The Tskhemlara Arch Bridge is believed to have been constructed in the 12th century, during the reign of Georgia’s revered monarch, Queen Tamar. Or rather, King Tamar—as she is proudly called in Georgian history. A bold and extraordinary woman, Tamar defied the conventions of her time, ascending a throne long reserved for men and ushering in what is known as Georgia’s Golden Age. Her legacy is steeped in legend and mystery, with countless tales preserving her indomitable spirit.
The bridge itself is one of the longest surviving structures of its kind from that era in the region. Just twenty meters away stands a modern automobile bridge, which offers a perfect vantage point for photographing the ancient span. Conveniently, there’s also a designated parking area right beside the new bridge for travelers arriving by car.
From the main road, the historic Tskhemlara Bridge is easily visible—an elegant arc of stone that connects not only two banks, but two vastly different centuries.
