Soviet Heritage in Tbilisi Cultural & Sightseeing Tours Overview Soviet Architectural Heritage in Tbilisi

Starts from: Tbilisi

Available: All year

Type: Private Full day trip

Duration: 8 hours

If you are interested in the 20thcentury architecture, particularly - authentic Soviet-style in the capital of Georgia, this full-day tour is for you.

Tour takes you to the different corners of the city, from gloomy residential districts in Nutsubidze Plato and Heroes Square to the astonishing panoramic viewpoints of Mtatsminda, Chronicle of Georgia, and former museum of Archaeology. Beautiful Soviet mosaic façades, massive concrete monuments and postmodern palaces, which seem as if they have descended from space, are the highlights of this tour.

Tour details Code: TB-PT-SH-01 Starts from: Tbilisi Max. Group Size: 15 Adults Duration: Full Day Prices Group size Price per adult

Solo 129 €

2 people 68 €

3-5 people 47 €

6-15 people 32 €

*Online booking deposit: 15 €

1 person from the group will be FREE of charge if 10 and more adults are traveling together

Child Policy

0-1 years - Free

2-6 years - 16 € The balance can be done by:

7 years and over - Adult Bank transfer - in Euro/USD/GBP currency, no later than two weeks before the tour starts VISA/Mastercard - in GEL (local currency) in Tbilisi only, before the tour starts, directly to your guide via POS terminal. Card service fee +3% Cash – GEL only, directly to the nearest TBC Bank office or TBC Bank Cash terminal no later than the beginning of the tour.

For a larger group or custom itinerary please contact us at tours[at]georgianholidays.com

Tips for booking procedure:

How to know which “Operator” to select?

You only need to select the Operator name if you have previously communicated with one of our sales agents via phone or email, otherwise please leave it at default. Sights to Visit The Chronicle of Georgia Bank of Georgia Headquarters Building Tbilisi Funicular Tbilisi Sports Palace Tbilisi Museum of Archaeology Itinerary Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

The guide will meet you at the hotel. As the tour is private, we start upon your convenience.

Tour starts at a massive monument from the mid-80s, located in the north edge of the city on top of a hill near the Tbilisi Sea. Designed by famous Soviet Georgian sculptor Zurab Tsereteli, the Chronicle of Georgia can be classified as a glory memorial, integrating 30-35-meter-tall concrete pillars that depict the Kings of Georgia, historical scenes, as well as the Passion of the Christ.

Tour continues to the former Museum of Archaeology of Tbilisi, located in district Dighomi, and constructed in 1988. Established by the well- known Georgian archaeologist Rostom Abramishvili, this building is an excellent example of Soviet brutalist architecture.

Next highlight is one of the iconic buildings of Tbilisi – currently the headquarters of the Bank of Georgia. Finished in 1975, it was initially built for the Ministry of Highway Construction of the Georgian SSR, by the architects George Chakhava and Zurab Jalaghania. Later, itwas acquired by the Bank of Georgia in 2007. Constructivist movementfrom the 1920s and Brutalist architectural style severely influenced thedesign of this building.

Next, we move to Nutsubidze Plato – a Soviet residential district from the late 1970s. Main highlights here are three massive residential blocks interconnected by the pedestrian bridge.

Continue towards the city center, and stop by the Tbilisi Sports Palace, another interesting building finished in 1961. A large indoor sports arena usually hosts handball, basketball, judo, and other tournaments. If you want to take a look at Tbilisi Metro, venture into the Technical University station located next to the Sports Palace. This station was finished in 1979. Its interior is decorated by mosaic and high relief.

Next highlight is the former House of Political Education. Constructed in 1970, the building is notable for its beautiful large mosaic panel by Zurab Tsereteli.

On the way towards the former House of Political Education located on Aghmashenebeli Avenue, we pass by several interesting buildings, such as the typical Stalinist residential building with tower on Heroes Square built in the late 30s, National Scientific Library building (1985) designed in brutalist style, and Tbilisi Concert Hall (often referred as Philarmony) constructed in 1971.

Another example of Stalinist architecture style is the building of Georgian National Academy of Sciences on Rustaveli Avenue. Construction was finished in 1953. Building consists of a five-story array with a 55-meter high tower. It has an inner yard as well, where you can find a lower station of a cable way towards mount Mtatsminda.

Tour continues to Avlabari district. Here, the highlight is the Palace of Rituals (often referred as the Wedding Palace), a strange postmodern building designed by Victor Jorbenadze and Vazha Orbeladze constructed in 1984. The building is influenced by many styles, such as expressionism and medieval Georgian church architecture.

Final highlight of the tour is Mtatsminda Funicular and Tbilisi TV Broadcasting Tower. Mtatsminda funicular is a historical ropeway that was built already before the revolution under Russian Empire, while the current 274.5-meter high broadcasting tower was built in 1972.

At the end of the day, we can enjoy beautiful sunset and optional dinner* from the restaurant Funicular overlooking Tbilisi. The main hall here is decorated with the wall painting of Koka Ignatov, Soviet Georgian Artist. Inclusions Included

Private Transportation Private Professional Guide service 0.5 x bottle of mineral water per person Funicular railway train Taxes

Excluded

Meals & alcoholic beverages Personal expenses Optional dinner with folk show* (25 EURO per person)

More Info Additional Info

OPTIONAL SERVICES:

Dinner in Funicular restaurant with glass of wine: 25 € per person Tbilisi airport private pick up service: 25 € Tbilisi airport private drop off service: 22 € Tbilisi airport private transfer double way: 40 €

To arrange airport transfers and hotel overnights, contact us at tours[at]georgianholidays.com

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation is free of charge prior 2 days of the starting day.

The booking deposit 15 Euro is non-refundable.

If Tourist cancels the booked tour for some reasons not depending on Tour Operator, the following sums are kept back as a fine:

50% of the total cost of tourist product in case of tour cancellation 2 days or less prior to the tour; 100% of the total cost of the tourist product due to the Tourist's failure to appear.

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