General information about Tbilisi

Tbilisi is considered one of the largest cities in Georgia, its name translates as "warm spring". A settlement actually appeared there owing to the healing thermal mineral springs found by the ancient inhabitants of these territories. The city is located on the Kura river, in the heart of the country, covering the area of 726 sq. km, and currently is a home to over 1 million people.

What is the best time to visit Tbilisi?

Founded in the V century, Tbilisi invites modern tourists for a walk through the city sights and monuments preserved from various times. Almost no matter what time of year the traveler will choose to explore the capital of Georgia, this will not affect the quality of the vacation time.

The locality is spread in an area of moderate continental climate, so winters here are mild, quite dry, springs are very warm, and summers are hot. The optimal period for visiting Tbilisi is from April to June, and from September to October. However, one can also spend a great time here in any other months.

What are the tourist attractions in Tbilisi?

The city is divided into several districts. For visitors the most attractive one is the Old Tbilisi, the center of the ancient Tiflis, which appeared at this site back in the XII century. It retained the medieval features: narrow, winding paved streets, houses built of traditional materials, - bricks and clay.

Here is an architectural landmark of the Georgian capital, - the citadel of Narikala, its second name is "Impregnable" speaks for itself. It belongs to the ancient sights of Tbilisi, occupying an area on the Mount of Mtatsminda. At the foot of the defensive structures is the Botanical Garden, where one can see the remains of the thick fortress walls, and from the top one can enjoy the magnificent panoramic views of the city limits.

An important religious building of the Old Town is Anchiskhati, this is a name of a church consecrated in the honor of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. It was erected in the VI century when the settlement acquired the status of a capital. Throughout history, the temple was destroyed several times, but it was always restored again as a local symbolic site. It is best to visit this architectural and religious monument accompanied by a guide, as in its exterior it looks very modest.

The historic center of the capital has another religious building, which since its foundation has played a major role in the religious life of the city. The Sioni Cathedral (local name: Sioni) stands out on the banks of the Kura River; it was built in the VI century, had been destroyed and was rebuilt six centuries later. The main relic still stored in it is the cross that belonged to the holy Nina who introduced Christianity into Georgia.

What else to be visited in Tbilisi?

Sights and places of interest can be found in other parts of Tbilisi. For example, Mtatsminda located on the slopes of the mountain of the same name, will please visitors with its own Pantheon, the artifacts displayed in the National Museum, the original theatrical productions. Travelers love to walk on Rustaveli Avenue, where there are the Houses of Parliament, churches, souvenir shops and cozy Georgian restaurants.

In Avlabari one can visit the highest cathedral of the capital, Tsminda Sameba, translated as the Holy Trinity Cathedral. In addition to the building of the temple complex proper, the bell tower, the monastery and the residence of the Catholicos are located nearby. All of this causes an indescribable delight of tourists.