Mtatsminda Mountain

Rising in the heart of Georgia’s capital, Mtatsminda Mountain is a prominent elevation nestled among the many hills encircling Tbilisi. The name “Mtatsminda” translates from Georgian as “Holy Mountain,” a fitting title for this revered natural landmark. It forms part of the Trialeti Range, which lies on the western flank of the city along the right bank of the Mtkvari River. With an elevation ranging between 740 and 770 meters above sea level, Mtatsminda is visible from nearly every corner of Tbilisi, standing as both a geographic and symbolic beacon.

The mountain is home to a variety of notable sites and attractions. Among them are the famous funicular railway, a hilltop park, the Pantheon with the Church of Saint David, a collection of restaurants and cafés, the city’s television tower, an amusement park, and a scenic viewpoint. Mtatsminda is not only a remarkable natural formation but also a place of deep historical and religious significance. Its slopes and surroundings have been immortalized in numerous literary works.

The quickest and most iconic route to the summit of Mtatsminda is via the historic Tbilisi Funicular. This cable railway, constructed in 1905 by a Belgian tram-manufacturing company under the direction of chief engineer Alphonse Roby, quickly became a beloved feature of the cityscape. However, a tragic accident occurred in 2000 when the cable snapped, leading to the closure of the funicular for an extended period. Following years of meticulous restoration, it triumphantly reopened to the public in 2013.

The Tbilisi Funicular serves as a vital connector between the city’s bustling center and its highest vantage point—Mtatsminda Mountain. It makes three stops along its 491-meter route. The journey begins at the “Lower Station” on Chonqadze Street. The next stop, “Pantheon,” lies adjacent to the eponymous cemetery and church. The final destination is Mtatsminda Park at the summit.

In total, the funicular ascends 235 meters, navigating an incline that varies between 28 and 33 degrees. Powered by electric traction, the railway operates daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. Each car holds up to 60 passengers—18 seated and 42 standing—and two cars run simultaneously in opposite directions, offering a smooth and scenic ascent to the top.

At the final stop of the funicular awaits one of Tbilisi’s most breathtaking observation decks. This expansive platform allows visitors to take in sweeping panoramic views of the city in every direction. Close by stands the towering Tbilisi TV Tower, rising approximately 277 meters into the sky and adding a distinctive silhouette to the city’s skyline.

An additional viewpoint is located within the summit restaurant, where patrons can admire the mist-covered peaks that encircle Tbilisi and the high-rises of the downtown district nestled amidst lush greenery. It’s a view that evokes both the serenity of nature and the pulse of urban life.

A beloved retreat for locals and tourists alike, Mtatsminda Park is one of Tbilisi’s premier destinations for leisure and entertainment. On weekends, the park comes alive as families, friends, and couples gather to stroll beneath its canopy of trees or relax on its inviting lawns. The park features a rich variety of restaurants and cafés catering to all tastes.

Its amusement park is divided into three thematic zones: children’s rides, family attractions, and adrenaline-inducing adventures for thrill-seekers. At the heart of the park is a uniquely designed fountain, while nearby a towering Ferris wheel with enclosed glass cabins offers a secure and wind-shielded ride to the skies—an ideal way to savor the mountain air and unforgettable vistas.

Mtatsminda Mountain is steeped in legend, much of it centered around the revered Saint David of Gareji, a missionary credited with helping to establish Christianity in Georgia. It is believed that in ancient times, he lived as a hermit in a cave on Mtatsminda, where he constructed a modest chapel. In his honor, the Church of Saint David now stands on the mountain.

The church’s exterior is simple, yet its spiritual significance draws devout pilgrims who come to pray before ancient icons of Georgian saints. According to tradition, young David was orphaned at an early age and taken under the wing of Saint John of Zedazeni. Together, they left Syria and settled in the caves of Mtatsminda, building their chapel and devoting their lives to spreading Christianity among the villagers at the mountain’s base.

David’s teachings drew ire from anti-Christian factions, who falsely accused him of corrupting a young girl. Yet, no evidence could be found. In a miraculous turn, the girl gave birth to a stone—an act that legend attributes to divine intervention. Saint David’s prayers for her redemption, and for all women struggling with infertility, were so sincere that God is said to have revealed to him a spring of healing holy water. To this day, three such springs near the church are sites of pilgrimage and hope.

Adjacent to the church lies the Mtatsminda Pantheon, a revered cemetery that holds the remains of Georgia’s most eminent cultural and public figures. Among the most visited graves is that of Alexander Griboyedov—a renowned writer, poet, composer, and diplomat—who was buried here in 1829 after being killed in Tehran for demanding the release of Persian prisoners.

Beside him rests his young Georgian wife, Nino Chavchavadze, who was just sixteen when she became a widow. Stricken with grief, Nino lost their child and mourned Alexander for thirty years until her own death in 1857, when she succumbed to cholera while caring for the sick. Her final wish—to be buried alongside her beloved husband—was honored. Their graves lie in a stone grotto, adorned with beautifully sculpted bronze monuments.

Other distinguished individuals buried at the Pantheon include Alexander Chavchavadze (Nino’s father and a champion of Georgian independence), Vazha-Pshavela (a national poet), Sergo Zakariadze (actor), Vakhtang Chabukiani (ballet choreographer), Lado Gudiashvili (painter), Ilia Chavchavadze (prince, poet, and politician), Nodar Dumbadze (writer), Galaktion Tabidze (poet), Akaki Tsereteli (poet), and Ekaterine Geladze (Stalin’s mother), among others.

Your ascent to Mtatsminda begins at Chonqadze Street, nestled in Tbilisi’s historic district. Visitors can arrive by car, following clearly marked signs, or opt for a leisurely walk through the scenic streets of old Tbilisi. The most popular and enjoyable route remains the funicular railway, which departs from its Lower Station on Chonqadze Street and concludes at Mtatsminda Park.

Alternatively, Liberty Square Metro Station on the M1 line is located nearby, providing easy access to the base of the mountain. For those preferring a bus ride, routes 90 and 124 also travel to the top, with a designated stop at Mtatsminda Park. However you choose to get there, the journey to Mtatsminda is as rewarding as the destination itself.