Clock Tower
One of old Tbilisis most emblematic structures is one of its newest – the higgledy-piggledy clock tower, like something out of a fairy tale, outside the Gabriadze puppet theatre. Built by puppet master Rezo Gabriadze during a renovation of his theatre a few years ago, it evokes the
Funicular
The ride up Mt Mtatsminda on the recently reconstructed Funicular is spectacular, as are the views from the top – and the Funicular Complex restaurant building has a couple of great places to eat or drink. Its also usually several degrees cooler up here than in the city below, whic
Metekhi Church
The landmark Metekhi Church, and the 1960s equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali beside it, occupy the strategic rocky outcrop above the Metekhi Bridge. This is where Vakhtang Gorgasali built his palace, and the site’s first church, when he made Tbilisi his capital in the 5t
Svaneti History & Ethnography Museum
Mestia’s excellent main museum ranges over church treasures, manuscripts, weaponry, jewellery, musical instruments and historical photos – all well displayed, and labelled in English and Georgian – but the biggest highlight is the room of wonderful 10th-to-14th-century icons from S
Narikala Fortress
Dominating the Old Town skyline, Narikala dates right back to the 4th century, when it was a Persian citadel. The choice way to reach it is by cable car from Rike Park. Or you can walk up from Meidan. The views over Tbilisi from the top of the fortress are superb. Most of the walls
Museum of Georgia
The major highlight of the impressive main national museum is the Archaeological Treasury, displaying a wealth of pre-Christian gold, silver and precious-stone work from burials in Georgia going back to the 3rd millennium BC. Most stunning are the fabulously detailed gold adornment
Bagrati Cathedral
From the Jachvis Khidi (Chain Bridge), you can walk up cobbled streets to the stately Bagrati Cathedral on Ukimerioni Hill. The cathedral was built in 1003 by Bagrat III, with a tall drum and pointed dome resting on four free-standing pillars. In 1692 a Turkish explosion brought do
Jvari Church
Visible for miles around on its hilltop overlooking Mtskheta from the east, Jvari is, to many Georgians, the holiest of holies. It stands where King Mirian erected a wooden cross soon after his conversion by St Nino in the 4th century. Between 585 and 604 Stepanoz I, the eristavi (
Batumi Boulevard
Everyone soon finds themselves strolling along Batumis bulvari, the park strip fronting the main beach, originally laid out in 1884 and now stretching 6km along the coast. With its trees, paths, fountains, cafes, beach bars and a few quirky attractions, this is the life and soul of
Tsminda Sameba Church
This 14th-century church above Kazbegi at 2200m has become almost a symbol of Georgia for its incomparably photogenic hilltop setting with mighty Mt Kazbek rising behind it, and the fierce determination involved in building it on such a lofty, isolated perch. A rough, circuitous 6k
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
This grand (and for its time, enormous) building dates from the 11th century, early in the golden age of Georgian church architecture. It has an elongated cross plan and is adorned with beautiful stone carving outside and in. Christ’s robe is believed to lie beneath the central nav
Vardzia
The remarkable cave city of Vardzia is a cultural symbol with a special place in Georgian hearts. King Giorgi III built a fortification here in the 12th century, and his daughter, Queen Tamar, established a cave monastery that grew into a holy city housing perhaps 2000 monks, renow
Chavchavadze Estate
Prince Alexander Chavchavadze (1786–1846) was one of the most colourful and influential characters in Georgian history, and the palace and gardens he created at Tsinandali are a dont-miss stop on any Kakheti tour. The palace tour takes you around half a dozen rooms restored in 19th
Stalin Museum
The museum makes no serious attempt to present a balanced account of Stalins career or deeds. It remains, much as when it opened in 1957, a reverent homage to the Gori boy who became a key figure of 20th-century world history – although guides do now at least refer to the purges, t
Udabno Monastery
Udabno comprises a series of caves along a steep escarpment looking down to grassy plains in Azerbaijan. Some contain fascinating frescoes painted in the 10th to 13th centuries. The exact line of the Georgia–Azerbaijan border up here has not yet been finally demarcated, and you may
Gelati Monastery
Georgians have always had a talent for choosing beautiful locations for their churches and this famous monastery complex, on a wooded hillside 8km northeast of Kutaisi, is an outstanding example. Gelati was a cultural hub of Georgias medieval golden age, and many Georgian rulers we
Doing business & staying in touch while in Georgia
Georgia: Doing business & staying in touch
Georgia Weather, Climate and Geography
Georgia Weather, climate and geography
Georgia History, Language and Culture
Georgia History, Language and Culture
Georgia Travel Guide and Travel Information
Georgia Travel Guide
Duty Free Exemptions for Traveling in Italy: What You Can Bring Home Without Paying an Import Tax
Vegas Dining News: Mario Batali, Wolfgang Puck and RUB BBQ
Urban Beach Cinema at Madrid’s Conde Duque
Australia road trips to natural wonders: Seven wonders, by the road
The Pierre Hotel’s Grand Reopening
Chorrillos