Georgia’s Remarkable Monuments: 12 Ancient & Modern Landmarks Worth Your Time

Georgia sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, with monuments that tell stories spanning thousands of years. This small Caucasusian nation has a range of architecture: from medieval fortresses on clifftops to striking modern bridges that light up the night sky.

Georgia monuments showcase influences from Persian, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Soviet eras. Our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the most significant Georgia monuments, with practical details to help plan your visit.

12 Iconic Georgia Monuments

1. Narikala Fortress

Source: wikipedia

Narikala Fortress dominates Tbilisi’s skyline as the city’s oldest and most recognizable landmark. First built in the 4th century, the fortress has been expanded and rebuilt many times as Persians, Arabs, Ottomans, and Russians each left their mark on this strategic stronghold. The name “Narikala” comes from Persian words meaning “impregnable fortress,” and for centuries it protected the Georgian capital from invaders.

Highlights

• Panoramic views stretching across old Tbilisi, the Mtkvari River, and the surrounding mountains

• St. Nicholas Church inside the fortress walls, rebuilt in the 1990s with beautiful new frescoes

• Ancient fortification walls showcase multiple architectural styles from different historical periods

Location: Narikala Fortress, Old Town, Tbilisi, Georgia

Timings: Exterior grounds open 24 hours daily; interior sections and St. Nicholas Church open 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Time Required: Most visitors spend 1-2 hours exploring the fortress, taking photos from various viewpoints, and enjoying the panoramic city views.

Entry Fee: Free entrance to the fortress grounds. Cable car access from Rike Park costs 2.5 GEL (approximately Rs. 75) one-way.

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2. Holy Trinity Cathedral

Sourcewikipedia

The Holy Trinity Cathedral stands as Georgia’s largest religious building and one of the largest Orthodox churches worldwide. Completed in 2004 after nearly a decade of construction, this magnificent cathedral commemorates 2,000 years of Christianity in Georgia and 1,500 years of the Georgian Orthodox Church’s independence. The cathedral represents modern Georgia’s spiritual revival following the Soviet era.

Highlights

• Towering 97-meter-high structure visible from almost anywhere in Tbilisi

• Nine chapels (including underground ones), decorated with stunning traditional iconography

• The golden dome and cross create a spectacular sight when illuminated at night

Location: MRX8+3H8, Tbilisi, Georgia

Timings: Open daily 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM; services typically held in the mornings and evenings

Time Required: Allow approximately 1 hour to explore the cathedral interior, grounds, and gardens.

Entry Fee: Free entrance; modest dress required (women should cover their heads and wear skirts; men should wear long pants).

3. The Bridge of Peace

Source: wikipedia

The Bridge of Peace represents modern Georgia’s forward-looking aspirations with its distinctive bow-shaped design. Opened in 2010 and designed by Italian architect Michele De Lucchi, this pedestrian bridge spans the Mtkvari River, connecting Tbilisi’s old town with newer districts. The striking glass and steel structure creates an interesting contrast with the ancient architecture surrounding it.

Highlights

• Interactive light display with 30,000+ LEDs that illuminate in patterns after dark

• 150-meter curved steel and glass structure offering excellent views of Narikala Fortress

• Modern design that represents Georgia’s connection between its historical past and European future

Location: Tbilisi 0162, Georgia

Timings: Open 24 hours daily; best viewed after sunset (around 8:00-10:00 PM) for the full light show

Time Required: A quick crossing takes just 5 minutes, but many visitors spend 15-20 minutes taking photos and enjoying the views.

Entry Fee: Free access.

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4. Chronicles of Georgia

Source: wikipedia

The Chronicles of Georgia monument stands as an enormous yet surprisingly little-known landmark often called “Georgia’s Stonehenge.” Created by Georgian sculptor Zurab Tsereteli in the 1980s, this massive monument complex sits on a hill overlooking the Tbilisi Sea. The structure consists of 16 enormous pillars covered in carvings depicting scenes from Georgian history and Christian biblical stories.

Highlights

• Towering 30-meter-high pillars carved with intricate scenes from Georgia’s long history

• Lower level featuring religious scenes, including the life of Christ and Georgian saints

• Spectacular panoramic views of the Tbilisi Sea and the surrounding landscape

Location: QRC6+65V, Chronicles of Georgia Temqa, Tbilisi, Georgia

Timings: Open 24 hours daily; best visited during daylight hours for clear views of the carvings

Time Required: Plan for 1 hour to explore the monument complex and appreciate the detailed carvings.

Entry Fee: Free entrance.

5. Ali & Nino Statue

The Ali & Nino Statue stands as one of the most captivating modern monuments in Georgia, located in Batumi’s Miracle Park. This 8-meter tall kinetic sculpture, created by Georgian artist Tamara Kvesitadze in 2010, represents characters from a famous novel about the love between an Azerbaijani Muslim boy and a Georgian Christian girl. The statue’s movement symbolizes their tragic story of love across cultural divides.

