Monument of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, Tbilisi
The Monument of King Vakhtang Gorgasali stands proudly beside the Metekhi Church. Erected in 1967, the statue honors King Vakhtang I Gorgasali, the legendary 5th-century monarch credited with founding Tbilisi. According to Georgian tradition, it was Gorgasali who chose the city鈥檚 location after his falcon, during a hunting trip, caught a pheasant that fell into a hot spring and was cooked 鈥� inspiring the name Tbilisi, meaning 鈥渨arm place.鈥�
The equestrian statue depicts the king mounted on horseback, gazing resolutely over the city he established. His raised hand, extended forward, symbolizes both protection and leadership鈥攅mbodying the courage and vision of a ruler who fortified Georgia during an era marked by regional rivalries. In Gorgasali鈥檚 time, the Caucasus was a crossroads of empires鈥擝yzantine, Persian, and later Arab鈥攁ll competing for control. The king navigated these pressures with diplomacy and strength, defending Georgia鈥檚 independence and Christian faith while transforming Tbilisi into a thriving political and cultural center.
The monument is also a prime vantage point for photography and city views. From this spot, one can admire the sweeping panorama of the Old Town, all framed by the rolling hills beyond. The site鈥檚 proximity to the Metekhi Church of the Assumption adds to its historical resonance.
Surrounding the monument, there is a small park area with benches, providing a tranquil space for locals and visitors to relax. Having the statue at your side, one cannot help but put themselves in the king's shoes, imagining the founding day of the city full of cheering and applause.
The equestrian statue depicts the king mounted on horseback, gazing resolutely over the city he established. His raised hand, extended forward, symbolizes both protection and leadership鈥攅mbodying the courage and vision of a ruler who fortified Georgia during an era marked by regional rivalries. In Gorgasali鈥檚 time, the Caucasus was a crossroads of empires鈥擝yzantine, Persian, and later Arab鈥攁ll competing for control. The king navigated these pressures with diplomacy and strength, defending Georgia鈥檚 independence and Christian faith while transforming Tbilisi into a thriving political and cultural center.
The monument is also a prime vantage point for photography and city views. From this spot, one can admire the sweeping panorama of the Old Town, all framed by the rolling hills beyond. The site鈥檚 proximity to the Metekhi Church of the Assumption adds to its historical resonance.
Surrounding the monument, there is a small park area with benches, providing a tranquil space for locals and visitors to relax. Having the statue at your side, one cannot help but put themselves in the king's shoes, imagining the founding day of the city full of cheering and applause.
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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Monument of King Vakhtang Gorgasali on Map
Sight Name: Monument of King Vakhtang Gorgasali
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: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles