Georgian architecture refers to styles of architecture including castles, towers, churches and fortifications. Medieval Georgian castles can be seen in Shatili (in Khevsureti) and fortifications in the Upper Svaneti. Most Georgian churches are related to Byzantine architecture but the style developed in Georgia during the 9th century. Nowadays, tourists can meet the mix of every architectural style in Georgia, especially in Tbilisi. It’s also worth taking a look at old Georgian houses in the West of Georgia, which are called Oda.
While in many regions the ancient architecture has mostly stayed untouched, Tbilisi has suffered serious changes. Despite this, its architecture is still incredibly interesting. It is an authentic combination of European and Asian cultures. Here you can find sulphur baths, contemporary skyscrapers, Soviet-era buildings, and traditional Georgian houses with colorful and authentic balconies. A stylistic variety of architecture is guaranteed! Visit Tbilisi and discover your favorites. But before you do, take a look at the ones we think are a must on your list. The following are our must-see list for anyone visiting Tbilisi:
Bank of Georgia Headquarters
Photo Source: Georgian Holidays
Built in 1975 by architects Giorgi Chakhava and Zurab Jalaghania, the former Ministry of Highway Construction, has been the Bank of Georgia headquarters since 2007. This 18-storey building cannot be missed and has never been. Named as one of the best examples of constructivism style, this building has been granted an Immovable Monument status under the National Monuments Acts. The structure consists of interlocking concrete forms – two-storey horizontal parts are placed on top of each other in the form of a grid. The design is based on a concept named the Space City method, which means covering less ground and giving the space below the building back to nature, allowing the forest to grow within and around the structure – a perfect balance between nature and urban space.
Writers’ House
Photo Source: Itinari
Among Tbilisi’s distinguished buildings that have endured over the centuries is the Writer’s House of Georgia – a perfect blend of European and Georgian architectural styles. The Art-Nouveau mansion once belonged to David Sarajishvili – a famous philanthropist, founder of Georgian brandy production and Doctor of chemistry and philosophy – who commissioned the construction of the house for the 25th anniversary of his wedding in 1905. German architect Carl Zaar, in collaboration with Aleksander Ozerov and Korneli Tatishev, planned the building, whilst the exquisite wooden interior belongs to the Georgian craftsman Ilia Mamatsashvili. The terrace of the house is designed using ceramic tiles from the famous Villeroy & Boch Company. The tiles, with similar forms and patterns, were an extreme rarity and were produced only through special orders. Since the day of its construction, this building has been an important center of the city’s cultural life and still continues to be a place where writers and artists actively involve themselves in artistic processes.
Tbilisi State Opera House
Photo Source: ATINATI
When we talk about the most impressive and beautiful theatres, it is impossible not to mention Tbilisi State Opera House. Its architecture and interior has been changed several times, but has never lost its attractiveness. Tbilisi State Opera House is still undoubtedly one of the most elegant and fascinating theatrical constructions. The famous French writer Alexandre Dumas, who visited Tbilisi in 1858, dedicated a whole chapter to the Opera theatre in his book: “I must confess that as soon as I entered the lobby I was astonished by the simple and refined style of the ornament. I had a feeling as I entered the lobby of the Pompey Theatre… We entered the hall… I can say without hesitation that I, in my entire life, have never seen such a delightful hall…” On October 11, 1874 Tbilisi Opera House was destroyed by a fire. In 1896 the construction of the new Opera House, designed by the architect Victor Schröter, was finished. Unfortunately, at an interval of a century, in 1973 another fire destroyed almost the whole interior of the building. In 1978, the theatre was restored to its original form by architects Leri Medzmariashvili and Murtaz Chachanidze. The creators of the reconstruction succeeded in maintaining the Eastern, pseudo-Moorish style of the building. Six rehearsal halls were made (three of them for ballet, two for operas and one for orchestras). Another huge project set out to repair the theatre building in 2010. Parts of the building were changed and renewed, but the most impressive fact was that the garden around the theatre became larger. The iconic stage curtain created by Sergo Kobuladze in 1960, which was burned in the fire, returned to the stage renewed. Along with the marvelous architecture, you can enjoy various performances at Tbilisi State Opera House.
Rustaveli Theater
Photo Source: Advantour
When you are wandering along Rustaveli Avenue, it is impossible not to notice the exceptional, ravishing façade of the historical Rustaveli Theatre. When entering the theatre itself, you will understand that the interior is not a bit less fascinating. The foundation of the building was laid in 1898 and the design belonged to Russian and Polish architects Cornell Tatishchev and Aleksander Szymkiewicz. In 1949, a fire destroyed everything except the façade, but everything was restored in just a year. The design uses elements from Baroque and Rococo style. A huge row of arches, wide windows, a high attic with round, ornamented dormers and a portico on the pedestrian side of the street – this is what you will perceive at a glance. Even though many masterpieces have been lost that once adorned the theatre due the vicissitudes of life, Rustaveli Theatre maintains its position among one of the most mesmerizing buildings in the capital.