Highlights

• Kinetic design with two metal figures that move toward each other, merge briefly, then separate again

• Complete movement cycle takes 10 minutes, representing the tragic lovers’ story

• Special lighting effects after dark create a magical atmosphere

Location: MJ4V+66F, Batumi, Georgia

Timings: Open 24 hours

Time Required: At least 15 minutes to watch a complete cycle of movement; many visitors stay longer for photography.

Entry Fee: Free access.

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6. King Vakhtang Gorgasali Monument

The impressive equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali honors the founder of Tbilisi. According to legend, while hunting in the 5th century, the king discovered hot springs (the name Tbilisi comes from the Georgian word “tbili” meaning “warm”). He then established a city that would become Georgia’s capital. The statue portrays the king on horseback, watching over the city he founded.

Highlights

• Dramatic silhouette visible from many parts of old Tbilisi

• Located near the historic Metekhi Church with excellent views of the old town

• Detailed bronze workmanship showing the king in traditional Georgian armor

Location: MRR6+47J, Tbilisi, Georgia

Timings: Open 24 hours

Time Required: A brief 10-15 minute stop is typical when visiting this area; combine with a visit to nearby Metekhi Church.

Entry Fee: Free access.

7. Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument

Source: wikipedia

The Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument (also called the Georgian Military Highway Monument) sits dramatically on the edge of a cliff in the Caucasus Mountains. Built during the Soviet era in 1983 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Treaty of Georgievsk and Soviet-Georgian friendship, this colorful circular structure now stands as a relic of a complicated relationship between the two countries.

Highlights

• Striking Soviet-era mosaics depicting scenes from Georgian and Russian history

• Breathtaking panoramic views of the Devil’s Valley and the Caucasus Mountains

• Unique circular design with intricate interior artwork representing Georgian-Russian relations

Location: CFVQ+5J, Ganisi, Georgia

Timings: Open 24 hours daily; access may be limited in winter due to snow

Time Required: Allow 30-45 minutes to explore the monument and take in the spectacular mountain views.

Entry Fee: Free access

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8. The Leaning Clock Tower

The quirky Leaning Clock Tower sits atop the Rezo Gabriadze Puppet Theatre in Tbilisi’s old town. Built by renowned Georgian puppet master Rezo Gabriadze in 2010, this whimsical tower appears deliberately crooked and features a magical puppet show. The tower combines traditional Georgian architectural elements with fairytale-like details, creating one of Tbilisi’s most charming landmarks.

Highlights

• A charming puppet show that emerges hourly with an angel striking a bell

• Distinctive fairy-tale design with deliberately tilting structure

• Decorative tiles and mosaics depicting scenes from Georgian folklore

Location: 13 Ioane Shavteli St, Tbilisi, Georgia

Timings: Tower visible 24 hours; puppet show performances hourly from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Time Required: 15-20 minutes to watch the puppet show and admire the tower architecture.

Entry Fee: Free to view the tower and puppet show; the puppet theatre below requires tickets (15-30 GEL, approximately Rs. 450-900).

9. Davitgareja Monastery Complex

Source: wikipedia

Davitgareja Monastery Complex stands as one of the most remarkable historical monuments in Georgia. Founded in the 6th century by Assyrian monk David (one of the thirteen Syrian fathers), this monastery is partly carved into the rock face of Mount Gareja. Straddling the Georgia-Azerbaijan border in a semi-desert landscape, the complex includes hundreds of cells, churches, refectories, and living quarters.

Highlights

• Hundreds of rooms carved directly into the mountain rock over many centuries

• Well-preserved medieval frescoes dating from the 8th to the 13th centuries

• Unique location in a striking semi-desert landscape near the Azerbaijan border

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/oYi4H66Ur1aH5j5g7

Timings: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily

Time Required: A full-day trip from Tbilisi is recommended, with 2-3 hours at the monastery site itself.

Entry Fee: Free entrance; donations appreciated for monastery upkeep.

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10. Gelati Monastery

Sourcewikipedia

Gelati Monastery represents the golden age of medieval Georgia and stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Founded in 1106 by King David IV (called “the Builder”), this monastic complex was a major center of culture and learning, often referred to as a “new Athens” or “second Jerusalem.” The monastery complex includes several churches and a separate academy building.

Highlights

• Spectacular 12th-century mosaic of the Virgin Mary with Child in the main church

• Burial site of King David the Builder and other Georgian monarchs

• Impressive medieval frescoes and manuscripts from Georgia’s cultural golden age

Location: 7QV9+V69, Road to Gelati Monastery, Motsameta, Georgia

Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily

Time Required: Allow 1-2 hours to fully appreciate the monastery complex, its architecture, and artwork.

