What is the population of tbilisi doing? What a city of Tbilisi

In the very heart of the Caucasus Mountains is the city of Tbilisi (until 1936 Tiflis) - the capital of the Republic of Georgia. It is quite difficult to find on the world map another capital of the state with the same ancient and rich history.

According to legend, the city was founded by King Vakhtang Gorgasali. While hunting, the royal falcon grabbed a pheasant and, under the load of its load, fell into a hot spring. Both birds were cooked in the blink of an eye in boiling water. After the incident, the king ordered the foundation of a city in this unusual place. But pragmatic archaeologists and historians refute this poetic version of the city's founding and argue that Tbilisi has existed since the 4th century. AD, and this is long before the reign of King Gorgasali. But the undoubted fact remains that the settlement in this place arose precisely thanks to the warm sulfur springs, because in translation from Georgian "tbili" means "warm".

Tbilisi, like many capitals of the world, is not only the cultural and administrative center of its country, but also one of the largest industrial centers in Georgia. The largest machine-building and metal-working plants in the republic are located here: machine-tool, aviation. Dimitrov, agricultural machinery, wine-making equipment, iron foundry, etc., as well as light and food industries.

Due to its versatility, Tbilisi will provide a decent rest, full of joy and positive emotions, for people of different ages and taste preferences.

Climate

Tbilisi stretches in a long narrow strip along the river Chickens(Mtkvari) by Tbilisi Basin almost 30 km, going on the slopes of the nearby mountains. The influence of the Black Sea is still felt here, because The Greater Caucasus ridges run from west to east, so the climate in this part of Georgia is considered subtropical with long hot summers (the air temperature can reach + 40 ºС). Winters are mild with an average temperature of about +1 ºС, spring and autumn are warm and rainy. The greatest amount of precipitation falls from April to June.

Nature

Natural beauty is the pride of the Georgian capital. From almost anywhere in the city you can admire the peaks of the mountains, the river Mtkvari, sparkling merrily in the sun and carrying its waters across the city. In the warm season, Tbilisi is literally buried in greenery and smells fragrant with the scent of all kinds of flowers.

In the heart of the city is spread Tbilisi Botanical Garden... In the Middle Ages, there were royal gardens here, which, after the entry of Georgia into the Russian Empire, became the property of the state and received the status of a Botanical Garden. A river flows through it Tsavkisistskali dividing the garden in two. Several picturesque bridges are thrown across the river, there is a forty-meter waterfall. Amazing plants were brought here from all parts of the planet: from North America and Japan, Siberia and China, the Mediterranean and the Himalayas. There is a unique collection of medicinal Georgian plants.

Without leaving the city, you can visit the sea. In the north-east of Tbilisi, adjacent to the Tbilisi National Park, there is Tbilisi sea, more precisely, the 9 km long Tbilisi reservoir, created in 1952.

Three kilometers from the city, at an altitude of 800 m above sea level, there is a small Turtle lake formed by underground sources. You can get to it by cable car.

And, of course, speaking about the natural features of Tbilisi, one should mention the thermal springs, thanks to which the city appeared. This place takes up a quarter today Abanotubani, there are world famous baths operating since the 16th century.

sights

To visit all the most beautiful and interesting places in Tbilisi, you will need to come to this amazing city more than once, and, no doubt, everyone will find a place to their liking.

As a rule, sightseeing in Tbilisi starts with Old town, the historical center of the capital. All of it is built up with two- and three-story houses entwined with grapevines. Each house has its own story, funny and sad, fabulous and quite true, which a local resident who meets you is ready to tell a real guide.

In the Old City on Mount Mtatsminda there is Narikala fortress("An impregnable fortress"), which is considered the soul of Tbilisi. The mountain offers a delightful view of the city.

From the Narikala fortress, a tourist trail leads to the monument " Kartlis Deda", Which means" Mother of Georgia "in translation. Then, unique of its kind street-stairs Betlemi past the temples of the IX-X centuries. you can go down to Zion Cathedral, built in the VI-VII centuries. AD Within its walls is kept the main Christian relic of Georgia - the cross of St. Nina, the enlightener of Georgia.

