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Mother of Georgia
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monument
Kartlis Deda, also known as the 'Mother of Georgia', is a monumental statue overlooking Tbilisi from the top of Sololaki Hill. Erected in 1958 to celebrate the city's 1500th anniversary, the 20-meter-tall figure has become a prominent symbol of the Georgian capital. Designed by sculptor Elguja Amashukeli, the statue embodies the quintessential Georgian national character. In her left hand, she holds a bowl of wine to welcome those who come as friends, while in her right hand, she wields a sword for those who come as enemies. Originally constructed from wood, the statue was coated in aluminum in 1963 and eventually replaced with a completely new aluminum version in the 1990s to ensure its longevity. Dressed in traditional Georgian attire, she stands as a guardian over the ancient streets and the Mtkvari River. Accessible by cable car from Rike Park, the monument site provides some of the best panoramic views of Old Tbilisi and the nearby Narikala Fortress.
- Location: Georgia
- Top sights: OrangeTri · Frame · Smirnov Museum
- Nearby: Mtskheta (16 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 3 | 7 | 12 | 18 | 23 | 26 | 26 | 20 | 14 | 7 | 2 |
| Rain mm | 18 | 17 | 28 | 49 | 58 | 49 | 27 | 27 | 25 | 38 | 25 | 17 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The monumental statue is located in an open public space and can be visited and admired from the outside at any time. You can walk right up to the massive base for a close view of the imposing aluminum figure.
Typical hours
Since the monument stands in a public area overlooking the city, it is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It remains beautifully illuminated after sunset, offering a completely different and magical atmosphere.
Photography
Capturing the entire statue effectively requires a wide-angle lens due to its massive scale. The surrounding viewing terrace also provides some of the most spectacular panoramic vantage points for photographing Tbilisi.
Time needed
Most visitors spend about thirty minutes to an hour admiring the colossal monument and taking in the sweeping city views. Add more time to your schedule if you plan to walk along the adjacent scenic ridge trails.
Combine with
A visit here naturally combines with the nearby Narikala Fortress, which shares the exact same mountain ridge. You can also easily explore the beautiful National Botanical Garden, located just down the hillside.
Getting there
The most scenic and highly popular way to reach the monument is by taking the modern aerial cable car from Rike Park. Alternatively, energetic visitors can choose to hike up the steep walking trails from the Old Town.
Insider tip
Visiting just before sunset allows you to see the towering statue in natural daylight and then watch the city lights slowly turn on below. The evening illumination makes the monument stand out against the night sky.
Geography
Facts
- The statue was erected in 1958 for the city's 1500th anniversary.
- It stands at a height of 20 meters.
- The original wooden model was covered in aluminum in 1963.
- The wine bowl represents the country's hospitality.
- The sword represents the struggle for freedom and defense.
- It was designed by the famous Georgian sculptor Elguja Amashukeli.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Mother of Georgia (9)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What do the objects in her hands symbolize?
The bowl of wine for friends, the sword for enemies.
What is the best way to reach the statue?
By cable car from Rike Park or on foot from the Old Town.
Can you go inside the statue?
No, the statue is not accessible inside; it can only be viewed from the outside.
How tall is the statue?
It is about 20 meters tall and made of aluminum.
Is there a good view from there?
Yes, the location provides a fantastic panoramic view over all of Tbilisi.
Mother of Georgia: where is it located?
Mother of Georgia is located in Georgia.
Mother of Georgia: what is there to see?
Highlights include OrangeTri, Frame, Smirnov Museum.
Mother of Georgia: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Mother of Georgia: why is it worth visiting?
Kartlis Deda, also known as the 'Mother of Georgia', is a monumental statue overlooking Tbilisi from the top of Sololaki Hill.
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