Mount Mtatsminda and the Narikala Fortress: historical sites
Sulfur baths of Tbilisi
The modern part of the city: museums and theaters of Tbilisi
Natural Attractions Tbilisi
Tbilisi - an amazing city! It harmoniously historic center, known as the Old Town and the modern area, filled with shops and restaurants. And she and the other part of the city full of attractions. To see all the sights of Tbilisi, needs at least a week. And if you take into account the Georgian hospitality with long gatherings in restaurants, then a visit to this city is to provide a minimum of 2 weeks.
Acquaintance with the city of Tbilisi is logical to start with its historic center. Old Town - a unique fairy-tale town. Then run up and down the old brick streets, along which continuously admire ruins, temples, palaces. On these streets artists and artisans sell their creations. In the center of Old Town is a mosque, a synagogue and the Armenian Apostolic Church.
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Temples and churches in the Old Town
One of the most important attractions of Tbilisi - the ruins of the temple Metekhi, built in the twelfth century. The history of the temple is not simple. His many times destroyed the Mongols, the Persians. And each time it was restored and erected again. Today, little remains of the temple: a square brick building with a towering round turret in the center. Previously, there was a temple and monastery and castle. And he stood on the burial place of the first Georgian martyr named Shushanik Ranskiy. Her husband is killed in the 5th century.
Another important attraction - acting Sioni Cathedral, or Sion. Cathedral was built in the XII century, several times destroyed and rebuilt. Today, it is a modest-looking building without any ornaments, but in fact it is the Cathedral, the seat of Katoliksa. In addition, there is stored is very important for the Georgian people relic - the cross of St. Nino approving Christianity in this land.
A unique place is the church of St. Mary, which today is called the Church of Anchiskhati. And interestingly, this church that it was built in the VI century and operates to this day. Interesting church and its architecture is not peculiar to this purpose buildings - three-nave basilica.
The most modern, the most magnificent, most beautiful cathedral of Georgia is the Cathedral Sameba. Built in 2004 on donations from individuals, the cathedral has a height of 78 meters and a capacity of up to 15 000 people. The temple can be seen from anywhere in Tbilisi, especially at night when it turns on the backlight.
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Mount Mtatsminda and the Narikala Fortress: historical sites
After seeing the sights of the Old Town, climb the Holy Mountain Mtatsminda, better known as Mount David. With stunning mountain views of the city. On the mountain is located television tower (having a height of 274 meters and an unusual shape - the trunk and two "backups"), the building of the funicular station, a small church of Saint David and the cemetery where buried outstanding figures of the country.
But the most interesting thing on Mount David - a fortress Narikala.
Residents of Tbilisi, with special trepidation relate to these ruins and loving heart of the city called them
. The fortress was built at the same time when the city was founded Tbilisi in the IV century. Over time, the fortress finishing work, have improved, but an earthquake in 1827, the year she suffered. Since then, from her left only the ruins and the temple of St. Nicholas, which in 90 years was reconstructed and today it is valid.
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Sulfur baths of Tbilisi
The large number of hot sulfur springs gave rise to the construction of sulfur baths in these places in the XVII-XIX centuries. However, in the old days it was not only and not so much a place where people come to wash and place to stay long intimate conversations for long evenings, the place where the matchmaker arranged bride, where he gave dinners.
Today, in the Old Town are 7 sulfur baths, the ones that were built many years ago. All of them are built in the oriental style. The most beautiful bath bath Orbelianskaya considered because of its minarets, pointed facade with blue tiles. Inside, the walls are decorated with a mosaic bath.
Modern sulfur baths have swimming pools with hydrogen sulfide, shower, massage pedestals made of stone. Sulfur baths - a popular place for not only tourists but also local residents, because they are very good for health. It is believed that the beauty of a young woman depends on the regularity of visiting sulfur baths.
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The modern part of the city: museums and theaters of Tbilisi
No less attractive sights are in the younger part of the town. In general, they are located and another near the Rustaveli Avenue. Rustaveli Avenue - the main street of the city. It housed a cafe, restaurants, hotels, movie theaters. Everyday life on the street length of about 1, 5 km.
On one side is the area of Liberty Avenue - is the central square of the city. On Freedom Square is the administration building, the bank of the city and the Statue of Liberty. All the important events of the country and the city are on this square. On the other hand Rustaveli Avenue area closes.
If you want to get acquainted with Georgia is not superficial, it will certainly visit the National Museum of Georgia. The museum is a repository of values of the Caucasian culture. And this culture is known to be very rich. The national museum presents the precious metal vessels decorated with precious stones, coins, jewelry, carpets, clothes, handicrafts. Many of the exhibits date back to V-VII centuries. Particular attention should be paid and the museum building itself, designed in the style of starogruzinskom.
No less interesting Art Museum of Georgia. And the exhibits in this museum are not less valuable. A golden cross of Queen Tamara, decorated with pearls, rubies and emeralds, is worth something! The museum also presents the most ancient icon of Georgia, gold jewelry, paintings all over the world, including our masters (Aivazovsky, Repin, Surikov, Serov, Vasnetsov).
You can spend the evening at the Theatre of Opera and Ballet. The theater building with arches, turrets and beautiful stained glass windows is a jewel Rustaveli Avenue. No less beautiful and Theatre Shota Rustaveli. It is made in a different, modern design. The facade is mirrored windows, and the walls are decorated with images of bizarre harlequins, chimeras, houris. There Tbilisi Russian Drama Theatre named after Griboyedov, who recently turned 160 years old.
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Natural Attractions Tbilisi
The most favorite natural borough residents of Tbilisi is Turtle Lake, got its name from the once vodivshimsya turtles here. The lake is located at an altitude of 800 meters at a distance of just over 3 km from the city. The lake is located in the forest around it organized beach with a summer cafe, sun loungers, children's playground. The lake is fed by mountain streams constantly, so the water is clean. The lake can be reached by cable car, while enjoying the view of the city.
Another favorite natural places locals and tourists is the Botanical Garden, located near the fortress Narikala. The Botanical Garden has its roots in the distant 1625, when he was a small park for a walk. Over time, the Botanical Garden was transformed and grew. Today it is a large area (130 ha) with evergreen plants from all over the world (more than 3,500 species, including 700 native plant species), and the collection is constantly growing. Immediately clean river runs with three large bridges, near one of them peacefully noisy 42-meter waterfall.
The Botanical Garden is so well-groomed and beautiful, there are so many interesting plants that flies quietly all day. Consider this fact when planning their time.
After spending some time in Tbilisi, you will not only dive into the history of Georgia, but also enjoy the beauty of the city and the hospitality and friendliness of local people.
