The left bank of Tbilisi in Art Nouveau style (Modern)

Part of the tour takes place on the street. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.

The architecture of Tbilisi's left bank is radically different from the old town. One could say that the left bank of Tbilisi is a different part of the world. While the historic center is typically Eastern, here the clear layout, straight streets, and picturesque facades are reminiscent of European capitals. This is due to the peculiarities of the settlement and development of this area in the 19th century.

Wealthy townspeople commissioned mansions from fashionable architects of the time, both local and visiting, who, having been educated in St. Petersburg and abroad, sought to give the city a modern look and preferred to experiment with the Art Nouveau style. At the same time, Art Nouveau architecture in the Caucasus absorbed local characteristics, which intertwined with classical canons.

During a walk along the left bank, you will see:

• A unique complex that seemed impossible to exist in the Art Nouveau era;
• A perfect example of a style that today seems like a completely ordinary building;
• The homes of famous Art Nouveau architects;
• A Catholic cathedral similar to Roman models; 
• The best Georgian courtyard in Tbilisi in the Art Nouveau style.

You will also learn: 

• Who preferred to live in this area of Tbilisi, and how Eastern motifs and European austerity are intertwined in the appearance of the houses on this side; 
• why Tbilisi Art Nouveau has been so little studied and was generally considered “unimportant art”;  
• how the reconstruction of Agmashenebeli Avenue and adjacent streets took place, thanks to which Art Nouveau buildings have been preserved;
• how to successfully distinguish Art Nouveau architecture in any country in the world.

Duration: 2,5 hours 

Where we start: 2/8 Davit Agmashenebeli Avenue, Saarbrücken Square, Silk Bank building 

Where we finish: at the Kote Marjanishvili Academic Theater of Tbilisi (8 Kote Marjanishvili Street).

Organizational details:

• You will recognize our guide by the sign that says "Engineer's View Tbilisi";
• Radio guides will be used during the tour (for groups of 6 or more people), to which headphones provided by the guide will be connected. For your convenience, you can use your own wired headphones (3.5 mm mini jack);
• The tour is accessible to guests with limited mobility (including wheelchair users);
• Advance registration for the event is required! If you have any difficulties registering on the website, please email us at tbilisi@engineer-history.ru, and we will find a solution.