Tbilisi Walkabouts

You have to come to Tbilisi as a tourist. I heard this phrase over and over again from Georgians and foreigners together.

Tbilisi
Tbilisi

The significance of the last word of that sentence escaped me during first days in the Georgian capital. In hindsight, after 4 moths living there, I see the point. A week or two of learning and experiencing Georgian history, culture, and cuisine would be an unforgettable experience.

Old Tbilisi
Old Tbilisi

Living in the city for an extended period of time is a different matter. I’ll get back to that in a separate post.

Tbilisi photos
Courage or desperation? Some people do not have a choice and have to live in a building damaged by an earthquake without hope that it would ever be repaired.
Tbilisi photos
Where tourists do not go

Here, I want to share my visual impressions from walking, climbing, rolling through the maze of back streets of Tbilisi.

Tbilisi photos
High heels are not welcome here
Tbilisi photos
Not exactly Paris or Beirut but I love these stairs

Why back streets? The soul of the city is there, hidden between narrow cobblestone passages in a shade of old trees.

Tbilisi photos
These vines serve dual purpose: provide shade during summer and grapes to make wine

The skillfully restored old town recreates bygone era is for tourists.

Tbilisi photos
Tourist paradise
Tbilisi photos
KGB is still watching you. I guess kitsch never loses its appeal. This place is always full in the afternoon

The futuristic modern architecture is for business. I was not touched by either. The design of new buildings is admirable. They are just not in tune with the vibes of Georgian capital. Imagine a gal wearing Doc Martens with a tutu. They do not work together.

Tbilisi photos
Modern architecture of Tbilisi is impressive. For me though, it clashed with the city’s atmosphere

With cloud cover, Old Tbilisi becomes a dark city. Not in a bad way, but literally. Its predominant colors are earthy grays and rusty browns which are a stark difference from southern European cities. There are no cheerful red roofs or spirit-lifting whitewashed walls.

Streets of Old Tbilisi
Streets of Old Tbilisi

I might invent a new term here, but esteemed citizens of Tbilisi seem to be spatial introverts. It is a curious thing. Locals with means are more than eager to renovate and improve their quarters’ interiors. They do not give two hoots about outside world. “You can’t judge a book by its cover” expression could hail from Tbilisi. Thus, city dwellings look rundown or uninhabitable for passersby. Beautiful classical or art nouveau facades could be falling apart, but buildings are not empty. Despite ghostlike appearance, life goes on behind closed gates.

Tbilisi photos
Typical courtyard
Old Tbilisi
Quite a common sight. A building was damaged during an earthquake and now is supported by these metal rails preventing it from falling apart.
Tbilisi photos
At first sight, this entrance looked so ordinary and rundown. The lion head caught my attention, and I accidentally looked inside. Even though it was very dark, the former grandeur of this hall was still visible. Note: the hall photo was considerably brightened to make details visible.
Tbilisi photos
Meow to you too

More photos from Tbilisi:

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Tbilisi Walkabouts
Sharing my visual impressions from walking, climbing, rolling through the maze of back streets of Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia.

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10 thoughts on “Tbilisi Walkabouts”

  1. I liked the fact that you captured the city exactly as it is in reality, without trying to make it look better or only showing us the fancy parts of it. Great job!

  2. Wow! Even in a dilapidated condition, that hallway behind the lion head is stunning.

    I want to visit Georgia sometime. I’ve had the privilege of experiencing some Georgian cuisine here in the states and I quite liked it.

  3. It sounds like an interesting city, although it looks kind of run down for a capital. It’s true though that you can’t judge a book by it’s cover!

    • You are right on both accounts. Tbilisi is a very interesting city. Founded in the 5th century,it is located on the crossroads of Europe and Asia on the east-west trade routes. Unfortunately, it’s been in decline for a while.

  4. I totally agree with you about the backstreets and that that’s where a city’s soul is. Getting off the main street is how you really get to know a place, and your photos capture the real essence of this fascinating city.

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