Ateshgah
Photo Source: Tbilisi Architecture Network
Situated in Betlemi quarter of Old Tbilisi, Ateshgah is one of the oldest still existing Zoroastrian temples in the world. The name originates from the Persian “Ateshgah” – meaning the place for fire. Built in Sasanian era (224-651 CE) when Georgia was part of the Persian Empire, this fire-worshipping altar has been awarded the status of cultural heritage monument of national importance. The Ateshgah exterior is a featureless brick cuboid, the steps are leading up to a pair of stout wooden doors, no windows, but instead blank arches on each face. As authentic Zoroastrian fire temples are extremely rare, especially outside Iran, Ateshgah is a remarkable historical establishment.
State Silk Museum
Photo Source: Tbilisi Architecture Network
Founded by the natural scientist Nikolai Shavrov, the State Silk Museum is one of the oldest museums in Georgia. The complex of the Caucasian Silk Station was built between 1890 and 1892 by the Polish architect Alexander Szymkiewicz. The main building dominating the complex is distinguished by its red brick facades, mansard roof and large portico. Interior adornment, apart from architectural decoration, features silk related elements in the designs of a frieze, a cornice and a pilaster. Stylistically representing the fusion of Classicism, Gothic and Islamic arts, State Silk Museum is one of the finest works of Tbilisi Architecture.
Authorized School N6
Photo Source: Tbilisi Architecture Network
The historical district Sololaki is definitely worth visiting. Located where Dadiani and Asatiani streets meet, the former Women’s Georgian Gymnasium #3 is an outstanding example of Neo-Gothic style. Built by architect Alexander Ozerov in 1903-1905, the so-called Georgian Hogwarts has retained its habitual mystical atmosphere up to the present. The Building has undergone capital repair and fortunately, most of the authentic architectural details have been preserved, such as the old marble staircase with beautiful railings, wooden doors and peculiar façades with huge windows. It now serves as the Authorized School N6, the building is listed among other cultural heritage monuments.
Cable Car Station
Photo Credit: Roman Kupka
The famous set of stairs on Rustaveli avenue is known for being a “last-minute” souvenir destination. Every tourist has passed this place whilst strolling through the city center. However, only a few have noticed an oval symmetric tower behind the stairs, in the depth of the inner garden. Designed by K. Chkheidze and built between 1958 and 1960, it used to be a lower Station of the Mtatsminda cableway. A series of large glazed arches let light into the inner ramp that wraps round the oval shape. The outer walls are made of orange Georgian stone, whilst the windows contain beautifully patterned metalwork. This iconic building is on every tourists’ route, so make sure you don’t forget to take a look behind the stairs displaying art souvenirs on Rustaveli avenue.
Madam Bozarjiantz’s House
Photo Source: Madloba Info
Located on Chonkadze street, this magnificent mansion received a silver medal for the Best Façade in Tbilisi in 1915. It used to belong to the tobacco producer Nikoloz Bozarjiantz who made his wife an official owner of the property. However, this did not save the millionaire’s wealth. When communists occupied Tbilisi, they took away the entire mansion and left only 2 rooms for the family.
There is a small garden in front of the T-shaped building. Once it used to be a parking space for the first automobile in the city. The interior of the building is full of Venice glass delivered from Italy and the colorful ceilings are the most magnificent aspect of the building.
The mansion was supposed to be inherited by the 3 sons of Nikoloz and Madam Bozarjiantz – 1 floor for each son. But unfortunately, the entire family vanished during the communist era and now descendants of Soviet revolutionaries own small spaces in this magnificent building.
Diamond Palace
Another iconic building located on Chonkadze street. The building was first owned by a German engineer who spent several years in Georgia. Later, the building was sold to an Iranian man brought up in Tbilisi – Mirza Reza Khan. The life of Mirza Khan is a great story to tell. In 1933 he was even nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Diamond Palace was once a building that housed the Iranian Council in Georgia. In 1892, the building was officially opened. It is rumored that the opening ceremony was of unprecedented luxury. The fountain in the inner garden was filled with wine instead of water and the entire territory was lit up by Japanese lanterns and there was an incredible firework display in front of the building. Nowadays, only a small part of the building is preserved, but it still serves as a reminder of its past glory.
Mirza Reza has left incredible buildings not only in Tbilisi, but in Borjomi, Georgia (Turquoise Palace) and in Monaco (Villa Isfahan) as well.
