The Clock Tower

The Rezo Gabriadze Clock Tower is a wonderful and whimsical architectural landmark located in the heart of old Tbilisi, the colorful capital of Georgia. It stands next to one of the country's oldest churches—the Anchiskhati Basilica, dating back to the 6th century. The tower draws attention with its unusual, seemingly time-worn appearance; however, this apparent antiquity is the result of artistic vision and artificial aging, making it truly unique.

The tower's design is an eclectic mix of various elements: you can see ancient stones and bricks, fragments of Byzantine columns, and, of course, the tiles that Rezo Gabriadze created and painted by hand. A slightly tilted clock face and a small pomegranate tree growing right on the roof add a special charm. Every detail of this tower tells its own story and reflects the boundless imagination of its creator.

The Clock Tower is not just a static structure, but a real little theater. Every hour, an angel appears from a small window and strikes a bell, and twice a day, at 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM, you can witness the "Circle of Life" puppet show. This magical building blends organically into the atmosphere of the old town, serving as one of the most photographed and beloved attractions for both tourists and locals.

For the most up-to-date information about the Clock Tower, including the schedule of puppet shows and contact details for the Rezo Gabriadze Theatre to which it belongs, we recommend checking the theater's official resources or visiting tourist information centers in Tbilisi. Finding the tower itself is easy: it is a striking landmark of the Old Town located right next to the Anchiskhati Basilica, making it easily accessible during walks through the historical center.

Visiting the Clock Tower in Tbilisi is a chance to touch a small miracle and witness a unique performance. The main reason visitors and locals gather here is for the miniature shows. Every hour, an angel figurine appears from the tower's painted doors and melodiously strikes a small bell with a hammer to announce the time. This short but charming act never fails to draw a crowd.

A particularly vivid experience awaits those who find themselves by the tower at 12:00 PM or 7:00 PM. At these times, a longer puppet show called "The Circle of Life" unfolds. This is a touching and philosophical mini-performance that leaves no one indifferent. Watching the moving figurines controlled by the clockwork mechanism is a true immersion into a fairy-tale atmosphere.

Beyond the performances, it's worth paying attention to the tower itself. Look closely at the decorative details: every tile, figurine, and ornamental element carries a piece of the soul of its creator, Rezo Gabriadze, and possesses artistic value. You can spend time simply admiring the whimsical architecture and taking photos against the backdrop of this unusual structure. To complete the experience, you can combine your visit to the tower with a trip to the famous Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theatre, the entrance to which is located right next door. This allows for a deeper exploration of the work of this outstanding Georgian artist.

The Rezo Gabriadze Clock Tower is nestled in the heart of Old Tbilisi, on Shavteli Street, right across from the famous puppet theater named after its creator (at number 13). This is a vibrant historic district, so reaching this unique attraction is quite simple.

If you are already enjoying a stroll through the colorful streets of the old part of Tbilisi—for example, exploring the ancient Anchiskhati Basilica—the Clock Tower is just a short walk away. For those traveling from other parts of the city, keep in mind that the historical center of Tbilisi, where the tower is located, is well-connected by public transport. You can take a bus or the metro; the nearest stops and stations are within walking distance of the tower.

Additionally, you can always use a taxi service. A taxi ride from the central districts of Tbilisi to the Clock Tower is quick and convenient, especially if you are short on time or traveling with luggage. Simply give the driver the address—13 Shavteli Street—or the landmark—the Rezo Gabriadze Theatre.

The idea for this extraordinary Clock Tower in Tbilisi belongs to the outstanding Georgian artist, director, and painter Rezo Gabriadze. He was the founder and director of the famous Tbilisi Marionette Theatre. The tower's grand opening took place on November 6, 2010, symbolically timed to coincide with the theater's 30th anniversary. This event was a milestone, as the tower was designed as an integral and organic part of the theatrical complex, which until then did not have its own dedicated building in the city.

The construction of the Clock Tower took four years, and notably, all the theater staff participated in its building, putting their hearts into this unique project. While developing the concept, Rezo Gabriadze drew inspiration from the rich culture of Byzantium and deeply studied the architectural traditions of Georgia, Italy, and Russia. His vision was for the tower to not just appear on an ancient street, but to become its natural extension, embodying the spirit of 10th–13th century architectural styles and blending seamlessly with the historical surroundings.

Before the Clock Tower appeared, the celebrated Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theatre, as mentioned, lacked its own building in its home city, making the tower a long-awaited and iconic addition. The result exceeded all expectations: the structure not only fits perfectly into the historical landscape of old Tbilisi but has enriched it, becoming the theater's new architectural centerpiece and one of the most recognizable and beloved landmarks in the capital of Georgia. It quickly won the hearts of locals and tourists alike, becoming an essential part of the city's cultural identity.

To fully experience the Clock Tower in Tbilisi, including watching its famous puppet shows, a typical visitor will need about 1–1.5 hours. This time allows you not only to enjoy the "Circle of Life" performance but also to carefully observe the unique architecture and details of the tower itself, soaking in its fairy-tale atmosphere.

Of course, if your schedule is tighter, you can spend less time here. For a quick look, a few photos, and to see the hourly appearance of the angel striking the bell, 30–45 minutes might be enough. However, keep in mind that the main puppet shows, which attract many tourists, take place only twice a day—at 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Therefore, if you want to get the most complete impression and catch this magical performance, plan your visit according to this schedule and allow for a little extra time.

The Clock Tower in Tbilisi comes to life on a schedule, offering spectators its famous performances. The main miniature show, "The Circle of Life," can be seen twice a day: at 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Additionally, every hour, an angel emerges from the tower doors to strike the bell. The tower itself is primarily an art object for exterior viewing, and exact hours for any possible interior access, if available, are not always widely announced.

While the puppet shows at the tower usually take place year-round, for the most current schedule information, as well as any changes or special events, it is recommended to visit the official website of the Rezo Gabriadze Theatre (which the tower belongs to) or contact the tourist information centers in Tbilisi. Pre-booking to watch the street performances is generally not required, as it is a public spectacle.

The charm of the Clock Tower in Tbilisi is not limited to its unique architecture and puppet shows. Exploring the area surrounding this landmark will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of the old city and discover other gems of the Georgian capital. Just a few steps from the tower, equally interesting sites await, each with its own history and character.

A walk through the nearby streets can turn into a real adventure, where new views, cozy courtyards, and iconic sites are revealed at every turn. This walkability makes the Clock Tower an excellent starting point for exploring the heart of Tbilisi. Here are some of the attractions located nearby: