The Monument of the History of Georgia (Sakartvelo Matiani) rises on the outskirts of Tbilisi, some 13 kilometers from the city center, along the tranquil shores of the Tbilisi Sea — a man-made reservoir. Though it stands among the most significant landmarks in the country, its remote location keeps it just off the radar for many tourists. Yet those who make the journey are rewarded with one of the most powerful artistic testaments to Georgian heritage.
Perched 120 meters above sea level, the monument is best reached by car or taxi. Visitors who have stood in its shadow often leave glowing reviews, captivated by the scale, artistry, and especially the majestic lighting that bathes the structure after sunset. If you are spending several days in Tbilisi, a visit to the History of Georgia should be high on your list. Access to the memorial is free of charge.
Locals have affectionately dubbed it the “Georgian Stonehenge,” a name earned by its awe-inspiring grandeur and visual resemblance to the ancient English monument. Those who have experienced it in person speak of a monument that defies the lens — no photograph can truly capture its monumental scale or spiritual weight.
The sculptural complex is composed of sixteen towering columns, each reaching a height of 35.3 meters. Forged from bronze and copper, the columns are adorned with intricate bas-reliefs and high-reliefs that narrate the nation’s story. Each column is divided into three thematic sections: the base depicts biblical scenes; the middle showcases prominent Georgian figures — kings, poets, writers, scholars, and warriors, each rendered in striking detail, their figures standing around 3.1 meters tall; and the top features everyday scenes from Georgian life — harvests, celebrations, and traditions. When viewed from above, the columns are arranged in the shape of a cross, adding yet another layer of symbolism to the site.
A wide staircase leads up to the complex, flanked by two columns that symbolize the ancient origins of Georgia. At the entrance stands a small guard post, marking the threshold between the modern world and a monumental ode to the past. On the upper terrace to the right of the stairs, visitors encounter thirteen statues representing the Syrian Fathers — revered Christian sages who played a pivotal role in spreading Christianity throughout the region. Among them is David Garejeli, the ascetic monk who founded the rock-hewn monasteries of the David Gareja complex that now bears his name.
Near the statues are two large scrolls, etched with the most pivotal moments in Georgian history. Beside them stands a depiction of the cross of Saint Nino, the patron saint who brought Christianity to the region — a symbol of faith and endurance for generations of Georgians.
In addition to the monumental sculptures, the complex also includes a modest church, reflective of the simplicity and humility characteristic of Georgian religious architecture. Nearby, a viewing platform offers a sweeping panorama over Tbilisi’s residential districts and the valley of the Kura River, inviting visitors to pause and reflect on the ancient roots that still shape the land today.
The mind behind this breathtaking ensemble is the renowned sculptor Zurab Tsereteli. According to local guides, the original plan was to erect a 100-meter-tall statue of Joseph Stalin on this very site. However, the idea never came to fruition. Stalin himself reportedly dismissed the proposal, saying the country had not yet produced a master worthy of the task. And so, the hilltop remained bare for decades — until the mid-1980s, when the decision was finally made to build a monument not to a man, but to a nation.
The honor fell to Tsereteli, then Georgia’s most celebrated sculptor. Work began in 1985 and continued for nearly two decades, with major efforts extending through 2003. Yet even after all that time, the monument remains technically unfinished. Certain panels have been removed from the columns for revision, following the recommendations of the Georgian Patriarch, who noticed inaccuracies in the depictions. Nevertheless, the monument is fully accessible to the public, and the absence of some elements does little to diminish its overwhelming visual and emotional impact.
For those familiar with Georgian history, walking the length of the complex is like reading a vast, sculpted chronicle of the nation’s defining moments. For those less acquainted, it remains a profound artistic encounter — an invitation to discover the spirit and resilience of a people through the eyes of a master sculptor.
The most convenient way to reach the Monument of the History of Georgia from central Tbilisi is by car. From Freedom Square, the journey typically takes about 30 minutes.
For those relying on public transport, the route requires a bit more effort. First, take the metro to Ghrmaghele station. From there, minibus #60 stops nearby and can take you close to the base of the monument. Though the journey is longer, the destination more than justifies the time — it is a journey into the soul of Georgia, told in stone, metal, and silence.
