Video: Friendship of Peoples Arch in Georgia
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Highlights
The Arch of Friendship of Peoples in Georgia, located near a busy highway, does not go unnoticed by tourists traveling along the Military-Georgian Road, which is in the north of the country. Harmoniously blended into the landscape, it is a low construction in the form of a horizontally placed horseshoe. The half-circle gap faces the highway.
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The arch is constructed of concrete and brick. It is executed in a manner popular during the Soviet era, when monumental panels were often used in decoration. The entire inner circumference of the monument is covered with mosaic compositions dedicated to significant events in the history of Georgia and Russia. The guides tell in detail about what exactly the individual images represent.
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In the center, between the man-made compositions, there is a quote from Shota Rustaveli’s poem “The Knight in the Tiger’s Skin”. It is duplicated in Russian and Georgian languages and reflects the author’s thoughts on the value of friendship. The author of the monument project was architect Giorgi Chakhava. Famous muralists Zurab Kapanadze, Zurab Lezhava and Nodar Malazonia worked on the mosaic panel.
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The Arch of Friendship of Peoples is located at a height of 2384 meters, and the structure itself does not exceed 10 meters in height. The monument is erected on a semi-circular decorative arcade with balconies overhanging the abyss. The open space is limited by a metal fence that ensures safety. The balconies offer mesmerizing panoramas of the Caucasus ridges and the picturesque intermountain valley. A small man-made reservoir belonging to the fish farm is also visible from there.
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Spectacular angles for photos are available on each of the balconies of the arch. You can also walk around the monument on the right side and emerge onto a path leading to a rock ledge overhanging the cliff. This small vantage point provides an opportunity for extreme photos, but extreme care must be taken not to stumble.
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Practical information
A paved path leads from the highway to the monument. Nearby there are several small cafes and shops selling small souvenirs. There is also a parking lot. During the day it is usually full, and many drivers leave their cars on the gravel roadside.
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At the entrance to the Arch of Friendship of Peoples, local merchants offer tourists paragliding flights over the mountains, horseback riding. In winter, snowmobile rides are popular here. It is more convenient to pay in local currency – 200 GEL for two people (72,24 €).
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Visiting the monument is part of a popular one-day bus tour from Tbilisi, which includes a tour of notable places near the Georgian Military Road. Among them are the medieval citadel of Ananuri, Sioni temple, Jinvali reservoir, ancient churches of Kazbegi.
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How to get there
The Friendship of Peoples Arch in Georgia is located 120 km north of Tbilisi. Only 4 kilometers separate it from the ski resort of Gadauri, and this is the closest settlement to the monument. The resort area of Stepantsminda with the village of the same name is located 28 km away from the monument. This area is also known by its old name – “Kazbegi”.
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From the capital of Georgia you can get to the monument as part of a tour group, as well as by cab (29-35 €) or marshrutka (6-7 €). It is most convenient to choose a shuttle bus running between Tbilisi and Stepantsminda. The transportation departs from the bus station at the metro station “Didube”. The driver should be asked in advance to stop at the arch. The schedule of flights changes every season.
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You can also choose the route Tbilisi – Gadauri. Buses depart in this direction from the bus station “Ortachala”, the main transportation hub of the capital, located in its old part. Intercity buses do not stop at the monument, and from Gadauri you will have to walk or hope for a hitchhiker. In the winter season, freeride enthusiasts vacationing in this ski resort can descend to the monument along the mountain slopes.
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