Mother of Georgia

The "Mother of Georgia" monument (known in Georgian as Kartlis Deda, ქართლის დედა) is one of the most iconic and recognizable symbols of Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. This majestic statue of a woman stands proudly on the Sololaki Ridge, as if guarding the ancient city spread out at her feet. For many travelers and locals alike, it has become an integral part of the Tbilisi skyline and the embodiment of the country's spirit.

Made of aluminum, the twenty-meter figure is dressed in traditional Georgian attire. In one hand, she holds a bowl of wine—a symbol of the warmth and hospitality with which Georgia welcomes its friends. In her other hand, she holds a sword—a stern warning to those who come with ill intentions. This dual image perfectly conveys the national character.

"Mother of Georgia" is not just a sculpture; it is the embodiment of the Georgian spirit: openness and readiness to welcome guests, but also the determination to defend their land and freedom. Due to its dominant position, the monument is clearly visible from almost any point in central Tbilisi, serving as a constant reminder of the rich history and culture of this amazing city. A visit to this landmark leaves a deep impression and provides a better understanding of the soul of the Georgian people.

Since "Mother of Georgia" is a majestic monument located on the Sololaki Ridge and is open to the public, there are no specific contact details required for your visit. You can easily reach the foot of the statue by walking up the scenic hillsides or by taking the convenient cable car from Rike Park, which also offers breathtaking panoramic views of Tbilisi.

A truly breathtaking sight awaits visitors at the foot of the majestic "Mother of Georgia" monument. From here, an impressive panorama opens up over Old Tbilisi, the winding Mtkvari River, the ancient Narikala Fortress, and the picturesque surrounding hills. It is the perfect place to take commemorative photos with the city as your backdrop, especially at sunset when the sky is painted in warm tones. Many people come here to enjoy a moment of peace and tranquility away from the city bustle, and in the evening, the monument is showcased in a new light thanks to beautiful illumination that creates a special, almost magical atmosphere.

The journey to "Mother of Georgia" itself is part of the adventure. You can choose a leisurely walk along the scenic paths winding up the hillside or use the modern cable car from Rike Park, which offers additional perspectives for admiring the city. Along the way or in the immediate vicinity of the monument, you will have the opportunity to explore the legendary Narikala Fortress, visit ancient churches, and stroll through the charming courtyards of the old town, each with its own story to tell. This area is ideal for slow walks, meditation, and a deeper immersion into the rich history and culture of Georgia.

There are several ways to reach the "Mother of Georgia" monument, each offering its own unique experience. For those who enjoy walking, there is a scenic route: you can climb the stairs leading from Betlemi Street or walk through the grounds of the ancient Narikala Fortress, enjoying historical views along the way. This is a great opportunity to explore the area at a leisurely pace and take beautiful photos.

The most popular and convenient option for many tourists is the cable car. It starts from Rike Park, located on the opposite bank of the Mtkvari River, and takes passengers directly to the foot of the statue in just a few minutes. During the ascent, breathtaking panoramic views of Tbilisi, the river, and the surrounding hills open up, which is a small adventure in itself.

For those who prefer comfort or are traveling by car, it is possible to go up by taxi or private vehicle. The road to the monument is a winding serpentine path leading from the Sololaki district. This option is particularly convenient if you are short on time or want to save your energy for exploring other attractions.

It is worth noting that "Mother of Georgia" is within walking distance of many iconic spots in Old Tbilisi. This makes visiting the monument an easy part of a broader sightseeing route through the historic city center, allowing you to combine it with strolls through narrow streets, visits to churches, and exploring other landmarks.

The history of the famous "Mother of Georgia" monument began in 1958, when it was erected on the Sololaki Ridge to commemorate a significant date—the 1500th anniversary of Tbilisi. The creator of this expressive sculpture was the prominent Georgian sculptor Elguja Amashukeli. His work was highly acclaimed, and he was awarded the State Prize for creating this symbolic image, highlighting the monument's importance from its very inception.

Interestingly, "Mother of Georgia" was originally made of wood. However, as early as 1963, the decision was made to replace the temporary wooden structure with a more durable aluminum one. Decades later, in 1997, the monument was updated once again. The new version, also made of aluminum, retained the general features of its predecessor but gained some distinctive details: a more traditional headdress and laurel leaves, which added even more expressiveness and connection to national traditions.

A curious fact: the "Mother of Georgia" sculpture was initially intended as a temporary city decoration for the anniversary. However, it quickly became so beloved by residents and guests of Tbilisi and captured the spirit of Georgia so accurately that it was decided to keep it permanently. The monument, holding a bowl of wine in one hand for friends and a sword in the other for enemies, became a powerful symbol of Georgian hospitality, openness, and steadfast determination to protect its land.

To fully enjoy the majestic "Mother of Georgia" monument and the panoramic views of Tbilisi from its base, one to one and a half hours is usually sufficient for a typical visitor. During this time, you will have enough time to examine the sculpture, appreciate its symbolism, take impressive photos against the backdrop of the city below, and simply enjoy the atmosphere of this iconic site.

If you plan a more detailed exploration of the surroundings and want to combine a visit to "Mother of Georgia" with a walk through nearby attractions, such as the ancient Narikala Fortress or the colorful streets of the old town, you should set aside 2-3 hours. This approach will allow you to leisurely explore the historic part of Tbilisi, feel its spirit, and make your trip even more enriching and memorable.

Since the "Mother of Georgia" monument is located outdoors on the Sololaki Ridge, it is accessible for visits 24 hours a day, year-round. You can visit at any time convenient for you to enjoy the views and the sculpture itself. No special ticket booking or prior registration is required to view the monument, as access is free.

If you plan to use the cable car to reach "Mother of Georgia" from Rike Park, its operating hours are usually daily from 10:00 to 22:00. However, please note that the cable car schedule may change depending on the season and weather conditions. Therefore, it is recommended to check the current operating hours on the official website or at local information centers before your trip.

Visiting the "Mother of Georgia" monument is undoubtedly one of the highlights of getting to know Tbilisi. However, to make your journey even more fulfilling, it is worth paying attention to the attractions located nearby. Exploring the surroundings will allow you to dive deeper into the city's atmosphere, see it from different angles, and discover new interesting places.

The area around the Sololaki Ridge, where "Mother of Georgia" stands proudly, is rich in historical and cultural sites. A walk through these places will give you not only aesthetic pleasure but also a better understanding of the centuries-old history of Georgia and its capital. Many of these attractions are within walking distance, making their exploration particularly pleasant and convenient.