Meidan Square, Tbilisi
Meidan Square's significance can be inferred straight out its name. The word 鈥渕eidan鈥� comes from Persian, meaning 鈥渟quare鈥� or 鈥渙pen place,鈥� reflecting the influence of Persian culture during different periods of Georgia鈥檚 history. For centuries, this square served as the commercial and social hub of Tbilisi. Traders from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East gathered to exchange goods such as silk, spices, carpets, and wine along the ancient Silk Road routes that passed through the city.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Meidan became known as a bustling district, filled with inns, stables, and markets catering to travelers and merchants. The area was alive with the sound of negotiations, the scent of foreign spices, and the chatter of different languages. Under Russian rule in the 19th century, the square evolved further, as brick-built shops, taverns, and merchant houses replaced older wooden structures, giving the area a new architectural character that reshaped the face of Tbilisi.
Today, Meidan Square remains a lively gathering point, though its role has shifted from trade to tourism and leisure. Lined with caf茅s, restaurants, souvenir shops, and art galleries, it鈥檚 a favorite spot for both locals and visitors to relax and soak in the city鈥檚 atmosphere.
Beneath the square lies a fascinating secret 鈥� the Meidan Underground Museum, which showcases the archaeological remains of old Tbilisi, including sections of the city鈥檚 ancient streets and bathhouse systems. Do not be disappointed though, as present day Sulfur Baths can be found around the square. Bring a towel and enjoy.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Meidan became known as a bustling district, filled with inns, stables, and markets catering to travelers and merchants. The area was alive with the sound of negotiations, the scent of foreign spices, and the chatter of different languages. Under Russian rule in the 19th century, the square evolved further, as brick-built shops, taverns, and merchant houses replaced older wooden structures, giving the area a new architectural character that reshaped the face of Tbilisi.
Today, Meidan Square remains a lively gathering point, though its role has shifted from trade to tourism and leisure. Lined with caf茅s, restaurants, souvenir shops, and art galleries, it鈥檚 a favorite spot for both locals and visitors to relax and soak in the city鈥檚 atmosphere.
Beneath the square lies a fascinating secret 鈥� the Meidan Underground Museum, which showcases the archaeological remains of old Tbilisi, including sections of the city鈥檚 ancient streets and bathhouse systems. Do not be disappointed though, as present day Sulfur Baths can be found around the square. Bring a towel and enjoy.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Tbilisi. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Meidan Square on Map
Sight Name: Meidan Square
Sight Location: Tbilisi, Georgia (See walking tours in Tbilisi)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Tbilisi, Georgia (See walking tours in Tbilisi)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Tbilisi, Georgia
Create Your Own Walk in Tbilisi
Creating your own self-guided walk in Tbilisi is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles