Tbilisi

Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, stands on the banks of the River Mtkvari, in a valley surrounded by hills. The name for the city derives from the word tbili (warm). It is best seen from the top of Mount Mtatsminda. With its warm climate, stone houses built around vine-draped courtyards, and winding streets, the city has a lively, Mediterranean atmosphere which was even present during the Soviet period. The old city, spreading out from the south bank of the river, has numerous frescoed churches (the most noteworthy being the sixth-century Sioni Cathedral), 19th century houses with arcaded open galleries on the upper floors, a castle and a surprising number of cafes and enticing tourist shops selling locally produced arts and crafts. Prospekt Rustaveli, Tbilisi’s main thoroughfare, features an assortment of stylish public buildings testifying to the city’s prosperity at the turn of the 19th century.
Tbilisi
I fell in love with the design of the buildings.
Tbilisi
Building on Rustaveli Blvd.
Tbilisi
St. George. Up close.
Tbilisi
City Hall.
Tbilisi
Statue of St. George as seen from my hotel room at the Marriott which is located on Freedom Square.
Tbilisi
9th of April Park.
Tbilisi
Parliament.
Tbilisi
Fountain in the 9th of April Park, one of the city parks.
Tbilisi
Left Bank of the River Mtkvari with the President's Palace in the distance.
Tbilisi
This house was on the way to the Sameba Cathedral.
Tbilisi
I have a thing for taking photos of old doors.
Tbilisi
Marti Park. This park has a permanent flea market going every day and you can find all kinds of interesting stuff here.
Tbilisi
I really like this photo of a tenement house.
Tbilisi
Statue in Marti Park.
Tbilisi
Outside the gates to Sameba Cathedral.
Tbilisi
Free standing bell tower.
Tbilisi
Sameba Cathedral. The Cathedral consists of nine chapels (chapels of the Archangels, John the Baptist, Saint Nino, Saint George, Saint Nicholas, the Twelve…
Tbilisi
The Sameba complex, whose construction is not yet completed, consists of the main cathedral church, a freely standing bell tower, the residence of the…
Tbilisi
Free standing bell tower.
Tbilisi
The residence of the Patriarch