Anchiskhati- the oldest church in Tbilisi, built in the VI century. - got its name in honor of the Anchian icon, deeply revered by Georgian Christians. This is the only building that has been partially preserved almost from the time of the founding of Tbilisi.

One of the main attractions of the city and its symbol is Metekhi temple, which was once the residence of the Georgian kings.

Not far from the temple are the famous Tbilisi sulfur baths: Iraklievskaya, Kazennaya, Bebutovskaya and etc.

And, of course, it is impossible not to look at the central street of the capital - Shota Rustaveli Avenue(Georgian poet of the 12th century). On one street there are dozens of sights of the city. This and National Museum of Georgia, and Church of St. George(Kashueti), and Opera and Ballet Theatre, and much more.

Nutrition

On the streets of Tbilisi you can find restaurants with cuisine from many countries of the world: from Chinese and Indian to French and Italian. But, of course, nothing beats a true Georgian restaurant in the very heart of the country.

Georgian cuisine is replete with all kinds of dishes: ojakhuri, khinkali, khachapuri, kuchmachi, phali, kubdari and other delicious, but not entirely understandable names. The hospitable waiters will help you to understand all their diversity and choose something exactly to your taste. In many restaurants, national songs are played, dance groups perform.

Breakfast on the terrace of the restaurant In the shadow of Metekhi", From where you can admire the Narikala fortress and the Old Town, will set the tourist in the right mood for a fruitful walk around the city. After that, when you get hungry, you can have a snack in fast food restaurants. Shemoikhede Genatsvale". Khinkali lovers should definitely go to “ Khinkali House"On Rustaveli Ave.

In addition to all kinds of restaurants, cafes and bars, you can calmly sit, drink tea and "digest" everything you see in small teahouses, and on a hot day, be sure to treat yourself to the most delicious ice cream in the city in the institution Luca polare("Polar bear").

Residence

Tbilisi hotels offer their guests rooms of various comfort and price categories (from $ 25 to $ 370 per day). Major hotels are Astoria, Holiday Inn, Grand Hotel, Betsy "s Hotel and etc.

More than 60 hostels are open today for tourists in Tbilisi. The cost of living there ranges from $ 8 to $ 25 per day.

You can also rent an apartment for daily rent in any part of the city. The cost of renting apartments is from $ 35.

Entertainment and recreation

There are a huge number of museums and exhibition halls in Tbilisi. The oldest Georgian art is the creation of cloisonné enamel jewelry. Art museum keeps the richest collection of these jewelry. The treasures of the museum also include the cross of Queen Tamara and the famous Anchian icon. The real repository of objects of Caucasian culture is State Museum of Georgia. Silk museum will also attract the attention of anyone who appreciates beauty.

Theater is loved in Tbilisi. Musical performances by Tbilisi troupes are very popular all over the world.

With children you can go to aquapark or visit the children's Mziuri town where the frozen heroes of Nodar Dumbadze's works live.

Night clubs ( Beatles Club, "Roxana", City Club and others) and bars that are open until the last client leaves, will conquer lovers of nightlife.

Purchases

In almost all large shops, hotels and restaurants in Tbilisi, you can pay with a credit card.

In the old part of the city there are few supermarkets, but in different corners of the narrow winding streets there are cute shops where they sell bread, cheese, herbs, wine on tap and much more.

When leaving the city, do not forget about the need to stock up on all kinds of Georgian gifts for yourself and your loved ones. Cloisonne enamel jewelry can be bought on Rustaveli Avenue, as in specialized stores ( Makhalaki, Presents and Souvenirs), in hotel lobbies Marriott and Radisson and in the open market where you can bargain. Real Georgian wine can be purchased in shops Benjamin's and Vinoteca... For paintings and souvenirs it is worth going to Dry bridge... The best spices, Georgian cheese, churchkhela and sauces are sold at Deserter»Bazaar.

