Old quarter in Tbilisi city, Georgia country

The Timeless Charm of Old Tbilisi

The historical part of Tbilisi, known as Old Tbilisi, encompasses several districts and settlements that were once referred to as Tiflis until 1936. These districts include Abanotubani, Kharpukhi, Kala, Isani-Avlabari, Sololaki, Mtatsminda, Vere, Ortachala, Chugureti, Didube, and Nadzaladevi.

Old quarter in Tbilisi city, Georgia country
Old quarter in Tbilisi city, Georgia country
Photo by depositphotos.com

Old Tbilisi is the main tourist attraction in Tbilisi, as it is home to most of the city’s sights. The district is notable for the functioning sulfur baths of Abanotubani and the bustling Sharden Street, filled with popular restaurants, open-air cafes, galleries, nightclubs, and more. The charming old architecture of wooden carved houses and balconies is also a major draw for visitors.

Old Tbilisi has been a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage Site recognition since 2007.

View of the Old Town of Tbilisi, Georgia after sunset
View of the Old Town of Tbilisi, Georgia after sunset
Photo by depositphotos.com

Tbilisi is one of the world’s oldest cities and has served as the capital of Iberia, as documented in ancient Georgian and foreign literature. The city was founded in the 4th century and became the capital of the Kingdom of Kartli in the 5th century under King Vakhtang Gorgasali. The city was divided into three parts – Tiflis, Kala, and Isni – and was divided by the Mtkvari River. Kala was confined to a fortress and was home to royal residences, palaces, churches, baths, and observatories. The northern slopes were occupied by monastic complexes, while the southern slopes housed a Royal Palace Garden. The city center was once in Kldisubani, but by the 19th century, it had moved to Sololaki.

Tbilisi Old Town is a maze of narrow streets located at the foot of the Narikala Fortress, with wooden balconies overlooking old brick homes. Hidden courtyards and climbing vines add to its charm, while some areas have been extensively renovated, giving a Disney-like appearance to certain streets. However, much of Old Town remains untouched, with cracks and crumbling walls adding to its real and picturesque atmosphere. The architecture is a blend of Asian and European styles, including classical Russian and Art Nouveau. The Abanotubani area, famous for its Sulphur Baths, is located on the northern edge. The main street, Kote Abkhazi, connects Meidani and Freedom Square. In the northeast, Chardeni is a lively neighborhood filled with bars, restaurants, cafes, and nightclubs. To the west, Old Town blends into Sololaki, a charming and photogenic area to explore.

Tbilisi is known for its rich urban customs, moral, aesthetic, and traditional qualities, and has always been a culturally and historically significant city.


Discover more from Tbilisi Tours

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Similar Posts

  • | |

    One Day Around Tbilisi: Betania, Kojori, Udzo

    Looking for a day trip from the capital where you can leave in the morning, see many interesting sights, and return by evening? We got a short list for you. To explore these locations, you’ll need to either rent a car or hire a taxi. 📍 Betania Monastery: This place is of exceptional beauty, with…

  • |

    Lagodekhi National Park and the Ninoskhevi Waterfall

    Lagodekhi National Park stretches along the borders of Russia and Azerbaijan. This unique microzone is nestled between snow-capped peaks and the dry Alazani Valley, creating a rare subtropical climate. The trail winds deep into the forest, where towering trees evoke the Ents from The Lord of the Rings. Along the way, you’ll pass babbling streams,…

  • |

    Gonio Fortress in Georgia: Ancient Roman Legacy Near Batumi

    Gonio is one of the oldest and largest fortresses in Georgia, located just 13 km from Batumi. What’s most remarkable is that this defensive structure managed to survive through four powerful empires: Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Russian. Another name for the fortress, “Gonio-Apsaros,” refers to the ancient Greek myth of the Argonauts. According to legend,…

  • |

    When Does the Ski Season Start in Gudauri?

    Statistics From Recent Years Temperatures in Tbilisi are still holding above 28°C (82°F), but as a famous TV series once said — winter is coming. In just about four months, the mountain resorts will be in full swing for skiers and snowboarders. For now, let’s take a look at some interesting statistics on Gudauri —…

  • Tskaltubo Bathhouse No. 8: The Soviet-Era Radon Spa Left in Ruins

    Bathhouse No. 8 in the resort park, resembling a flying saucer, looked very progressive for its time (built in 1959). While monumental sanatoriums like “Medea” were still being constructed, this building stood out with its functionalist design and completely unconventional forms. The interior, accessible through four entrances, was divided into quarters. Each of the four…

  • Where to Swim at the Tbilisi Sea: A Local Guide

    The Tbilisi Sea is a large artificial lake covering over 11 square kilometers. Locals call it a “sea” because of its impressive size and breezy coastline that resembles a real seaside. It stretches around 9 km long and 3 km wide, with a maximum depth of about 45 meters. In the summer, the water temperature…

2 Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *