Georgia

55 Examples of Amazing Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

(Last Updated On: 11/04/2023)

If you are a fan of Soviet modernism you will love Tbilisi, Georgia!

With its Soviet heritage, this is one of the best cities I know for this kind of architecture and thanks to decent public transport, it’s not difficult to see all the great examples of Tbilisi brutalism, Soviet mosaics, the famous Tbilisi skybridge and more.

It took me a few trips to Tbilisi to find all these great places but it was worth it – Soviet architecture in Tbilisi is outstanding and even if sometimes it takes a bit of planning to go to all the places it’s never wasted time. For me, finding all these gems is one of the best things to do in Tbilisi.

Unfortunately, not all the buildings survived the changes in the Tbilisi’s cityscape. One of the best examples of Tbilisi brutalist architecture – so-called Andropov’s Ears – was demolished in the 2000s and now we can only admire it on the archive photographs.

But still, with so many buildings and mosaics that survived you won’t be bored.

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Table of Contents

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture – practical tips

But before we talk about the Tbilisi Soviet remnants here is a bit of the practical information you might need.

First of all – get yourself a Georgian SIM card. It’s a very easy process and it will be so useful when you go for the Tbilisi brutalism hunt.

You can check the bus schedule and routes on the spot or order Yandex taxi when needed. Not to mention all the cool pictures you can share with the family and friends right away.

I used public transport only when sightseeing for Soviet architecture in Tbilisi. The network of metro and buses was enough for me, it was easy to navigate and very affordable.

I will write next to each of the places below how to get there so you won’t have to repeat my researches but just in case you can check all the routes and schedules here.

You need a public transport card to take buses and metro in Tbilisi (you might pay by cash on the buses but it’s not too convenient really). You can get it at the metro stations.

When buying the card you will also add to it whatever amount you need – one ride is 0,50 lari but it’s valid for a certain amount of time (I still haven’t figured how long) so sometimes you can switch between metro and buses, or take a few buses in a row after seeing all the cool places and it will be still only 0,50 lari.

One card is enough for a few people, you just need to tap the validator and collect the ticket for each of the traveling persons.

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

More remote places, like the Chronicle of Georgia monument, can be reached by public transport (just not the way I did it, more about it later) but it will be easier to use the app called Yandex Taxi.

It works like Uber, with the difference that you can pay in cash to the driver and you can place one order for the way there and back, the driver will wait for you at the spot for a little extra money. Be sure to download the app to your phone before you visit Georgia.

Very often the buildings are near each other so you can see a few in one go. This map of Soviet Modernism and Soviet Mosaics in Tbilisi come in very handy – be sure to put it on your phone and use it in Tbilisi. I recommend maps.me application that works offline perfectly fine.

You can read more of my Tbilisi travel tips here.

If navigating public transport in Tbilisi seems a bit overwhelming I recommend joining this tour that will take you to some of the best places with Tbilisi Soviet architecture. Click here for the details and to book the tour.

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Tbilisi Soviet architecture

And now onto the juicy stuff – let me show you the best Tbilisi Soviet architecture examples and where to find it! The list is long so I divided it into a few categories, and it’s still not everything you can find in Tbilisi!

Tbilisi brutalism buildings

Former Ministry of Automobile Roads

Architect: Giorgi Chakhava (1923-2007), Zurab Jalaghania, Teimuraz Tkhilava, Alexandr Kimberg
Construction: 1976
Address: 29a Iuri Gagarini St, Tbilisi, Gruzja
How to get there: Bus no 14 from Rustaveli Avenue

This is probably the most iconic example of brutalist architecture in Tbilisi. The former Ministry of Automobile Roads, now the headquarter of the Bank of Georgia looks like Tetris and is so impressive. It’s best seen from across the Kura river but I don’t really recommend this place as you need to cross a busy and wide road to get to the riverside. Instead, take the bus to near the building and see it from the close-up.

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Kindergarten #95

Architect: Alexander Unanyan (1960-1997) and Shalva Lomidze (1962)
Construction: 1988-1989
Address: Dodo Abashidze st. 4
How to get there: it’s within a walking distance from Marjanishvili metro station

Unfortunately, I didn’t find more information about this building but it’s such a funky piece of concrete! Don’t miss the Soviet mosaic in front of it too!

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Apartment house (wedding house building)

Architect: Sh. Kavlashvili, G. Melkadze, L. Kharashvili
Construction: between 1955-1960
Address: Dimitri Uznadze St, Tbilisi, Gruzja
How to get there: You can walk here from Marjanishvili metro station or take the bus no 20.

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Building near Marjanishvili metro station

Address: 89/24 Kote Marjanishvili St
How to get there: it’s just behind Marjanishvili metro station.

Again, I didn’t find any information on this building but it’s such a masterpiece with those concrete arches.

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Former Engineering and laboratory building of the Ministry of Rural Construction

Architect: R. Bairamashvili, I. Kavlashvili (1931-2008), L. Medzmariashvili (1935)
Construction: 1977
Address: corner of Ferdinand Tavadze Street and Vazha Pashavela Avenue
How to get there: Delissi metro station, it’s right outside the entrance

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Industrial-Pedagogical Technical college

Architect: Nikoloz Lasareishvili
Construction: 1977
Address: 4 Marshal Archil Gelovani Ave
How to get there: Bus no 14 from Rustaveli Avenue or no 14, 24 and 54 from near of Former Ministry of Automobile Roads

Unfortunately, recently the impressive bas relief (called “Tbilisi Batman”) was stolen from here and the remnants were removed. But even if it’s a bare concrete building now it is still worth seeing.

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

State University Campus dormitory

Built in: 1966
Architect: Sh. Kachkachishvili, E. Kopaladze, B. Maminaishvili, et al.
Address: 63, Tskneti Hwy
How to get there: You can walk from the State University metro station or take the bus no 13, 92, 150, 24, 21 or 54.

The best view of the campus is from across the canyon, from next to the cable car station. During my visit, the cable car was not working and it didn’t look like it’s about to change.

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Former Palace of Rituals

Architect: V. Jorbenadze (1924-1998), V. Orbeladze
Construction: 1984
Adress: Didi digomi, 21 Bochorma St
How to get there: take bus no 80, 102, 44, 55, 31, 71 or 50 to Gorgasali Square.

Currently, this is private property and you can’t get to it. The best view is from the bridge on Kura river, near Gorgasali Square.

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Former Auto Garage

Architect: Djemal Lebanidze (1939-2001), Construction: Givi Pitskhelauri (*1937)
Construction: 1982
Adress: off Nadira Khosharauli Street
How to get there: from Tsereteli metro station take bus no 27, 20, 86, 33, 11, 46, 84, 51, 21 or 15 to JSC Telasi and walk a bit from there

April 2023 update: my friend Emily tried to visit the place and apparently it’s a private area now, forbidden to visit.

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Tbilisi Archeology Museum

Architect: Sh. Kavlashvili (1926-1995), Sh. Gvanceladze
Construction: Late 1980’s / 1988
Address: 9, Motsikulta Stsori Nino St
How to get there: bus no 14 from Rustaveli Avenue

Unfortunately, the museum is closed and it’s not possible to go inside, but it is still a very impressive building worth seeing.

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Technical Library

Architect: G. Bichiashvili
Construction: 1985
Address: 47 Merab Kostava St
How to get there: most buses from Rustaveli Avenue stop here, you can also walk from Rustaveli metro station

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Former “Tea House”

Architect: D. Morbedadze, L. Medzmariashvili (1935)
Construction: 1964-1965
Address: 2 Ilia Chavchavadze Avenue
How to get there: it’s not far from the Technical Library and Rustaveli metro station, you can take buses no 34, 66, 87, 59, 88, 9, 140, 51, 61 and 21 here.

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Other Tbilisi Soviet buildings

Sports Palace

Architect: Vladimer (Lado) Aleksi-Meskhishvili (1915-1978), Yura Kasradze (1911-1991); Structural Engineer: David Qajaia (1912-1997)
Construction: 1961
Address: 1 Twentysix May Square
How to get there: take metro to Technical University station

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Former lower Cable Car Station for Mtatsminda

Architect: K. Chkheidze
Construction: 1966
Address: 52 Shota Rustaveli Ave
How to get there: it’s on Rustaveli Avenue, near Rustaveli metro station.

