Metekhi Bridge, Tbilisi
Metekhi Bridge, located in the old part of Tbilisi, is a historic bridge named after one hundred thousand Georgian martyrs. Its location, beneath the cliffs of Metekhi, is deeply symbolic 鈥� marking the very heart of Tbilisi鈥檚 origin story.
The first bridge at this site is believed to have been built in ancient or early medieval times, as the river crossing near the royal citadel was vital for trade, travel, and defense. Over the centuries, the structure has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, often as a result of wars, floods, and invasions. The current version, constructed during the 20th century, replaced an older wooden bridge that had long served the area.
The tragic story that gave the bridge its name dates back to 1226, when the Central Asian ruler Jalal ad-Din captured Tbilisi. He ordered the city鈥檚 Christians to trample on their sacred icons; those who refused were executed on the bridge. This event is commemorated by the Georgian Orthodox Church each year, and the victims are known as the "Hundred Thousand Martyrs."
For visitors, the Metekhi Bridge offers more than just a crossing 鈥� it provides some of the most scenic views in the city. Standing on the bridge, one can admire the colorful rooftops of the Old Town unfolding along the riverbanks. The area around the bridge is bustling with various cafes, restaurants, and hotels, providing opportunities to savor the delicious flavors of Georgian cuisine and enjoy a pleasant time.
The first bridge at this site is believed to have been built in ancient or early medieval times, as the river crossing near the royal citadel was vital for trade, travel, and defense. Over the centuries, the structure has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, often as a result of wars, floods, and invasions. The current version, constructed during the 20th century, replaced an older wooden bridge that had long served the area.
The tragic story that gave the bridge its name dates back to 1226, when the Central Asian ruler Jalal ad-Din captured Tbilisi. He ordered the city鈥檚 Christians to trample on their sacred icons; those who refused were executed on the bridge. This event is commemorated by the Georgian Orthodox Church each year, and the victims are known as the "Hundred Thousand Martyrs."
For visitors, the Metekhi Bridge offers more than just a crossing 鈥� it provides some of the most scenic views in the city. Standing on the bridge, one can admire the colorful rooftops of the Old Town unfolding along the riverbanks. The area around the bridge is bustling with various cafes, restaurants, and hotels, providing opportunities to savor the delicious flavors of Georgian cuisine and enjoy a pleasant time.
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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Metekhi Bridge on Map
Sight Name: Metekhi Bridge
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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Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, sits gracefully on both banks of the Kura River, framed by the rolling foothills of the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
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Named after the renowned medieval Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli, the avenue starts from Freedom Square 鈥� a key downtown landmark, home to the iconic statue of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles