Plizio Visual Lab

Mount Mtatsminda

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Mountain

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Mtatsminda, also known as the Holy Mountain, is the prominent peak overlooking the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, and a central landmark of the city. Rising to approximately 770 meters above sea level, it dominates the urban landscape from the west. The mountain is primarily famous for Mtatsminda Park, a large amusement and recreational area accessible via a historic funicular railway opened in 1905. A distinctive feature on the summit is the 274-meter-tall Tbilisi TV Broadcasting Tower, which is spectacularly illuminated at night. Located on the mountain's slopes is the Mtatsminda Pantheon of Writers and Public Figures, adjacent to St. David's Church, where many of Georgia's most prominent citizens are buried. Geologically, the mountain consists of Eocene sandstones and shales. Mtatsminda has multiple observation decks providing visitors with unparalleled panoramic views of the entire city and the Kura River valley. The mountain is not only a site for leisure but also a profound symbol of the cultural and spiritual identity of the capital.

Location: Georgia
Top sights: Old funicular car · Tagnageti Complex · Salkhino Tower
Nearby: Mtskheta (14 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

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Getting there

Mount Mtatsminda is easily accessible from central Tbilisi via the popular funicular railway. Alternatively, visitors can take a local bus or hike up the paved trails from the city.

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Best season

The panoramic views are spectacular year-round, but spring and autumn offer the best weather. Summer evenings are popular for locals seeking to escape the heat while enjoying sunsets.

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Terrain & paths

The mountaintop features manicured parkland, paved walking paths, and viewing platforms with gentle slopes. Those hiking from the bottom will encounter steep, winding and challenging trails.

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What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes are sufficient for exploring the summit park and its viewpoints. A light jacket is advisable even in summer, as it can be remarkably cooler and windier at the top.

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Parking

There is ample public parking available near the upper funicular station for private vehicles. Visitors coming from the city center often prefer taking taxis to avoid the steep access roads.

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Safety

The mountain park is highly developed, well-lit at night, and generally very safe for everyone. Visitors should stay behind guardrails at viewpoints and be cautious on steep trails if it rains.

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Time needed

A typical visit ranges from one to three hours to ride the funicular and take photographs. Visitors often spend a half-day if they intend to enjoy the amusement park rides and local restaurants.

Geography

Coordinates

41.69000, 44.78000

Facts

Mtatsminda rises approximately 770 meters above sea level.
The funicular railway to the summit was opened in 1905.
The TV tower on the peak stands 274 meters tall.
The pantheon contains the grave of Alexander Griboyedov.
The mountain is part of the Lesser Caucasus mountain system.
The name 'Mtatsminda' means 'Holy Mountain' in Georgian.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Tbilisi TV Broadcasting Tower<1 km · NEExplore →

📍Tbilisi2 km · EExplore →

Mother of Georgia3 km · NExplore →

Vake Park4 km · SEExplore →

Chronicle of Georgia6 km · EExplore →

Jvari Monastery13 km · SEExplore →

📍Mtskheta14 km · SEExplore →

Aragvi River14 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Mount Mtatsminda (5)

Old funicular car 📍 landmark

A vintage funicular car displayed as a monument to the city's transport history.

Tagnageti Complex 🏰 castle

A medieval castle complex strategically located in the mountains near Tbilisi.

Salkhino Tower 📍 landmark

A historic defensive tower built in 1811 and designated as a national heritage site.

Agarani Fortress 🏰 castle

Ruins of an 11th-century fortress located on the Azeula peak, also known as Kojori Fortress.

Church of Ghoubani📍 landmark

A simple Christian church serving the local community of Ghoubani.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Mtatsminda mean?

In Georgian, it means 'Holy Mountain'.

What is the best way to get to the mountain?

The funicular is the most popular and spectacular way to reach the summit from Tbilisi.

What is on top of Mtatsminda?

There is an amusement park, the prominent TV tower landmark, and several restaurants with a view.

Who is buried in the Mtatsminda Pantheon?

Halfway up is the Pantheon, where prominent Georgian poets, writers, and statesmen are buried.

When should I visit the mountain?

It is especially beautiful in the evening when you can see the lights of Tbilisi sparkling below.

Mount Mtatsminda: where is it located?

Mount Mtatsminda is located in Georgia.

Mount Mtatsminda: what is there to see?

Highlights include Old funicular car, Tagnageti Complex, Salkhino Tower.

Mount Mtatsminda: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.

Mount Mtatsminda: why is it worth visiting?

Mtatsminda, also known as the Holy Mountain, is the prominent peak overlooking the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, and a central landmark of the city.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Mount Mtatsminda

Best time to visit & climate