Tbilisi, Georgia (Day 1-pt. 2)
2:14 AM
Tbilisi Tour
Sameba
Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi commonly known as Sameba (Georgian: სამება for Trinity) is the main cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church located in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. Constructed between 1995 and 2004, it is the third-tallest Eastern Orthodox cathedral in the world and considered to be one of the largest religious buildings in the South Caucasus along with the Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Yerevan (known as the Cathedral of Yerevan). Sameba is a synthesis of traditional styles dominating the Georgian church architecture at various stages in history and has some Byzantine undertones.
Old Tbilisi
(Rustaveli, Chardine St., Sulfur Baths, Bridge of Peace, Parliament, Museums, Narikala Fortress,Freedom Square, First School of Georgia)
Rustaveli is the central avenue in Tbilisi named after the medieval Georgian poet, Shota Rustaveli. The avenue starts at Freedom Square and extends for about 1.5 km in length, before it turns into an extension of Kostavas Kucha (Kostava Street). Rustaveli is often considered the main thoroughfare of Tbilisi due to a large number of governmental, public, cultural, and business buildings that are located along or near the avenue. The former Parliament of Georgia building, Kashveti Church, the Simon Janashia Museum of Georgia (part of the Georgian National Museum), the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre, the Rustaveli State Academic Theater, the Rustaveli Museum, and the Georgian Academy of Sciences, among others, are all located on Rustaveli. The thoroughfare is served by the Tbilisi Metro and buses.
A mixture of Old and Modern architecture will give you the feeling of that you are Spain , Italy Or Prague.
Bridge Of Peace
Chardine Street
Narikala Fortress.
is an ancient fortress overlooking Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, and the Kura River. The fortress consists of two walled sections on a steep hill between the sulphur baths and the botanical gardens of Tbilisi. On the lower court there is the recently restored St Nicholas church. Newly built in 1996–1997, it replaces the original 13th-century church that was destroyed in a fire. The new church is of "prescribed cross" type, having doors on three sides. The internal part of the church is decorated with the frescos showing scenes both from the Bible and history of Georgia.
The Parliament of Tbilisi
The First School Of Tbilisi
Freedom Square
The square was originally named after Ivan Paskevich, the Count of Erivan, a Ukrainian general of the Russian Imperial Army, who earned his title in honor of his conquest of Erivan (present-day Yerevan) for the Russian Empire. Under the Soviet Union, the square was renamed, first "Beria Square", and then "Lenin Square". The location was first named Freedom Square in 1918, during the foundation of the First Georgian Republic following the collapse of the Russian Empire.Freedom Square was the site of the 1907 Tiflis bank robbery. Freedom Square has also been the site of various mass demonstrations including those for Georgia's independence (from the Soviet Union), the Rose Revolution, and others. In 2005 Freedom Square was the location where U.S. President George W. Bush and Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili addressed a crowd of around 100,000 people in celebration of the 60th anniversary marking the end of World War II. During this event, Georgian-Armenian Vladimir Arutyunian threw a live grenade at President Bush while he was speaking in an unsuccessful attempt to assassinate him.
Sulfur Baths
The reason for this is the story of the town, according to which the king Gorgasali saw warm sulfur springs, gave the decree on the construction of the new capital of his state at this place. Even the name of the city is translated as "warm".
In the XIX century the number of detected sources on the hillside Tabor was 31, many of which have long been equipped with a bath. All baths are located in the old town, and place on a "bathhouse" street.
Baths here have the names of their first owners. Iraklievskaya Bath is the oldest in the city - in the XVI century members of the royal family and the princes fought for its possession. At the beginning of XVII century there were also constructed famous baths - Bebutovskaya, Treasury, Sumbatovskaya. And the most beautiful - Orbelianovskaya bath with lancet facade and minarets at the corners. By the way, own baths are underground, and are visible on the surface of the dome, let the daylight.
Baths were not only a place of healing and bathing, but also an important place for communication. People have remained here until the morning to discuss problems or share news and special days here matchmaker arranged bride. There were also luxurious baths for the princes, baths for gentlemen and officers, and baths for ordinary residents.
Today, thanks to its healing properties, some baths converted to water treatment facilities. A few hours spent in the warm water source, the person is improving considerably and gets a lot of fun. Also, here you can visit the swimming pool or a massage.
The warm sulphurous bath - is not just a place to wash, but an important historic place, around which grew the present capital of Georgia - Tbilisi.
To end a tiring day bought some food and beer. Yas! I met new friends, met a Georgian, ate their food and knew more about their culture.
Tomorrow will be a long trip. The most awaited part my trip. I will be Going to Gudauri.
Cheers! :)
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