However, some historians assert that before Gorgasali on the place of Tbilisi there stood a fortified city where the country’s capital was transferred from ancient Mtskheta in the 4 th century. Whatever it was, in the Middle Ages Tbilisi (formerly Tiflis ) was well-known both in the east and in the west because Georgia became was the center of commerce standing on the crossroads leading to Arabian countries, to Russia , to Byzantium, and India . The craftsmen of Tbilisi had a reputation as the most skilful ones who especially succeeded in weapon and jeweler business.

It was back then that the known aphorism was born: “the Key to the Caucasus is in Tbilisi ”. However, such advantageous position became the reason of continual wars: Tbilisi was burnt and destroyed dozens of times, but each time it rose from the ashes.

In the Middle Ages Tbilisi was a prosperous city. It was a home of remarkable poets such as the genius Shota Rustaveli and many others. Foreign poets were also inspired by this wonderful city. Pushkin who was deeply impressed by cordial reception he experienced in Tbilisi named the city the “ Fabulous Land ”. There Lermontov wrote his well-known ‘Mtsyri”, Griboedov – “ Wit Works Woe” , Tolstoy – “Childhood”, Gorky – “Makar Chudra” etc. All this is explained by the city’s poetic spirit and the unique aura.

The combination of original architecture and natural beauty gives it inimitable charm and color. Tbilisi stretches in a narrow strip on both banks of the Kura . Its narrow curved streets run up the slopes and round the mountains ridges. The houses matching the relief are located on the slopes of the mountains arranged in terraces one above another closely adjoining each other. If you look at the city from Mount Mtsatminda you will clearly see them climbing the slopes of the hills on the both banks and cluster near the rocky precipices.

Since the early 19th century the central part of modern Tbilisi arranged in rectangular blocks- the New City – has significantly grown. The modern city harmoniously combines antique and contemporary features: the temples of the 6 th – 7 th stand near modern high-rise buildings, wide avenues, are, gardens, boulevards; magnificent bridges connect the right and the left banks of the rapid Kura.

But the soul of Tbilisi still dwells in the Old town. The quiet winding sunny streets, to terraces of the houses wreathed with vines, ancient churches with tiled domes, the ruins of old monasteries, traditional Georgian yards with intricate carved porches are simply irresistible. A part of your soul will stay forever in this charming nook in exchange for a little piece of Tbilisi which you going to take with you…