Transport

You can get around Tbilisi by bus, minibus, metro and taxi.

Payment for the bus, minibus and metro takes place using a special card - metromania. In buses and minibuses, you can pay in cash, the cost for one trip by any type of transport does not exceed $ 0.5.

The metro operates from 6 am to midnight.

Taxi fares should be negotiated prior to travel.

Planes from the world's leading cities arrive at Tbilisi airport.

Connection

Free Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, restaurants and almost all hostels. There are a number of Internet cafes on Rustaveli Avenue. You can also purchase a card from one of the three mobile operators (Geocell, Beeline and Magti) operating in Georgia, and use the wireless Internet service costing from $ 12 to $ 18 for 1 GB of traffic.

You can call any country in the world from Tbilisi from payphones that work with cards, as well as from post offices.

Safety

If you have any questions or concerns, you should contact the patrol police officer. The officer will politely and competently resolve the problem.

When traveling by your own vehicle, you should strictly follow the traffic rules and city parking rules, you should not travel at night. The city maintains strict control over the observance of order on the roads and streets, violators are subject to high fines.

Business climate

Convenient conditions for doing business in Georgia lead to an increase in investment receipts in the country and, in particular, in the development of the capital's economy. For example, the Austrian company Rezid Holding GMBH has invested in the construction of a multifunctional complex, which will consist of two skyscrapers, which will house beauty salons, cafes, spa and fitness centers, swimming pools, etc.

Business in Tbilisi, as in the whole of Georgia, is subject to the following taxes: income tax (15%), personal income tax (25%), VAT (18%), property tax (the tax rate is determined by local governments) and land tax (from 0.2 to 0.3 $ per 1 m 2). Customs payments, depending on the category of goods, are 0%, 5% and 12% of the value of the goods.

The property

Today the real estate market in Tbilisi is experiencing a real upsurge. The construction of a new quarter of the capital, "New Tbilisi", has begun, which will include five zones: residential, commercial, recreational, administrative and diplomatic.

The conditions for buying real estate for foreigners have been simplified as much as possible in order to stimulate the inflow of foreign capital into the country.

Housing prices in Tbilisi range from $ 900 to $ 2,000 per square meter.

Tbilisi is a wonderful hospitable city capable of giving everyone the most vivid impressions. The best way to get around here is walking. Only in this way, calmly and slowly, you can feel the flavor and originality of the city. For long-distance travel, choose a taxi: in the person of a taxi driver, you will get both a driver and an excellent guide who will advise on which wine to buy, where to dine, and from what point the view of the city is most beautiful.

Almost all signs in Tbilisi are written in Georgian, therefore, in order to feel more comfortable in the city, you can learn the Georgian alphabet or at least make yourself a cheat sheet, and, of course, always remember that in a difficult situation you can ask for help from passers-by and employees the police.

In small shops and markets there is no way to pay with a bank card, so it is always worth keeping some of the money in cash in small denominations.

Tbilisi is the capital and largest city of Georgia, which is about one and a half thousand years old. It is from here that most tourists begin their exploration of the country. A large number of museums, attractions that tell about the culture and history of the state, a myriad of cafes and restaurants - only a small part of what attracts hundreds of thousands of travelers here every year. The districts of Tbilisi are distinguished by their uniqueness: after all, each of them has its own flavor and gives a unique atmosphere. The developed transport network of the capital and the abundance of accommodation options allow tourists to organize a comfortable rest here and fully enjoy the Georgian flavor.

Old city

If you look at the districts of Tbilisi on the map, you will see a small area in the southwest of the capital. It is here that the famous Old Town is located - the center of concentration of most of the capital's attractions. This area marks the borders of ancient Tbilisi, which was fenced off from the outside world by fortress walls until 1795, when the Iranians attacked the capital and burned it to ashes.

Today in the Old Town one can observe only those cultural values ​​of antiquity that were restored after decades of restoration work.

