People have different tastes and preferences when it comes to choosing their next holiday destination. Many tourists prefer to spend their holidays in Europe’s most famous cities. But what if people shift their focus from Western Europe and move a little bit towards the East. Not the very Far East, just far enough to get you to a unique country that has fascinated travelers throughout the years: Georgia, the pearl of the Caucasus. We chose a few of these things to share with you and invite you to a real Caucasian journey.
The Georgian journey starts in Tbilisi, the capital city and Georgia’s biggest economic, cultural and political hub. Tbilisi International Airport serves as the country’s biggest and busiest airport with daily flights from and to a number of European, Asian and Middle Eastern cities. As soon as you get out of the airport and find yourself in Tbilisi, amazing things will be waiting for you, things that would make your stay in this country unforgettable.
The people
© Ala Oueslati
Forget everything people tell you about the post-Soviet countries’ rigid character and unfriendly manner. It is simply another stereotypical statement that is just not true. Georgians are friendly warm-hearted people who would always be happy to offer you help and advice anytime you ask. People in Tbilisi are hospitable and have a unique sense of humor. So make a Georgian friend. You’ll never regret having one!
Tbilisi Peace Bridge
© Ala Oueslati
What’s better than a green bow-shaped pedestrian bridge made of glass and called after peace? Although this monument may be classified as one of Tbilisi’s new modern constructions, it still represents the city in a unique artistic way. While crossing the bridge, you get to see a breathtaking view of the Kura River, Narikala Fortress as well as the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi.
Narikala Fortress
Sometimes the most precious things are found up on a steep high hill, just like the ancient Narikala Fortress overlooking the capital city. This place has a great value as it holds a lot of Georgia’s history and culture. From the fortress you can look down to delight your eyes with a splendid view of Tbilisi and most of its landmarks. It was built in the 4th century and expanded in the 7th century. The famous Kartvlis Deda monument (Mother Georgia) is located near the fortress. Narikala Fortress is reachable by aerial tram.
Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi
© Ala Oueslati
Also known as Sameba, it is the main Cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox church. The church is located on Elia hill overlooking the Kura River in Tbilisi. Consecrated in 2004, it is the third tallest Eastern Orthodox cathedral in the world. It consists of the main cathedral, a bell-tower, a monastery, the Patriarch residence, a clerical seminary and a theological academy. This cathedral is a fascinating construction that you wouldn’t want to miss visiting.
Tbilisi’s Georgian National Museum
© Ala Oueslati
This place offers you the opportunity to travel in time back to hundreds of years ago and learn about Georgia’s history in a modern, well presented and fun museum that is located in the heart of the city and is relatively cheap to enter, especially if you’re a student. From the Egyptian Pharaohs, to the Ottoman Empire all the way to the eventful Soviet Occupation, this museum has certainly more than one story to tell.
The food
© Ala Oueslati
Oh, Georgian food! For some people, this might be a good enough reason to book a flight and travel to Tbilisi. Georgia certainly has one of the tastiest and most diverse cuisines in the region and perhaps in the entire world. Khinkali, Khachapuri, Kharcho and Lobiani are the most well-known Georgian dishes, and they taste incredibly amazing! Georgia is also known for its world-class wine. All these might just be Georgia’s ticket to winning your heart.
A unique diversity
© Ala Oueslati
Tbilisi is blessed with a beautiful diversity that you will notice as soon as you arrive to the city. While wandering in the streets of Tbilisi, you would see an amazing architectural mixture that combines both Eastern and Western European styles. You would also see different kinds of churches, synagogues and mosques, lots of international restaurants, many statues and monuments telling stories from other countries, as well as an ethnic diversity that makes Tbilisi a charming city.
Tbilisi loves you, literally
© Ala Oueslati
One thing that Tbilisi excels at is the Wi-Fi. As soon as you land at Tbilisi International Airport, you will find an open public Wi-Fi called “Tbilisi loves you”, which you will then find everywhere in the city! It just reminds you that Tbilisi is a modern capital with better internet connectivity that many other European cities, and most importantly it reminds you that if you are in Tbilisi, you will always be loved.
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