The old town of the Georgian capital is incredibly diverse. The landmark of Tbilisi is Narikala Fortress, which dates back to the 6th century…
Georgia is a small country with remarkable economic growth. Before the pandemic, the economy of this country, roughly the size of Bavaria, was booming, with the tourism industry in particular experiencing breathtaking growth rates.
But low energy costs, a steadily improving infrastructure, and three international airports also make this country between Asia and Europe a very attractive destination in Western Asia. Moreover, the country's currency, the GEL (Lari), is surprisingly stable.
RELATIVELY SHORT DOWNFALL DUE TO THE 2020 PANDEMIC
2020 was a difficult year for global tourism, including Georgia. Things started looking up again in 2021, and 2022 was even better. The South Caucasus country is expecting a record number of visitors in the summer of 2023, as Georgia will be featured as a partner country at ITB 2023, with significant media and trade fair presence. It's high time to take a closer look at this destination with mountains reaching up to 5,200 meters. For many Europeans, this fascinating country remains "terra incognita."
THE COUNTRY AND CAPITAL TBILIS: A TRIP INTO HISTORY
According to local chronicles, Tbilisi was founded in the 3rd or 4th century by Persian ethnarchs. The Persians then built Tbilisi's current landmark, the Narikala Fortress, overlooking the old city. In the second half of the 5th century, the Georgian King Vakhtang I Gorgasali conquered the settlement, made it his capital, and developed it into a sizable city. His son and successor, Dachi, completed the city walls. Theophanes of Byzantium was the first Byzantine writer to refer to the city as a metropolis in 571. In 591—after the end of the penultimate Roman-Persian War—the Eastern Roman Empire and the Sasanian Empire agreed that Mtskheta (the ancient capital of the kingdom) would fall to Byzantium.
Tbilisi was to remain under Sasanian control. In the seventh century, the city was conquered by the Arabs, then passed into Persian, Byzantine, and in 1068 Seljuk hands. In 1121, after its liberation by David the Builder, it once again became the Georgian capital and, thanks to its fortified location at the crossroads of seven European-Asian trade routes, one of the richest cities of the Middle Ages.
MARCO POLO REPORTED ON 'TIFLISSI' IN THE 14TH CENTURY
The Venetian Marco Polo reported that there was a "magnificent city called Tbilisi, surrounded by suburbs, castles, and fortresses" in Georgia. In the 13th century, the city was devastated by the Khwarezmians. From 1386 to 1402, Tbilisi belonged to Timur's Central Asian empire. Afterwards, the rulers of the country changed frequently, and the diverse influences are evident throughout Georgia's capital.
ITB 2023 TRAVEL FAIR WITH GEORGIA AS 'HOST COUNTRY'
Berlin will host the world's most important travel trade show from March 7th to 9th. Each year, this international travel show features a partner country, which receives prominent coverage and media attention. This year, the partner country is the small but captivating Georgia. For us Austrians, Swiss, and Germans, it's a relatively unknown travel destination, but undeservedly so!
Exotic Georgia is multifaceted and boasts breathtaking mountain scenery and natural landscapes. In this article, we'll take a closer look at Tbilisi, situated along the Kura River. This metropolis offers a wealth of diverse cultural experiences within its approximately 70 square kilometers: art, museums, exhibitions, and attractions of all kinds.
A very vibrant arts and culture scene in Tbilisi
One of Georgia's most renowned painters, Temuri Kuliani, is presenting his latest work live at his Kon-Tiki gallery… There's a lot of art to see here, practically everywhere in the capital. A very talented and creative group of Georgian artists utilize the historic backdrop of the old town to better showcase their work.
Tbilisi's art scene is vibrant and experimental:
In Tbilisi's Old Town, we authors met two well-known Georgian artists. One is Temuri Kuliani (see photo above), who has completed three degrees and integrates his knowledge as a painter and engineer into his impressive works.
