Old Tbilisi & Narikala Fortress

Where it is & how to get there

• Metro: Liberty Square station is at the top of the old town.
• Cable car: From Rike Park up to Narikala Fortress, about 2 minutes.
• On foot: The old town is compact but hilly; wear comfortable shoes.

The story of Old Tbilisi

Legend says King Vakhtang Gorgasali founded Tbilisi in the 5th century after his falcon caught a pheasant that fell into a hot spring. The name comes from the Georgian word "tbili", meaning warm.

Above the old town stands Narikala Fortress, first built in the 4th century, and the Kartlis Deda (Mother of Georgia) statue holding a sword for enemies and a bowl of wine for friends. Below, churches, a mosque and a synagogue stand close together in winding lanes.

Best time to visit

Tips before you go

• Wander the lanes around Shardeni Street.
• Take the cable car up to Narikala and walk down through the botanical garden or old lanes.
• Try khachapuri and khinkali in a traditional restaurant.

What's around Old Tbilisi

• Narikala FortressHilltop fortress with city views.
• AbanotubaniSulphur bath district.
• Shardeni StreetCafé street in the old town.
• Tbilisi Juma MosqueHistoric mosque by the baths.

Questions travellers ask