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.
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 Panorama of Tbilisi
Walking along the upper ramparts of Narikala gives you a 360° 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, 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.
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.