The best way to get here is by metro: after disembarking at the Avlabari station, walk along Europe Square to the Kura River. While walking around the area, be sure to visit the following attractions:

In addition, the area is home to amazing Armenian churches, a mosque and three synagogues, reflecting the capital's vibrant religious contrast. If you doubt which area of ​​Tbilisi is better for a tourist to stay, we suggest that you analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the Old City.

faith

The Vera district in Tbilisi is considered relatively young, since it began to be built up only in the middle of the 19th century. For a long time it was a resort area, and today it has become one of the favorite tourist corners in Tbilisi. The Vera area is 18 km from the airport and offers many options for staying in hotels and apartments at attractive prices. A lot of interesting places are concentrated here, the best way to go for an overview is from the Rustaveli metro station. What to see in this area of ​​Tbilisi?

Elena Akhvlediani Museum

If you don't know where to stay in Tbilisi, then Vera can be a worthy option. Let's consider its advantages and disadvantages.

pros

• Many mid-range hotels
• Calmly
• Close to metro
• Moderate prices

Minuses

• Few attractions
• Small selection of restaurants
• May seem boring and uninteresting

Mtatsminda

If you are planning to stay in the center of Tbilisi, but do not know which area is better to choose, we advise you to consider Mtatsminda. This is the most presentable part of the capital, where the most expensive hotels and. The area is located 18 km from Tbilisi International Airport, and it is best to start traveling around it from the "Freedom Square" metro station. First of all, it is worth visiting:

Shota Rustaveli Theater

To understand where is the best place to stay in Tbilisi, it is important to compare the advantages and disadvantages of its districts. What is so good about the Mtatsminda area?

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Bright and distinctive Tbilisi can surprise a tourist with its rich history, picturesque ancient architecture and extraordinary traditions of hospitality that have been observed here for hundreds of years. The city has another side - this is the boldly looking into the future outlines of the Bridge of Peace and the Theater of Music and Drama, modern amusement parks that meet the highest quality standards, as well as museums with current exhibitions.

After walking through the old quarters of Tbilisi, tourists are happy to taste excellent Georgian wine in restaurants and enjoy spicy dishes of national cuisine. The good nature of the locals is another advantage that speaks in favor of Tbilisi. Guests are always welcome here and will be happy to tell you a lot of interesting things from the historical past of the city.

The best hotels and hotels at affordable prices.

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What to see and where to go in Tbilisi?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.

The historical part of Tbilisi, located at the foot of Mtatsminda. On the territory of the Old City there are ancient temples, palaces, mansions built in the best traditions of Georgian architecture. Many buildings have been renovated and converted into restaurants, wine tasting rooms, hotels and souvenir shops. However, there is another, non-tourist part of the area, where dilapidated emergency houses huddle, in which people still live.

The central alley of Tbilisi, stretching from the square. Svoboda to pl. Rustaveli 1.5 km. The street is the center of the city's cultural life, and many attractions are located here. The avenue was laid in the 19th century, the construction took place under the leadership of Prince Vorontsov - the governor of the Russian Empire in the Caucasus. Rustaveli Avenue is always very crowded, as this place is considered one of the best in the city for walking.

The first mentions of the fortress date back to the 5th century. Since the 7th century, it has been conquered more than once by the Byzantines, Mongols, and then by the Arabs. For a long time, Narikala was the center of the Georgian kingdom. A powerful fortification rises at the top of a hill surrounded by sheer cliffs, which seriously impeded the enemy's access during a siege. In 1827, as a result of a powerful earthquake, the building was seriously damaged. Partial restoration was carried out in the 90s. XX century.

Cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church, which was erected in the period 1995-2004. designed by A. Mindiashvili. Given the difficult times in Georgia in the 90s, it was rather difficult to allocate the entire amount from the state budget, so a significant part of the money was collected thanks to voluntary donations. Tsminda Sameba is a whole complex, which includes a monastery, a seminary, the residence of the patriarch and a cathedral.

