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Until 1936, this area of the city was called "Tpilisi." Today, this historical part of the city is referred to as "Old Tbilisi" and, what’s more, it has been UNESCO-listed since 2007.
If the history and tales of the early centuries intrigue you, then get comfortable! Tbilisi has been inhabited since ancient times – as is confirmed by various archaeological discoveries in the city - from the Eneolithic (4th-3rd millennium BCE) to the ancient period (1st millennium BC - 3rd century CE).
It was King Vakhtang Gorgasali, in the second half of the 5th century CE, who decided to build the capital city here. One day, as the legend goes, King Vakhtang was hunting along with his sparrowhawk. All of a sudden, the sparrowhawk caught a pheasant and was just about to fly down to collect its prey. However, it disappeared into a ravine.
The king and his companions followed, where they saw the sparrowhawk and pheasant both boiling in scalding water. Without hesitation, King Vakhtang decided to start building the city, as he was so enamored by the location. Due to the naturally warm water flowing through it, the new capital city would be called Tbilisi (meaning “warm place” in Georgian).
Bridges of Old Tbilisi
There are just 10 bridges in Tbilisi today, and none of them are particularly old like the Mirabeau Bridge in Paris or the Rialto Bridge in Venice. It should be kept in mind, though, that other bridges have previously collapsed where Metekhi Bridge now stands. In 1951, a reinforced concrete structure was erected here.
Elsewhere, Baratashvili Bridge in Tbilisi is a good starting point from which to tour the city. From there, you can head into Old Tbilisi, start to explore a more modern part of the city – the choice is yours!
Be sure to also check out the beautiful pedestrian glass bridge called Peace Bridge, sandwiched between Baratashvili and Metekhi Bridges. Designed by an Italian architect Michele De Lucchi, it is much newer than other bridges, but very popular among Georgians and foreigners alike.
Walking Along the Cobbled Streets
On Baratashvili Street, there is a an old tram carriage called "Konka" - that’s how the city’s old trams once looked like.
Just a few steps away, on Shavteli Street, there is a Rezo Gabriadze marionette theater and a fairy-tale clock tower. There is almost certainly another exciting adventure awaiting if you continue down this narrow street.