The Trinity (Sameba) Cathedral is one of the tallest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the World. Citizens welcome you with a warm smile, are quick to offer help and will often even accompany lost travellers to the right destination. At the same time, Tbilisi developed the necessary sports infrastructure for professional sports. King Vakhtang became so impressed with the hot springs that he decided to cut down the forest and build a city. The three most popular private higher educational institution in Georgia —The University of Georgia (Tbilisi), Caucasus University, and the Free University of Tbilisi – are in Tbilisi. If you wish to feel like a local and endear yourself to the Georgian people, we advise you to learn several words in Georgian, such as gamarjoba (hello) and madloba (thank you). Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. [66] New MAN Lion's City buses were put in service in 2017. The Georgian State Museum of Theatre, Music, Cinema and Choreography - Art Palace is an important depository of Georgian cultural objects. © 2017. The newest whole-built developments bear chiefly residential marketing names. Since 2003, Tbilisi has experienced considerably more stability with decreasing crime rates, an improved economy, and a real estate boom. The elevation of the city ranges from 380–770 metres above sea level (1,250–2,530 ft) and has the shape of an amphitheatre surrounded by mountains on three sides. [15] In 1522, Tbilisi was garrisoned for the first time by a large Safavid force. [48] There is also a Roman Catholic church and the Yazidi Sultan Ezid Temple.[49][50]. Be sure to dip your feet in the refreshing waterfall! [39] Average annual precipitation is 495.5 mm (19.5 in). Tbilisi will host several Group Phase matches for the EuroBasket 2021 in the country, Czech Republic (Prague), Germany (Berlin, Cologne) and Italy (Milan). In 1872 it was linked by rail to Poti on the Black Sea and in 1883 to Baku on the Caspian Sea. The areas of downtown Tbilisi which were developed according to a European-style plan by Russian authorities (Sololaki, Rustaveli Avenue, Vera, etc.) The metropolitan area covers 726 km² (280 mi²) and has a population of approximately 1½ million (2019). Apply to jobs near you. Under the national government, Tbilisi turned into the first Caucasian University City after the Tbilisi State University was founded in 1918. The neighborhood is also famous for its sulfur bath houses, whose spring are credited with the city’s birth. The city experiences very warm summers and moderately cold winters. Once you’ve visited, you’ll understand why Georgians are renowned for their hospitality. By the 1850s, Tbilisi once again emerged as a major trade and a cultural center. If the Tbilisi Travel Guide has piqued your interest in Georgia, keep reading to get tips for planning your upcoming vacation or check out our most popular Georgia tours. Vere Basketball Hall is a smaller indoor sports arena with a 2,500 seating capacity. This period is often referred to as "Georgia's Golden Age"[13] or the Georgian Renaissance.[14]. Such neighbourhoods are several, however, constituting a kind of hierarchy, because most of them have lost their distinctive topographic limits. Vegetarian guests will especially appreciate pkhali (cold appetizers comprised of spices, nuts and vegetables), shetchmandy (vegetarian soup made with nuts and grains) and lobio (bean soup served with corn bread). Expect to be greeted by warm-hearted, exuberant citizens who stand ready to welcome guests with a friendly handshake and a glass of wine. Narikala Fortress is the ultimate symbol of Old Town Tbilisi.