Narikala — 1600 Years Above Tbilisi
Narikala fortress is the oldest and most visible landmark in Tbilisi. Built in the 4th century by Persian rulers and expanded over 1600 years by Arabs, Byzantines, Mongols, and Georgians, it forms the natural backbone of the old town — visible from almost every street below.
The name "Narikala" derives from the Persian "Narin Qala" — little fortress or citadel. Despite repeated earthquakes, wars, and the devastating 1827 Russian gunpowder explosion, the walls and towers still stand, offering the best elevated viewpoint over the entire city. Timur will tell you the full story: Persians, Arabs, Mongols, Turks — everyone wanted to capture this fortress. He will also point out the Mother Georgia monument and the best angles for photography.
How This Tour Differs from an Old Tbilisi Walking Tour
The Old Tbilisi walking tour is a pedestrian route covering the entire historic centre over 3–4 hours. The Narikala tour focuses specifically on the fortress, the cable car experience, and the panoramic views. The two tours complement each other perfectly and can be combined on the same day.
The Cable Car from Rike Park
We ascend by cable car from Rike Park (₾2.50 each way), rising above the rooftops of the old town in three minutes. The cable car runs 09:00–22:00, making it the easiest and most scenic approach to the fortress. On arrival, the view opens immediately — the Peace Bridge glinting below, the Kura river making its curve through the city, Metekhi Church on its dramatic cliff.
The Fortress Walls — a 360° Panorama of Tbilisi
Walking along the upper ramparts of Narikala gives you a view of Tbilisi that no other point in the city can match. To the north: the Caucasus mountains on a clear day. To the east: Metekhi Church and the Avlabari district. To the west: the TV tower on Mtatsminda and the Mother Georgia statue. Below: the sulfur bath domes of Abanotubani, the minarets of the old mosque, and the dome of Sioni Cathedral.
The Church of St. Nicholas within the fortress walls (12th century, rebuilt 1996) is a peaceful stop before the descent. Timur will explain the full history — which armies passed through these gates and what each conquest meant for the city below.
Descent through the Botanical Garden
Rather than returning by cable car, Timur leads the descent through Tbilisi's Botanical Garden — 128 hectares of forest and gardens established in 1845. The path winds down through oak and chestnut trees to the Leghvtakhevi gorge, where a 25-metre waterfall drops into a pool. This is one of Tbilisi's most beautiful and least-known spots — most visitors to the fortress never find it.
Why choose this tour
- Private group of up to 7 people — no strangers, no crowds, you set the pace
- Timur answers in WhatsApp within 10–15 minutes and sends a detailed plan before the tour
- Rating 4.9/5 on Google Maps — 156 reviews from independent travellers
- Flexible route — stops where you want, as long as you need
- The Botanical Garden waterfall is not on standard group-tour itineraries
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, only 10% prepayment required
- Many guests return for a second or third tour — the best compliment possible