The church is located on the edge of a steep cliff in the center of Tbilisi. It was erected in the XIII century on the site of the palace of the founder of the city Vakhtang I Gorgasali. Over the next three centuries, the building was destroyed several times. A temple built in the 16th century has survived to this day. The architecture of the church is an exemplary example of Georgian temple architecture, which is characterized by laconic forms and the absence of decorative elements.

The church was built in the 6th century during the reign of Dachi Ujarmeli, the most ancient temple in Georgia that has survived to this day (taking into account the rebuilding and destruction of the 15th-17th centuries). During the Soviet era, the territory of the temple was adapted for a museum of folk crafts and an art workshop. Now one of the best choirs in Georgia is performing in the Anchiskhati church. The building also houses valuable icons.

Zion Cathedral was a cathedral until 2004. The first temple on this site was erected in the 6th century; later, newer buildings appeared, in which fragments of previous buildings were used. As a result, the facade of the Zion Cathedral turned out to be composed of stone parts belonging to different eras. The most significant shrine of the church is the cross of St. Nino, which converted Georgia to the Christian faith.

A necropolis where significant public and cultural figures of Georgia are buried. Scientists, writers, national heroes, famous artists are buried here. The cemetery was formed in 1929 in time for the centenary of A. Griboyedov's death in Iran. The pantheon contains the remains of A. Tsereteli, S. Janashia, L. Gudiashvili, F. Makharadze and other famous personalities. The first Georgian President Z. Gamsakhurdia is also buried here.

Flea market and tourist attraction located at the bridge over the Kura River. The flea market is a cult place; every guest of Tbilisi should definitely look here. The variety of goods is amazing - they sell antique porcelain, chandeliers, Soviet posters, cameras and even rare sets of surgical instruments. Some copies can cost up to several thousand dollars.

The theater is located in Old Tbilisi near the Anchiskhati Church. It was founded in 1981 by the playwright, director and artist R. Gabriadze. The stage is chamber, the auditorium is designed for only 80 seats. The troupe constantly takes part in international festivals and has already managed to visit many European countries, the USA and Canada on tour. The performances of the Puppet Theater have always received good reviews from critics.

The building of the opera stage is located on the central Rustaveli Avenue. It was erected in the middle of the 19th century and, according to many contemporaries, was not inferior in beauty to the leading theaters in Europe. In 1874, the theater was destroyed by fire, after which a new building was erected, which now adorns the center of Tbilisi. Throughout the 20th century, the theater was the center of the cultural life of the Georgian capital.

The museum is a whole network of galleries located throughout Georgia. The main branch is located in Tbilisi. The museum was founded in 2004, its funds included the collections of the Museum of the History of Tbilisi, the State Museum of Art of Georgia, the Dmanisi Museum-Reserve of History and Archeology, the Museum of Georgia named after S. Janashia and many others. The extensive exhibition covers the time period from the 4th century BC. until the XX century.

An open-air museum, which houses traditional Georgian houses and buildings, collected from all regions of the country. The exposition was founded in 2004 thanks to the serious work of the ethnographer G. Chita. The museum is located on a vast area of ​​52 hectares; its collection includes more than 70 houses and about 8 thousand historical artifacts. In addition to residential buildings, there are mills, wineries, a family tomb and an old temple on the territory of the museum.

The attraction is located in the Abanotubani area, which stretches along the channel of the Kura River. Baths were erected on the site of ancient sulfur springs discovered during the reign of King Vakhtang I Gorgasal, the founder of Tbilisi. Bath water is supplied directly from the ground. The buildings are built of red brick and topped with round domes with windows through which ventilation is carried out. Inside the baths are lined with tiled tiles.

The architectural ensemble of the square began to form in the middle of the 19th century, when the active development of Tbilisi began. During the Soviet era, dilapidated buildings were demolished and the square was renewed in accordance with the architectural traditions of that time. Today, Freedom Square is the place where administrative and government buildings are concentrated. In the middle there is the Freedom Monument in the form of a 30-meter column and the statue of St. George, created according to the project of Z. Tsereteli in 2006.