The former station is located behind the building on Rustaveli with Coffeesta cafe. The cable car station is closed but if you are fit enough (I’m not) you can squeeze in through the broken window on the right side.

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Former Central Post and Telegraph Building

Architect: V. Aleksi-Meskhishvili (1915-1978), T. Mikashavidze (1934) / Project:1970-1978
Construction: 1980
Address: 31 Shota Rustaveli Ave
How to get there: it’s on Rustaveli Avenue, near Rustaveli metro station

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Former Managing Computing Centre of the United Board of the Energy System of Transcaucasia

Architect: S. Katsitadze, G. Janberidze
Construction: 1987-1989
Address: 2 Marshal Archil Gelovani Ave
How to get there: it’s next to Former Ministry of Automobile Roads, you can reach it by bus no 14 from Rustaveli Avenue

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Former Building of Zaksovnarkom

Architect: N. Severov (1887-1957)
Construction: 1930
Address: 4 9 Aprili St
How to get there: it’s near Liberty Square metro station

This is one of the finest examples of modernism in Tbilisi.

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Chancellery of the Government of Georgia

Address: V. Abramishvili, L. Jandieri, G. Mirianashvili
Construction: 1979
Address: 7 Pavle Ingorokva St
How to get there: it’s near Liberty Square metro station

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia, Headquarters

Architect: Shota Kavlashvili (1926-1995), Shota Gvantseladze (1954-)
Construction: 1970s
Address: 6 Dimitry Gulia St
How to get there: bus no 57, 55, 71, 50

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Ortachala Central Bus Station

Architect: Sh. Kavlashvili (1926-1995), V. Kurtishvili (1935-1996), R. Kiknadze (1937-1975). Mosaic: Z. Tsereteli
Construction: 1973
Address: 1 Dimitri Gulia St
How to get there: bus no 19, 57, 101, 55, 71, 50

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Tbilisi Central Train Station

Architect: R. Bairamashvili, I. Kavlashvili (1931-2008), A. Dzhibladze (1929-1999), G. Shavdiya
Project: 1959-1984 /Construction: 1978-1985
Address: Station Square
How to get there: take the metro to Station Square

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Expo Georgia

Architect: D. Papinashvili, L. Mamaladze (1910-1982), V. Nasaridze, V. Peikrishvili
Construction: 1961-1971
Address: 118 Akaki Tsereteli Ave
How to get there: take the metro to Gotsiridze station, it’s a short walk from there

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Mtatsmina Park Restaurant and Funicular Upper Station

Architect: Z. Kurdiani (1909-1983), N. Kurdiani with the participation of A. Volobuev
Construction: 1938
How to get there: take the funicular up

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Former editorial office of the newspaper “Zaria Vostoka”

Architect: D. Chisliev (1878-1969)
Construction: 1926-1930
Address: 42 Shota Rustaveli Ave
How to get there: It’s near Rustaveli metro station

This is probably the best example of constructivist architecture in Tbilisi.

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Georgian Public Broadcaster (Former TeleRadio State Committee and Studio) building

Architect: Archil Kurdiani (1903-1988), Gia Kurdiani (1932-2014), Ketevan Sokolova-Kurdiani (1905-1988), Gia Abashidze. Structural Engineer: David Qajaia (1912-1997)
Construction: 1966
Address: 68 Merab Kostava St
How to get there: numerous buses to Public Broadcaster stop or metro to Technical University station.

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Tbilisi Soviet mosaics

Part of Victory Memorial in Vake Park

Artist: Zurab Tsereteli
Date: 1973
Locaton: Vake Park

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Emergency service 112, facade

Artist: Givi Kervalishvili
Date: 1977-78
Location: S. Tsintsadze str. 6, near Technical University metro station

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Trade Union Cultural Center

Artists: G. Metonidze, T. Natsvlishvili, Sh. Davitashvili, Artist: Zurab Tsereteli
Date: 1968-69
Location: Vazha Pshavela ave. 43, near Delisi metro station

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Decorative panel with a hunting scene. Free-standing structure

Artist: Kukuri Zereteli
Date: 1967
Location: J. Kalandadze Park, near Gorgalasi Square bus stop

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Emergency service 112

Artist: Givi Kervalishvili
Date: 1979
Location: Gorgasali str. 34, behind Ortachala bus station

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Former VDNKh / Expo Georgia

Artists: Leonardo Shengelia
Date: 1963
Location: on the Expo Georgia grounds

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Former VDNKh / Expo Georgia

Artist: Guram Kalandadze
Date: 1961
Location: on the Expo Georgia grounds

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Fountain in the yard of A. Khorava Actors’ House

I didn’t find any info about this mosaic. It’s located on G. Leonidze st. 11a, not far from Liberty Square.