Entry Fee:

• Adults: 7 GEL (approximately Rs. 210)

• Students: 3 GEL (approximately Rs. 90)

11. Vardzia Cave Monastery

Source: wikipedia

Alt Text: Vardzia, excavated from the slopes of the Erusheti Mountain

Vardzia Cave Monastery amazes visitors as a massive cave city carved into the Erusheti Mountain. Built primarily during the 12th century under Queen Tamar’s reign, this multi-level complex once housed up to 2,000 monks and served as both a religious center and refuge from invaders. The complex demonstrates the architectural ingenuity of medieval Georgia.

Highlights

• Over 600 rooms spread across 13 levels, including churches, dwellings, and wine cellars

• Church of the Dormition, containing important medieval frescoes, including a portrait of Queen Tamar

• Complex tunnel system with sophisticated irrigation and ventilation systems from the 12th century

Location: 97JM+CMH, Gogasheni, Georgia

Timings: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily

Time Required: At least 2-3 hours to explore the extensive cave complex.

Entry Fee: You can book the tickets online or at the counter.

• Adults: 7 GEL (approximately Rs. 210)

• Students: 3 GEL (approximately Rs. 90)

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12. Uplistsikhe Cave City

Source: wikipedia

Alt Text: Uplistsikhe, an ancient rock-hewn town

Uplistsikhe Cave City ranks among the oldest settlements in Georgia, dating to the Early Iron Age (1000 BCE). This ancient rock-hewn town contains various structures carved from the rocky plateau above the Mtkvari River, showing evidence of both pagan and Christian influences. The site was a major political and religious center before Christianity arrived in Georgia.

Highlights

• Rock-cut structures, including a theater, pharmacy, pagan temples, and later Christian basilicas

• Unique fusion of pagan and Christian architectural styles throughout the complex

• Ancient wine presses and storage areas showcase Georgia’s 8,000-year-old winemaking tradition

Location: Uplistsikhe Complex Road, Kvakhvreli, Georgia

Timings: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily

Time Required: Allow 1-2 hours to explore the cave city and its surroundings.

Entry Fee: You can book the tickets online or at the counter.

• Adults: 7 GEL (approximately Rs. 210)

• Students: 3 GEL (approximately Rs. 90)

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FAQs

What is the famous monument of Georgia?

Narikala Fortress stands as the most recognizable Georgia monument for most visitors. This 4th-century fortress dominates Tbilisi’s skyline and offers panoramic views of the capital city. Other extremely famous monuments in Georgia include the Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba), which is Georgia’s largest religious building, and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta, a UNESCO World Heritage site said to contain Christ’s mantle.

Are there any historical monuments in Georgia?

Georgia overflows with historical monuments dating back thousands of years. Uplistsikhe Cave City dates to 1000 BCE, making it one of the oldest settlements in the region. The Davitgareja Monastery complex from the 6th century features hundreds of monk cells carved into rock faces. Medieval cultural monuments of Georgia include the 11th-century Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Gelati Monastery, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Which modern monuments in Georgia should I visit?

The Bridge of Peace in Tbilisi ranks as the most impressive modern monument in Georgia, with its curved glass and steel design illuminated by thousands of LEDs each night. The Chronicles of Georgia (often called “Georgia’s Stonehenge”) features massive pillars covered with historical scenes and offers panoramic views of the Tbilisi Sea.

Is the Georgia Museum considered a monument?

The National Museum of Georgia itself isn’t classified as a monument, though it houses many significant artifacts from Georgian history. Many historical monuments in Georgia contain museum sections displaying archaeological findings. Uplistsikhe, Vardzia, and Gremi all feature small museums with artifacts related to their respective sites.

Are there any free monuments to visit in Georgia?

Many of Georgia’s most impressive monuments offer free access. You can visit Narikala Fortress, the Bridge of Peace, Holy Trinity Cathedral, the Chronicles of Georgia monument, the Ali & Nino Statue, and King Vakhtang Gorgasali Monument without paying entrance fees.

Can tourists visit mosques in Georgia as monuments?

Yes, tourists can visit historical mosques in Georgia, particularly in regions with significant Muslim populations. The Tbilisi Mosque (Jumah Mosque) in the old town welcomes respectful visitors outside of prayer times.

Do I need tickets to visit Georgia monuments?

While many Georgia monuments offer free entry, some require entrance tickets. Cave complexes like Vardzia and Uplistsikhe charge entrance fees of approximately 7 GEL (Rs. 210). Monastery complexes like Gelati and historical sites like Gremi typically charge modest entrance fees between 3-7 GEL (Rs. 90-210). Religious sites generally offer free entry but request modest dress and sometimes donations.

Which Georgia monuments are best for photography?

For photography enthusiasts, the most photogenic Georgia monuments include the illuminated Bridge of Peace at night, Narikala Fortress with its panoramic city views, and the moving Ali & Nino statue in Batumi. The Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument provides dramatic mountain backdrops, while Vardzia cave city, carved into cliff faces, creates unique compositional opportunities.