The monument was created by the famous sculptor Z. Tsereteli, it was installed in Tbilisi in 2011. on the territory of the Avlabari region. Initially, it was assumed that the sculptural group was to take place at the Patriarch's Ponds in Moscow. The monument symbolizes the friendship of the Georgian, Armenian and Russian peoples. This is exactly what the Mayor of Tbilisi spoke about at the opening of the monument in the presence of a large number of citizens.

The monument is a symbol of the national character of Georgia, in which many features are intertwined. The figure of Mother Kartli symbolizes hospitality and, at the same time, readiness to defend against enemies. The statue was created in 1958 by the sculptor E. Amashukeli to celebrate the one and a half millennium anniversary of the founding of the Georgian capital. The first monument was made of wood; in 1963 it was replaced with an aluminum copy.

The monument is located 13 km. from Tbilisi on the banks of the Tbilisi reservoir. It is a group of 16 columns 353 meters high. Each column depicts a specific plot associated with the history of Georgia or with biblical scenes. Also in the sculptural group is the cross of St. Nino, a church and statues of sages who contributed to the spread of Christianity. The sculptor Z. Tsereteli worked on the monument for almost 20 years.

The park was laid out in the middle of the 19th century in the place where the gardens of the Georgian kings were located - along the Legvta-Khevi river. After the territory was taken over by the Academy of Sciences, the planting area was significantly expanded. At the moment, the Botanical Garden occupies an area of ​​128 hectares. The plant diversity is represented by several thousand species, which are collected from all over the world and from different regions of Georgia.

The reservoir is located at the northern slope of Mount Mtatsminda, about 3 km. from Tbilisi. Previously, turtles lived in these places, which is why the lake has such a name. For residents of the city, the reservoir is a popular place for outdoor recreation; on weekends, a lot of people come here. By itself, Turtle Lake is small in size and depth, it is located at an altitude of 686 meters above sea level.

City park on the left bank of the Kura River, opened in 2010 next to the Bridge of Peace. On its territory there are many entertainments for the whole family: children's labyrinths, a climbing wall for sport climbing, restaurants, a musical fountain. A grandiose futuristic structure of the Theater of Music and Drama was built in the park, created in the form of a giant mirror tube, reminiscent of the powerful turbines of a spaceship.

A cable car connecting the city center with the park on Mount Mtatsminda. The system was built at the beginning of the 20th century by invited Belgian engineers. In 1990, the cable was broken, as a result of which 15 people died. In 2000, there was another incident with a broken rope, after which the funicular stood abandoned until 2013. The renovated cable car is now operational again. On the way to the top, the funicular makes one stop at the Pantheon.

The park is located on the top of the mountain of the same name. Since the 19th century, this place has gained popularity among the townspeople; numerous taverns have appeared here. In the 30s. XX century on the mountain a square was laid out to them. Stalin, which became the prototype of the modern amusement park. On the territory there are attractions, water slides, original sculptures, models of ancient castles, cafes and green recreation areas.

The cable car was built in 2012, it connects the Old City with the Narikala fortress. The design is made taking into account the most stringent safety requirements. During the ride in glass-floored cabins, you can enjoy the picturesque views of Tbilisi stretching right under your feet. The cable car quickly gained popularity among tourists and entered the list of the main attractions of Tbilisi.

25. Bridge of Peace

The modern bridge over the Kura River, built in 2010 by the Italian architect M. de Luca and lighting designer F. Martin. The structure connects the old and new parts of Tbilisi, symbolizing the transition from a glorious past to a promising future. The bridge is 156 meters long and about 5 meters wide. The building is made in high-tech style. The bridge is equipped with a powerful illumination system and is covered with a glass dome resembling a fishing net.

Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia, located in the very heart of this mountainous country. Until 1936, this city bore the name Tiflis: under this name it can be found in the literary works of that period.