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Laguna Vere Swimming Pool

Artist: Koka Ignatov
Date: 1978
Location: M. Kostava st. 34

If you are lucky you can try to sneak to the ground of the open-air swimming pool to see some nice brutalist architecture. I didn’t manage to get it, unfortunately.

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Pool in Gogla Leonidze Park

Artist: Zurab Tsereteli
Date: 1970’s
Location: 9th of April Park, between Rustaveli Avenue and Dry Bridge.

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Tbilisi metro stations

Tbilisi metro might not be as beautiful as Moscow metro stations but there are some interesting stations you should check:

“Isani” Metro Station

Architect: N.Lomidze/ Engineer: L. Kamkamidze, I. Geladze
Construction: 1971

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Technical University

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Station Square, 2nd line

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Guramishvili

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Ghrmaghele

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Rustaveli Metro Station

Architect: Otar Kalandarishvili, L. Janelidze
Construction: 1966

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Tbilisi brutalist monuments

Memorial complex “Victory” in Vake Park

Architect: V. Aleksi-Meskhishvili (1915-1978), O. Litanishvili, K. Nakhutsrishvili (1926)
Sculptor: G. Ochiauri
Start of construction: Vake Park – 1946 / Memorial complex “Victory” construction – 1980-1985
Location: Vake Park

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Statues at Expo Georgia

Location: Expo Georgia grounds

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Chronicle of Georgia

The impressive monument is located on the outskirts of Tbilisi but it’s so worth the trip there. It’s there to commemorate 3000 years of Georgian sovereignty and 2000 years of Christianity in Georgia and while the works have started in 1985 it is still not fully finished.

I wrote the whole article dedicated to the masterpiece and how to visit it (and how not to do it, learn from my mistakes). You can read it here.

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Saint Nino Monument

It’s located next to the former Archeological Museum. Unfortunately, I didn’t find any information about it.

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Tbilisi skybridge

Architect: Otar Kalandarishvili, Gizo Potskhishvili
Construction: 1974–1976
Address: Shalva Nutsubidze St, Tbilisi, Gruzja
How to get there: take the metro to State University station and walk a bit from there

Development on steep slopes in Nutsubidze street is one of the weirdest and quirkiest constructions you will ever see. The three high blocks of flats are connected by the sky bridge that goes through them. From the sky bridge, you can also see a nice view of the residential parts of Tbilisi.

To get to Tbilisi sky bridge don’t take the stairs to the 14th floor – I did it and in the end, I encountered the closed gate. Instead, take the elevator in the first block. You need to insert a 20 tetri coin into the box and then you can go all the way up to the 14th floor. The ride is a bit scary but so worth it!

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Tbilisi bas reliefs

Former House of Political Education

Architect: V. Abramashvili, G. Mirianashvili, S. Melashvili (1938), G. Salukvadze (1942) / Artist: Zurab Tsereteli
Date: 1978
Location: D. Aghmashenebeli ave. 61, near Marjanishvili metro station

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Astrological bas relief on Fabrika Hostel

I didn’t find any information about it but you will want to visit Fabrika anyway as it’s such a cool place so be sure to check the bas relief in front too!

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Ortachala Central Bus Station

Artist: Zurab Tsereteli
Date: 1973
Location: Ortachala bus station

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Athlete center

Artist: Kukuri Tsereteli
Date: 1978
Location: just off the bridge above the railway line next to Gotsiridze metro station

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Bas relief next to the Former Auto Garage

Again, no information about it but you won’t miss this bas relief for sure as it is located literally on the building next to the Former Auto Garage.

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Expo Georgia

You can find this bas relief next to the Hall 5 on Expo Georgia grounds.

