Georgian Architecture: A Unique Fusion of Folk Tradition, European Influence & Timeless Aesthetics

Georgia is a small country, but its size has not prevented it from being culturally diverse and developed in many ways. Being at the crossroads of Europe and Asia created a very special blend of unique and new, distinctive and outstanding architecture.

Georgian architecture can be discussed as a part of folk tradition. for centuries, until recent times, people would pass down construction knowledge from generation to generation. That’s why it’s so diverse and distinguished in different regions of the country. People were using their building skills in harmony with nature. Eastern and mountainous Georgia is characterized by compact development according to the terrain. Uneven levels of social development in different parts of Georgia would also play its role and reflect on architecture.

In mountainous regions, houses served as residential, agricultural and defensive constructions. Certain

types of fortress-houses were developed in Svaneti, Khevsureti, Pshavi and Khevi. Residential complexes often included a square-planned stone tower.

In Kartli and Meskheti, the hall-type of housing was widespread from ancient times.

The most common and widespread type of house is called Oda, which historically turned out to be the most durable due to its functional expediency.

Oda and other traditional Georgian houses can be seen in Tbilisi Open Air Museum of Ethnography displaying around 70 residential and farm buildings from different historical and geographical regions of Georgia.

Since the second half of the 20th century, traditional architecture has gradually been replaced by modern European style. Although we always had that authentic combination of European and Asian cultures, as mentioned above. For example, most Georgian churches are related to the Byzantine architecture style that was developed in Georgia during the 9th century.

Tbilisi has always been an important trading spot, attracting foreign guests of different working profiles. French and German architects invited by Armenian traders made their impact on Old Tbilisi appearance. Their influence gave rise to and later development of famous Tbilisi balcony designs – ornamental works of art, which holds a special place in the city’s visual history.

Many European architects have left their mark on Georgia and Tbilisi itself, with notable contributions to its architectural landscape. Several buildings in the city’s Old Town show German architectural styles and craftsmanship. It takes a walk and a bit of travel to discover wonders like Neo-Gothic style Authorized School N6 on Lado Asatiani street, Tbilisi, so called Georgian Hogwarts; Writer’s House of Georgia on Ivane Machabeli street, Tbilisi, The Art-Nouveau mansion as a perfect blend of European and Georgian architectural styles; Tbilisi Opera and Ballet State Theater on Rustaveli Avenue, founded in 1851 and is among the oldest opera houses in Eastern Europe; Rustaveli Theatre on Rustaveli Avenue, with an exceptional design that uses elements from Baroque and Rococo style; the former Ministry of Highway Construction on Gagarini street, Tbilisi, nowadays a headquarters of Bank of Georgia, named as one of the best examples of constructivism style; State Theatre in Senaki as an example of Neoclassicism with elements of Baroque; Dadiani Palace in Zugdidi, a neo-Gothic structure with eclectic influences and

many more historical buildings and heritage.

Beyond “top tens”, must-see and popular tourist attractions, it’s rather magical to stumble upon some architectural spots by yourself. Your travel intuition will guide you and help you discover streets, bridges, hallways, yards, and walls that tell their history