Territory of Tbilisi

The total area occupied by the city is about 350 square kilometers. It, in turn, is divided into six districts: Old Tbilisi, where the main city attractions are located, including areas with characteristic medieval buildings, as well as the Vake-Saburtalo, Abanotubani, Isani-Samgori, Didube-Chugureti, Gldani-Nadzaladevi and Didgori districts.

From a geographical point of view, the city is located in the Tbilisi Basin of the same name - an elongated depression in a mountain range that is 7 kilometers wide and 21 kilometers long. The physical boundaries of the basin are formed by the Trialeti Range, the Saguram Range and the Iori Highlands. The formation of this basin is largely associated with the flow of the Kura River in it, which passes through the territory of the city.

Despite the fact that the city lies in a natural depression, its height above sea level is still significant: in different districts of Tbilisi it ranges from 380 to almost 800 meters above sea level. The nature of the area in which the city is located determines its high seismic activity, and the absence of large bodies of water in the immediate vicinity of Tbilisi - a dry subtropical climate.

Population of Tbilisi

The total population of the city today is quite significant - it is more than 1.1 million people. At the same time, more than 80% of the population in terms of ethnicity belongs to the Georgian nationality. The second largest ethnic group living within the city is the Armenians: their share exceeds 7% of the total population of the city. The share of the Russian population in Tbilisi is about 3%.

During the years of the Soviet Union, the share of the population belonging to the ethnic Russian group in the city was significantly higher: its maximum value, about 18%, it reached in the 1960s thanks to the industrialization program, within the framework of which a large number of qualified specialists moved to the city. However, later this source of replenishment of the group of the Russian population dried up, and it began to gradually decrease. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, a significant part of the Russian population left Tbilisi, as a result of which the share of this category in the total population of Tbilisi was reduced to 3%.

Every year the capital of Georgia is visited by tourists from different countries, who remain very impressed by the area. So what interesting can each guest of the city learn for himself and what population of Tbilisi can you meet on its streets?

Some historical information

Tbilisi is an elder city, not only of Georgia, but of the whole world. Archaeologists have found that the first settlements on the territory of the modern city appeared in the 4th century AD.

But the first mentions of Tbilisi as a city date back to 479. From that moment on, the territory of the current capital of Georgia was inhabited by various peoples with their own culture. This color is reflected in the modern appearance of the city.

Until 1936, the city was called Tiflis, but only in Russian colloquial speech. The locals called him Tpilisi. This name comes from the location on the territory of warm sulfur springs, and from Georgian "tbili" means "warm".

Legend associated with the title

There is a national legend about how the city got its current name. According to her, initially the territory of modern Tbilisi was completely covered with forests, in which there were many wild animals and birds. And one day the reigning at that time (V century AD) monarch Vakhtang Gorgasal shot a pheasant, which fell into a sulfur spring and boiled. This served as the discovery of healing warm springs, near which Vakhtang Gorgasal ordered to lay the city.

In the modern city, at the site of the sulfur places, there is a quarter of baths.

Territorial location

The heart of Georgia is located on the banks of the picturesque Kura River. It covers an area of ​​726 square kilometers and is the largest city in the country. It borders on other Georgian cities - Gardabani and Mtskheta.

Number of townspeople

At the time of the 2016 census, the population of Tbilisi was 1,082,000, which is 1/3 of the total population of the entire country.

Ethnic composition of Tbilisi

The population of the city of Tbilisi is very colorful. This is not a place where exclusively indigenous people live.

According to sociological data, the picture of residents is as follows:

• the majority are people of Georgian nationality - 85%;
• 7.5% - Armenians;
• the Russian population in Tbilisi is 3%;
• Kurds - 1.7%;
• Azerbaijanis - 1%;
• Ossetians - 0.9%;
• Greeks - 0.35%;
• Ukrainians - 0.3%;
• Jews - 0.2%.

