The Writers’ House of Georgia is a captivating early 20th-century mansion located in the charming Sololaki District of Tbilisi. Originally the residence of the prominent Georgian businessman Davit Sarajishvili, this historic site has long been a focal point of local bohemian life, witnessing numerous pivotal events before it transformed into a museum complex open to the public.
Davit Sarajishvili was not just a businessman; he was a scientist and a public figure who played a crucial role in shaping Georgian entrepreneurship as the founder of the first brandy factory in the country. Born in 1848 into a family of affluent merchants, Sarajishvili traveled to France to study winemaking from 1878 to 1879. By 1888, he had established the first brandy factory in Tbilisi, and within a few years, he expanded his operations to include multiple factories and stores across Georgia and Russia.
Sarajishvili was deeply committed to philanthropy, using his wealth to provide scholarships for talented students to study abroad, fund archaeological expeditions, and restore Georgia’s historical monuments. A true patron of the arts, he actively supported writers, publishing houses, and musicians, leaving a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of Georgia.
In a testament to his generosity, a year before his passing, Sarajishvili bequeathed 3 million rubles to various social establishments in Georgia. This included funding for literacy and historical-ethnographic societies, the Kutaisi Drama Society, and several schools and universities in Tbilisi. His legacy also encompassed financial support for student scholarships, the establishment of churches, and the construction of a theatre in Kutaisi.
Following Davit Sarajishvili’s death, his wife, Ekaterine Porakishvili, took over his philanthropic and commercial endeavors. Under her stewardship, brandy production doubled, and from 1889 to 1912, Sarajishvili Brandy gained international acclaim, earning gold medals at prestigious exhibitions in Paris, Brussels, and Chicago.
Constructed between 1903 and 1905 by the German architect Karl Zaar, the Writers’ House of Georgia is renowned for its eclectic architectural style, which beautifully blends elements of traditional Tbilisi urban architecture with Art Nouveau. While it is best known as the home of Davit Sarajishvili and Ekaterine Porakishvili, it has also been a witness to many significant historical events.
The mansion features a striking interior designed by the talented Georgian craftsman Ilia Mamatsashvili, known for its intricate décor, wooden elements, and a charming library and foyer. The two-story building overlooks a picturesque garden adorned with traditional Tbilisian open wooden balconies, distinguished by their unique ornamentation. Notably, the ceramic tiles on the porch were custom-made by the renowned German manufacturer Villeroy and Boch.
Davit Sarajishvili and Ekaterine Porakishvili moved into their home on their 25th wedding anniversary, and it quickly became a vibrant center for the city’s cultural life. The mansion hosted numerous gatherings and literary events, attracting well-known figures such as Akaki Tsereteli, Ivane Machabeli, and Arthur Laist. It was also the site where the works of the famous Georgian painter Gigo Gabashvili were first exhibited.
After Davit’s death, Ekaterine’s brother took up residence in the mansion. Following Ekaterine’s passing in 1911, the estate was acquired by Georgian manufacturer Akaki Khoshtaria, who continued to use it as a literary and cultural hub until 1921 when the country fell under Soviet control, forcing Khoshtaria to flee.
From 1921 to 1923, the house was owned by the Georgian Writers and Artists Society and was known as the Palace of Arts. It later became home to the Writers Union from 1923 to 2007, serving as a patronage space for many celebrated Georgian authors, including Paolo Iashvili, Tsitsian Tabidze, Mikheil Javakhishvili, Galaktion Tabidze, and Konstantine Gamsakhurdia.
The Writers’ House also became a symbol of the political repression and terror experienced during 1937-1938, a time when writers and poets were coerced into renouncing their beliefs, adopting Soviet ideology, and even reporting on one another during meetings. Tragically, the renowned poet Paolo Iashvili took his own life on the second floor of the Writers’ House amid this oppressive atmosphere. Memorabilia from these somber events are now displayed in the Museum of Repressed Writers within the mansion.
Today, the Writers’ House of Georgia stands as a beautifully preserved mansion open to the public. It houses several significant attractions, including the Davit Sarajishvili House-Museum, the Museum of Repressed Writers, and the National Fund for the Development of Georgian Literature. Visitors can also enjoy the renowned Litera Café, where they can savor traditional Georgian cuisine and local wines in the estate’s inviting garden.
In a recent initiative to celebrate its literary heritage, five residential rooms on the third floor of the mansion have been converted into guest accommodations. These rooms, named after illustrious writers such as Alexandre Dumas, Nizami Ganjavi, Boris Pasternak, Marjory and Oliver Wardrop, and John Steinbeck—each of whom has a connection to Georgia—offer a unique opportunity for writers, artists, and visitors to stay in the very spaces that once welcomed literary luminaries from around the globe.
Address: 13, Ivane Machabeli Str., Tbilisi
Phone: (+995 32) 297-41-04
Working hours: Monday-Friday 11:00 a.m. till 07:00 p.m.
Closed: on Saturday and Sunday