Located on the banks of the Kura River, Tbilisi City Centre sprawls around a cobblestoned old town at the heart of the Georgian capital. It was founded in the 5th century by Vakhtang I of Iberia and was sought after by global powers throughout the centuries due to its proximity to the Silk Road.
Things to do in Tbilisi City Centre
Watching over Tbilisi City Centre is Narikala, an ancient fortress built under the reign of King Varaz-Bakur in the 4th century. Many of the existing fortifications date from the 16th and 17th centuries and offer sweeping views across Tbilisi. Be sure to visit St Nicholas Church, which is adorned with frescoes depicting Biblical scenes.
Archaeological findings and artefacts of historical significance are showcased at the Simon Janashia Museum of Georgia, which is one of several institutions managed by the Georgian National Museum. It lies adjacent to the Georgian Museum of Fine Arts, which houses an outstanding collection of works by modern and contemporary Georgian artists. Zurab Tsereteli is celebrated at the nearby gallery of MoMA Tbilisi.
One of Tbilisi’s most important religious landmarks is the Zion Cathedral, which was originally built in the 6th century and has been reconstructed several times since. It features two freestanding bell towers, one of which is designed in a Russian Neoclassical style. A short walk from the Zion Cathedral is the Bridge of Peace, a steel and glass monument that is particularly impressive when illuminated at night.
Getting around Tbilisi City Centre
Tbilisi International Airport is a 20-minute drive from the city centre and has flights to destinations across Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East. Inter-city trains connect to the Tbilisi Central railway station while subway services stop at Liberty Square. Buses travel throughout Tbilisi City Centre, connecting most of its attractions.