Also noteworthy is the watercolor specialist Giorgi Alkhazishvili, pictured below. The heating had just broken down in his studio – no problem: the engineer and painter Kuliani repaired it himself, quickly and efficiently.
Visitors can visit the gallery free of charge and even have painting techniques explained to them. It is located in the center of the capital's old town.
Information about the charming duo:
“ART SALON STUDIO KON-TIKI”,
https://www.facebook.com/kontikiintbilisi/photos/
ADVENTURE HISTORY – ANOTHER TRIP INTO THE FOUNDING PHASE OF TBILIS AROUND 1500 YEARS AGO
The exact origins of Tbilisi, the capital and largest city of Georgia, are not precisely known. Historians and archaeologists believe it was founded in the 5th century AD. Legend has it that the city was founded by King Vakhtang Gorgasali, who named it Tbilisi, meaning "warm place," due to the natural hot springs in the surrounding area. The city has been an important cultural and economic center for centuries and has been ruled over the years by various kingdoms and empires, including the Persians, Arabs, Mongols, and Ottomans.
In the Middle Ages, Tbilisi was a very important trading center for merchants between the regions of present-day Europe and, for example, ancient Persia. Large caravanserais existed in the city center; one of the most famous was housed in what is now the Tbilisi History Museum.
There, travelers found overnight accommodations, and food and drink were provided. Riders, horses, and carts could rest or, if necessary, be exchanged. A veritable industry developed around travelers and traders. Money flowed into the city, and this is still evident today in the beautiful facades of many ancient buildings. In the 19th century, Tbilisi became the capital of the Russian-controlled Georgian Republic and later of the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic.
Today, flea markets are held almost daily, and the numerous visitors to these exciting treasure troves can, with a little luck, acquire artifacts from Georgia's history from the vendors for very little money. Here, one needs to be strategic; the best price is achieved through the clever skills of a friendly buyer…
HAND-KNOTTED CARPETS 'MADE IN GEORGIA'
In Europe, handmade carpets from Persia—or Turkey—have become well-known. What hardly anyone knows, except perhaps Georgians, is that this Caucasus country has also been meticulously handcrafting beautiful carpets for centuries. Some of these works of art take two years to complete. A visit to the "Caucasian Carpets Gallery" in Tbilisi's old town is highly recommended. Housed in a building that is perhaps three hundred years old, the gallery displays carpets up to two hundred years old. The unique aspect: they are also available for purchase at prices that are reasonable by European standards; see also: www.origincarpets.com. The friendly director of the carpet and weaving exhibition, Manana Arkania, speaks excellent English and can share fascinating details about each carpet.
GEORGIA'S CAPITAL: PLEASANT PEOPLE, THE RESIDENTS AND VISITORS ARE VERY INTERNATIONAL
The author has been traveling in the country for almost five weeks now and hasn't seen a single soul wearing a mask. Everything seems very relaxed. Tbilisi is a melting pot of cultures – but everything feels very harmonious and peaceful. First impression of Tbilisi in winter: cold (-2°C to 7°C), yet captivatingly beautiful. Batumi in the west of the country is considerably warmer, but the economic and political center is still in Tbilisi. One of the trendy hotspots is located in the old town. Here, tourists and locals alike can sample delicious Georgian dishes; it's closed on Mondays. It's right next to the former post office building. More information: https://republic.ge … :
More and more travelers are expected in Tbilisi.
The capital of the Caucasus nation is steeped in thousands of years of history and is correspondingly multifaceted. Therefore, it's no wonder that more and more tourists are traveling to Tbilisi. These travelers come from all over the world, and Tbilisi Airport is served daily by numerous airlines. Tbilisi's infrastructure is constantly being improved. For these reasons, it's perfectly understandable that more and more people are choosing to visit Georgia. Today, Tbilisi is a vibrant metropolis and a major tourist destination, renowned for its rich history, architecture, and cultural heritage.
Great hotel concepts are drawing visitors to Georgia's capital city.
