Useful information about Batumi and Georgia
8 iconic architectural sights of Tbilisi
Tbilisi is historically a city located at the crossroads between Europe and Asia. The architecture of Tbilisi combines the influences of many cultures. Here you will find sulfur baths called Abanotubani, modern skyscrapers, Soviet-era buildings and traditional Georgian houses with colorful balconies. When exploring the city, first of all, it is worth seeing these landmarks for the Georgian capital:
1. The House of Writers of Georgia
Among the outstanding buildings of Tbilisi stands the House of Writers, combining European and Georgian architectural influences. The Art Nouveau mansion once belonged to David Sarajishvili & mdash; to the famous philanthropist and founder of Georgian cognac production. The house was designed by German architect Karl Zaar in collaboration with Alexander Ozerov and Corneli Tatishev, and the refined interior belongs to the Georgian master Ilya Mamatsashvili. Since the day the construction was completed, the building has been an important center of the cultural life of the city.
2. Georgian Opera and Ballet Theater
The architecture and interior of this theater, which suffered several times from the fire, changed, but never lost its appeal. The last fire occurred in 1973, but in 1978 the theater was restored to its original form. The authors of the reconstruction managed to preserve the pseudo-Moorish style of the building. Another project to repair the theater was launched in 2010: parts of the theater were changed and updated, and the garden around it became larger.
3. Rustaveli Theater
Walking along Rustaveli Avenue, it is impossible not to notice the exceptional facade of the Rustaveli historical theater. Looking inside, you can find that the interior of the theater is no less exciting. The foundation of the building was laid in 1898, and the design of the building belonged to architects Cornell Tatishchev and Alexander Shimkevich. The design used elements of the Baroque and Rococo styles. Despite the fact that many masterpieces that once adorned the theater were lost due to the vicissitudes of fate, it retains its position as one of the bewitching buildings of the capital.
4. Ateshga
Located in Old Tbilisi Ateshga is one of the oldest Zoroastrian temples in the world. The name comes from the Persian & laquo; ateshgah & raquo; & mdash; place for fire. Built in the Sassanian era, when Georgia was part of the Persian Empire, this temple on the outside is a faceless brick cube. Steps lead to a pair of sturdy wooden doors. No windows & mdash; instead, empty arches on each side. Genuine Zoroastrian temples are extremely rare, therefore Ateshga is the most important historical and religious monument.
5. Bank of Georgia
Built in 1975, the building was originally the Ministry of Road Construction, becoming the headquarters of the Bank of Georgia in 2007. This 18-story building cannot be ignored. He is called one of the best examples of constructivism. The idea of the building is to save space: free space allows trees to grow around the structure, which symbolize the balance between nature and man.
6. State Museum of Silk
This museum, founded by natural scientist Nikolai Shavrov, is one of the oldest in Georgia. Main building & mdash; dominant in the complex & mdash; It features a red brick facade, an attic roof and a large portico. Stylistically representing an alloy of classicism, Gothic and Islamic art, the silk museum is one of the best architectural sights of the city.
7. School number 6
The historic Sololaki district in Tbilisi is definitely worth a visit. There are many interesting buildings here, including the former Georgian gymnasium, located at the intersection of Dadiani and Asatiani Streets. This is an outstanding neo-Gothic brick building, created by architect Alexander Ozerov. Georgian & laquo; Hogwarts & raquo;, and this is precisely the nickname of the building, has conveyed to this day a mystical atmosphere. Guests will notice many authentic architectural details & mdash; an old marble staircase with beautiful railings, wooden doors and a peculiar facade with huge windows.
8. House of Madame Bozardzhyants
Another iconic building in Tbilisi is located on Chonkadze Street. This magnificent mansion received a silver medal for the best facade in 1915. Previously, it belonged to the tobacco dealer Nikoloz Bozadzhiants, who made his wife the official owner of the house. There is a small garden in front of the T-shaped building. The interior of the house is full of Venetian glass brought from Italy, but beautiful ceilings are most impressive.