Based on such a multinational composition, religious diversity also develops. The overwhelming majority of the population, which includes Georgians, Russians, Ukrainians and Greeks, preaches Christianity, Armenians adhere to Gregorian Christianity. Islam is less widespread; its supporters are Kurds and Azerbaijanis.

In addition, there are other religious views on the territory of Tbilisi: Baptism, Lutheranism, Judaism.

You need to go around Tbilisi all over, since there is some kind of attraction on almost every street. If there is not much time for a sightseeing tour, then you can limit yourself to the following objects.

The Sulfur Baths are the main attraction of the capital. It was the sulfur springs, according to local legend, that became the reason for the foundation of the city. Another main reason for the pilgrimage of tourists to these places is the healing effect of these springs.

This area is considered the oldest in the city. The main feature of the baths is that there is no room for heating water. This is not an oversight of the builders, they are simply not needed, since the water temperature in these springs can reach 60 degrees.

The bathhouse is a building with a domed roof, which was built on the motif of Persian buildings. Once the baths were very popular and worked around the clock, and their number was 60 buildings.

Currently, there are only a few baths operating in Tbilisi: VIP, "No. 52", "Tsar's Bath".

Bombora Park, which is located in the city center, on Mount David (also known as Mtatsminda), is an excellent place for family recreation. This mountain is a symbol of the city, from which a wonderful panoramic view of the whole of Tbilisi opens up.

On the approach to the hill (on the slope), the Church of St. David was built, the construction of which dates back to the 19th century. When you climb to the very top, you will come across a TV tower, the height of which is 277.4 meters.

But the most important attraction is Bombra Park. It has an observation deck offering a full view of the city. Houses and castles amaze with their bizarre shapes. But tourists pay special attention to attractions, which are presented in several versions: children's, extreme, family, as well as a game village.

Norashen is an Armenian Gregorian temple, built in the 15th-16th centuries. But over time, its original appearance changed, so now tourists can contemplate the style of architecture of the 18th century.

In addition to Norashen, there are several more Armenian churches in Tbilisi. The most famous are Surb Gevork and Surb Gevork Mugni.

Rustaveli Avenue is the central street in the Georgian capital, and is also considered one of the main ones. It got its name in honor of the Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli.

If you want to see all the city bustle and real Tbilisi life, then you must definitely visit Rustaveli Avenue. It is here that all cultural, commercial and historical objects are concentrated: theaters, museums, various shops, cafes, including open-air cafes, hotels, the main city road. The entire city is concentrated here.

The length of the avenue is about 1.5 km. On one side, the avenue ends with Freedom Square, on the other - Rustaveli Square, on which a monument to the poet is erected.

This is only one hundredth of what you can see in Tbilisi. The city is full of all kinds of buildings: temples of different religions, museums with various expositions, old houses in contrast to modern ones. The day is not enough to see everything.

Industrial value

The city is also of industrial importance not only for Georgia, but also for the whole world. The main industry enterprise is considered to be mechanical engineering, metal processing, and the food industry.

Several existing factories have been built in the city: for the construction of electric locomotives, an aviation one named after V.I. Dimitrov, for the production of agricultural machinery, machine tool, production of equipment for winemaking, instrument making, iron foundry, electric car repair.

The food industry is represented by the production of ancient wine and cognac drinks, sparkling wines, tobacco, butter, bakery products, and dairy products. The city is also famous for the production of silk, woolen and knitted fabrics. The production of haberdashery, clothing and footwear is well established. There are also furniture factories in Tbilisi, production of building materials, a factory for the production of ceramic products, and a pharmacy. In addition to production structures, the scientific sphere is developing well in the capital of Georgia.

Conclusion

The population of Tbilisi is quite diverse. The sights of this city will not leave indifferent any tourist.

The city is full of interesting sites that are of historical, religious and cultural importance for the population. Central avenues and quiet stone-paved streets are full of interesting things for travelers. Nature lovers will appreciate the beauty and grandeur of the local forests and mountain slopes.