Friendship Arch
Updated: 14 November 2026
Mtskheta-Mtianeti · Georgian Military Road
The Friendship Arch (the Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument) is a viewpoint monument on a cliff edge above the Devil’s Valley, on the Georgian Military Road, 5 km from Gudauri towards Kazbegi.
It was built in 1983 for the 200th anniversary of the 1783 Treaty of Georgievsk. A large mosaic panel covers its semicircular wall.
The view of the mountains goes almost 360° around, so everyone driving to Kazbegi stops here.
- WhereGeorgian Military Road, 5 km from Gudauri
- Built1983
- Occasion200 years of the Treaty of Georgievsk (1783)
- Entryfree
- Stopabout 20 minutes
Tours with a stop at the Friendship Arch
9.2291 reviewsKazbegi Day Tour from Tbilisi with a Private Guide
9.6793 reviewsGudauri Tour from Tbilisi — Georgian Military Highway & the Friendship Arch
9.0558 reviewsGudauri & Kazbegi 2-Day Winter Tour
9.2291 reviewsHorse Riding Tour in Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) — Riding to Gergeti
History of the monument
The monument opened in 1983 for the 200th anniversary of the Treaty of Georgievsk, the 1783 agreement between the Russian Empire and the east Georgian kingdom of Kartli-Kakheti.
The mosaic on the semicircular wall shows scenes from the history of Georgia and Russia.
What to see
- The mosaic panel — on the inner side of the semicircular wall.
- The viewpoint above the cliff — looking down into the Devil’s Valley.
- The mountains around — a Caucasus panorama almost 360° around.
How to get there
- By car: on the Georgian Military Road from Tbilisi towards Kazbegi, past Gudauri.
- By marshrutka: the Kazbegi minibus stops here only if you ask the driver in advance.
- With a tour: the stop is part of our Kazbegi and Gudauri tours.
Tips
- It is cool up here even in summer — bring a warm jacket.
- There is a railing at the edge, but keep children close.
- In winter the road near the Cross Pass may close because of snow — check the forecast before you go.
Photos of the Friendship Arch
Photos from Wikimedia Commons
What to see near the Friendship Arch
Gudaurithe ski resort 5 km away
Gergeti Trinity Churchfurther along the road, in Stepantsminda
Friendship Arch on the map
Friendship Arch: frequently asked questions
What is the Friendship Arch?
A 1983 monument with a mosaic panel and a viewpoint above the Devil’s Valley.
Where is the Friendship Arch?
On the Georgian Military Road, 5 km from Gudauri towards Kazbegi.
Why is it called that?
It was built for the 200th anniversary of the 1783 Treaty of Georgievsk.
Is there an entry fee?
No, the viewpoint is open and free.
How long does the stop take?
Usually about 20 minutes: the mosaic and the panorama.
Are there tours that stop at the Arch?
Yes, it is part of our Kazbegi and Gudauri tours. The tours are listed above on this page.
Photo sources
- Peter from Bern, Switzerland, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Karelj, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
- This Photo was taken by Supanut Arunoprayote. Feel free to u, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Karelj, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Tinss, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- rugbyxm, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Nata Mostova, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons
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