TBILISI
welcome to tbilisi
The legendary capital city of Tbilisi has a charming history dating back to the 5th century (A.D.). It is striking how the city encompasses ancient architecture, beautiful scenery and cultural centers with all the amenities of modern lifestyle – leisure areas, restaurants, cafes, shopping facilities and nightlife. Over the centuries, the famous sulfur baths located at the heart of the city have hosted various poets, writers, musicians and kings.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Tbilisi (formerly known as Tiflis) has been the capital of Georgia since 1122 but was founded some centuries earlier by King Vakhtang Gorgasali, the King of Iberia. According to legend, the king was out hunting in the woodlands near the former capital city of Mtskheta. After some time, the king spotted a pheasant and sent his falcon to hunt it down, but he lost sight of both birds. After searching for a while he found that they had fallen into a hot spring and had boiled. Imagining the benefits of having such springs close at hand, he decided to build a new capital city on that site, whichhe named Tbilisi (‘tbili’ in Georgian means ‘warm’). Even today there are numerous hot sulphur springs that come directly from the ground in the Abanotubanidistrict, where the famous sulphur baths are located.
Tbilisi is now the capital and largest city of Georgia, lying on the banks of the Mtkvari River with a population of approximately 1.5 million.
Tbilisi is located on the south-eastern edge of Europe, and its proximity to lucrative east–west trade routes Tbilisi’s varied history is reflected in its architecture, which is a mix of classical, and Soviet structures. The most-visited places in the city are the Old Town, the Narikala fortress, the Georgian National Museum, the Georgian Synagogue, Sioni Street, Sioni Cathedral, Tbilisi’s onlymosque, the botanical garden, the funicular railway and restaurant, the Abanotubani district, Bambis Rigi (a street), Rustaveli Avenue and Mardjanishvili Avenue.
TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN TBILISI
Old Tbilisi
The main sights of the city are clustered in the Old Tbilisi district. This area is well-known for its sulfur bathhouses fed by natural hot springs. Nearby on Shardeni Street you will find plenty of modern, popular restaurants, open air café-bars, trendy night clubs and art galleries.
Narikala
Narikala Fortress can be seen from any point within Old Tbilisi. It was constructed for defense purposes in the 4th century and was considerably expanded over subsequent historical periods.
Rustaveli Avenue and Freedom Square
Rustaveli Avenue begins at Freedom Square and extends about 1.5 kilometers. This is the center of the city, where many of the governmental, cultural and business facilities are located. Strolling down Rustaveli you can observe daily life in the city, explore shops from both international and local brands, and get something to eat.
Information regarding tourist destinations can be found on the following website: www.georgia.travel
TBILISI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Located just 20 km from the city, Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) offers international, domestic and cargo flights. The Airport has been operated by TAV since 2005. In 2007, a new international terminal was opened, which can accommodate up to 2.8 million passengers a year. ICAO quality standards and services make it one of the most reliable destination points in the region.
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