City Districts
District Organization
Tbilisi is separated into over a dozen different districts, each with their own aspects. The city districts are characterized by architecture styles; when they were built; ethnic make up; commercial spaces; and the socioeconomic strata of the residents. The Old City's districts are far smaller and more intricate than those of the newer Soviet constructed districts. The Old City districts include: Vera & Vake (photo above), Didube, Saburtalo, Mtatsminda, Avlabari, and Ortachala. Some of the newer districts include: Isani, Digomi, Gldani, Vazlaubani, Nadzaladevi, Varketili, and Samgori. Below, a more detailed look will be taken of a few districts. To see a map of the districts, click here.
Vera and Vake
These two districts are seen as the more lively areas where one can find small cafes, bars and restaurants. Vera is a characterized by older homes similar to those in the Old City, however more well laid out. Vake is the district where the nouveau riche and expats take residence; and is considered to be the most prestigious district. Some of the homes' hot water supply actually comes from the natural sulfur springs found in the city. The centerpiece of the district is the Tbilisi State University, built in 1906.
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A postcard showing Tbilisi State University. |
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A house in the Vera district. |
Ortachala
This districts sits at the foot of the Narikala fortress. The streets and narrow alleys climb up the steep hill upon which the fortress sits. It is in this district that one finds houses essentially stacked upon each other connected by small staircases. The area is most well known for its bath houses using water from the sulfur springs.
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The interior of a bath house in the Ortachala District. |
Avlabari
This district sits on the opposite side of the Mtkvari river from Ortachala. The area sits high upon the cliffs that run along the river. The heart of the district is Ketevan Tsamebulis square. There are many small churches in this area as well as some small hotels. The area is generally residential neighborhoods crisscrossed by small streets. It is a quieter district then most others with kids playing soccer in the street and shop keepers chatting with customers in doorways.
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A view of Avlabari from Narikala fortress. |