One of the most famous luxury hotels is the Radisson Blu, located in the heart of the old town and directly on the banks of the Kura River, which flows for approximately 21 km through the city. The hotel in Tbilisi's city center offers its guests a magnificent view of the Kura River and the Mtatsminda Mountains to the west, the Machata hills to the east, Mount Mtabori to the south, and the Sololaki mountain range. The luxury hotel boasts 236 superbly appointed rooms and suites. According to our co-author, the Radisson Blu is the perfect base for fully experiencing this vibrant city.
Naturally, the hotel offers free high-speed wireless internet throughout and picturesque views of the old town and the surrounding mountains. The area is also attractive: Rustaveli Avenue offers restaurants, shopping opportunities, and a vibrant nightlife.
It is recommended to visit the old town and the Narikala fortress. Built in the 6th century, it is now the city's most famous landmark.
And the fantastic variety of museums. For example, museums with modern art, old art, etc. In principle, there really is everything to admire that culturally interested people could possibly consider worth seeing.
Tbilisi even has a museum of Russian cars. Culture and history at the highest level – that perfectly describes Tbilisi in a few words. Anyone who finds it boring here won't find it anywhere.
RADISSON BLU TIFLIS ALSO HAS NUMEROUS UNIQUE CULINARY FEATURES:
Let's start with Iveria Cafe. You can also find its pleasant atmosphere in some of the trendy cafes in Milan, Barcelona, or Marbella: https://www.facebook.com/iveriacafe
The Italian restaurant 'Filini' is among the best in the city. A highlight in summer is enjoying the delicious food on the ' Iveria Terrace' outdoors. The Asian specialty restaurant 'Umami' also enjoys an excellent reputation – both restaurants are frequented by many locals and are often used for meetings.
We authors noticed yesterday evening around 10 pm how well-attended and how international the clientele of this specialty restaurant was.
Apparently, many hotel guests have also gathered here. Delicious food is flowing, even in Tbilisi. The Asian specialty restaurant Umami and the Filini Restaurant are certainly among the best in Georgian gastronomy.
RADISSON BLU TIFLIS SPA IS AN OASIS OF RELAXATION
Those feeling adventurous can try their luck at the ' Casino Iveria' or indulge in first-class treatments at the ' Anne Semonin Spa' . Hotel guests can refresh themselves in the breathtaking outdoor pool or visit the infinity pool on the rooftop terrace on the 18th floor of the tower. The Radisson Blu is one of the landmarks of the metropolis of Tbilisi.
From the excellent spa on the 18th/19th floor, the city appears like a picture book from the past… For business travelers and event planners, the Radisson Blu offers a fully equipped business center as well as 9 meeting rooms, a versatile ballroom and the best hospitality services* in the country (*the catering company Silk Hospitality can make up to 10000 guests happy and full).
Here's a really emotionally well-made video about the Radisson Blu Tbilisi (and partner hotels of Silk Hospitality in Georgia):
CONCLUSION: Tbilisi is definitely worth a visit.
Hotels are indeed plentiful in the Georgian capital. For those who prefer the luxury of one of the international hotel chains, we recommend the excellent Radisson Blu Tbilisi. This luxury hotel has established itself as a leading hotel in Tbilisi since 2009. The design of the Radisson Blu Hotel has become a landmark in its own right. In any case, a few days or even a few weeks in Tbilisi will never be boring.
-WELCOME TO THE CAUCASUS
In Tbilisi, vacationers can immerse themselves in 1,500 years of history. There's plenty to do: museums, studios, exhibitions, restaurants of every kind, and above all, the wines shouldn't be forgotten. 8,000 years of winemaking experience is quite a story, making a visit to Georgia worthwhile. There's so much to experience! The hotel described here, with its two excellent restaurants, is undoubtedly a luxurious highlight in Tbilisi's Old Town. The surroundings of this upscale business-class hotel are incredibly diverse and inspiring. Churches from past centuries, the beautiful Kura River, and a wide variety of museums and exhibitions will make the heart of any culture enthusiast beat faster.
A big ♥️ for the Caucasu