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Bas relieves in the yard of A. Khorava Actors’ House

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Bas relief on 2 Nikoloz Baratashvili St

You can clearly see this bas relief from the bus stop across the street.

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

A little bonus for railway geeks

And for the end, I left a little bonus for the railway geeks like me. From the bridge next to the Gotsiridze metro station you have an impressive view of the old railway’s cars. I loved it!

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

Map of Tbilisi Soviet architecture

This time I’m not going to make a map of all the locations. Instead, you can download this map I found online. You can find all the places mentioned above and even more.

Click here to get the map!

Enjoy your time in Tbilisi and let me know in the comments below which places you’ve managed to see!


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Tbilisi Soviet Architecture

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16 Comments

  • Reply
    Kiri
    25/02/2020 at 01:11

    This is great Kami – there are even some new ideas to add to my (ever-growing) list for when I’m next in Tbilisi.

    • Reply
      kami
      05/05/2020 at 07:43

      I’m glad you liked it! It took me a few trips to Tbilisi to complete this list but I loved all these places so it was a pleasure to discover them all :)

  • Reply
    Nini
    05/03/2020 at 07:48

    Great you found my online map and made use of it!

    • Reply
      kami
      05/05/2020 at 07:44

      Thank you for this map, it is amazing! I’m recommending it to everyone who is going to visit Tbilisi, it was an invaluable help!

  • Reply
    Jessica
    29/07/2021 at 18:58

    Thank you Kami for such interesting information on Soviet structures.
    I visited the awe inspiring Chronicle of Georgia today and the Skywalk. Blew my mind. I’ll be back and hope to run into you when I do.
    Jessica Mann.

    • Reply
      kami
      25/11/2021 at 17:05

      Thank you, Jessica! I’m really glad you enjoyed these places. They are really spectacular, aren’t they :) ? All the best!

  • Reply
    Morgan Bourven
    18/08/2022 at 12:27

    Wow. That is an AMAZING post. So informative! Thank you so much! I don’t have much time in Tbilisi unfortunately so it’s really helpful for me to be able to choose where I’m going thanks to your photos.

    • Reply
      kami
      22/08/2022 at 08:29

      I’m glad you found it useful! Have a good trip to Tbilisi!

  • Reply
    Ivan
    25/09/2022 at 19:16

    Thank you Kami for a nice list of soviet structures. Just some updates as of 9/2022:

    -lower Cable Car Station for Mtatsminda is already in reconstruction, workers had their equipment inside, all grafity from walls are gone and there are excavators working just behind the station. It is impossible (not even worth it) going inside now.

    -Tbilisi skybridge the lift for 20tetri is in reconstruction and not working now. We were lucky to meet a local lady who took us to 15th floor and then opened us the gate to the bridge at 14th. She said that currently only one lift works in the first building. To operate the lift you need a card that only residents have. We gave her a 1 lari for two persons and we got to the bridge as we wanted.

    -Tbilisi Archeology Museum it looks like somebody is living inside. They have a TV sat installed on a facade and during our visit somebody was drying clothes on the first balcony left of the entrance. Moreover the entrance is locked with a paddle lock on a lattice gate, but the glass door after it is completely open.

    • Reply
      kami
      03/10/2022 at 08:31

      Thank you so much for the info, I really appreciate it!

  • Reply
    korona
    12/02/2023 at 23:17

    Thanks for this post! I love it!

    • Reply
      kami
      20/02/2023 at 13:05

      Thank you, I’m glad to hear that!

  • Reply
    Hong
    10/04/2023 at 13:35

    you are really awesome KAMI!! i always wanna visit old soviet building, But I didn’t think I’d get help from this well-organized article! i’m planning my trip at june, and it will be more abundant thanks to you ;)

    • Reply
      kami
      11/04/2023 at 19:40

      Thank you, I’m glad you found it useful. Have a great trip to Tbilisi!

  • Reply
    Masha
    06/06/2023 at 09:01

    Thank you so much for such a great article. Any updates on the sky bridge btw and if it’s possible to access it?

    • Reply
      kami
      15/06/2023 at 13:07

      Thank you! I believe it is possible, if not by the elevator than by the road on the other side of the bridge

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