Georgia old photos
Georgia
Chakvi, 1975-1985
Transcaucasian Federation Square, 1937-1938
Construction of the upper part of the Government House (1938) is nearing completion.
Construction of the upper part of the Government House (1938) is nearing completion.
Tiflis. General view, 1864
For comparison: 174,098
For comparison: 174,098
Beria Square, 1950-1952
Construction structures are visible at the site of the lower part of the Government House (1953). Option 238828 Tbilisi's central square, Freedom Square, has held many names throughout its history. Following the Russian army's capture of Erivan Fortress in 1829 and General Paskevich's subsequent title of Count of Erivan, the square was named Paskevich-Erivansky Square. After the theatre's completion and opening in 1851, it became Theatre Square. Upon Georgia's independence in 1918, it was first named Freedom Square. Under Soviet rule, it was renamed Transcaucasian Federation Square (1922-1940), then Beria Square (1940-1953), and later Lenin Square (1953-1990). It regained its name, Freedom Square (თავისუფლების მოედანი), in 1990.
Construction structures are visible at the site of the lower part of the Government House (1953). Option 238828 Tbilisi's central square, Freedom Square, has held many names throughout its history. Following the Russian army's capture of Erivan Fortress in 1829 and General Paskevich's subsequent title of Count of Erivan, the square was named Paskevich-Erivansky Square. After the theatre's completion and opening in 1851, it became Theatre Square. Upon Georgia's independence in 1918, it was first named Freedom Square. Under Soviet rule, it was renamed Transcaucasian Federation Square (1922-1940), then Beria Square (1940-1953), and later Lenin Square (1953-1990). It regained its name, Freedom Square (თავისუფლების მოედანი), in 1990.
Beria Square. Parade, 1945-1950
The dating requires clarification.
The dating requires clarification.
Erivanskaya Square, 1910-1917
Rustaveli Avenue, 1977
Abastumani St and Mikheili Tsinamdzghvrishvili St, 1977
Eristavi Street, 1977
Ikalto Monastery Complex, 1977
old market in Batumi on Chavchavadze street, 1977
Kakheti Highway. Road to Tbilisi Airport, 1977
Mother of Kartli, 1977
Kartlis Deda (Mother of Georgia), a symbolic monument of Tbilisi, stands atop Sololaki Hill. Erected in 1958 for the city's 1500th anniversary, the 20-meter aluminum statue (originally wooden) by Elguja Amashukeli depicts a woman holding a bowl of wine for friends and a sword for enemies, representing Georgian national character. Amashukeli received the Shota Rustaveli State Prize of the Georgian SSR for the sculpture in 1965.
Kartlis Deda (Mother of Georgia), a symbolic monument of Tbilisi, stands atop Sololaki Hill. Erected in 1958 for the city's 1500th anniversary, the 20-meter aluminum statue (originally wooden) by Elguja Amashukeli depicts a woman holding a bowl of wine for friends and a sword for enemies, representing Georgian national character. Amashukeli received the Shota Rustaveli State Prize of the Georgian SSR for the sculpture in 1965.
Tskhaltubo inter-collective farm sanatorium, 1986-1987
Tskhaltubo Resort, Sakartvelo
Tskhaltubo Resort, Sakartvelo
Hotel Tskhaltubo, 1986-1987
The postcard shows the Intourist motel in Tskhaltubo, labeled "Hotel Tskhaltubo". A similar image shows the same building with a sign reading "Astogostitsa Tskhaltubo".
The postcard shows the Intourist motel in Tskhaltubo, labeled "Hotel Tskhaltubo". A similar image shows the same building with a sign reading "Astogostitsa Tskhaltubo".
Tskhaltubo, source No. 6, 1986-1987
Source #6
Source #6
Dzveli-Shuamta (Old Shuamta), 1977
Dzveli Shuamta, meaning "Old Shuamta", is a complex of ancient churches in Georgia. The small, three-aisled basilica in the foreground dates to the 5th century. The two domed churches, one large and one small, are from the 7th century. The larger domed church resembles Jvari in Mtskheta. Frescoes from the 12th century and examples of the ancient Georgian script Asomtavruli are preserved within the churches.
Dzveli Shuamta, meaning "Old Shuamta", is a complex of ancient churches in Georgia. The small, three-aisled basilica in the foreground dates to the 5th century. The two domed churches, one large and one small, are from the 7th century. The larger domed church resembles Jvari in Mtskheta. Frescoes from the 12th century and examples of the ancient Georgian script Asomtavruli are preserved within the churches.
Ninotsminda Monastery, 1977
The Ninotsminda Monastery complex was a significant spiritual and educational center in Georgia. The main cathedral, originally built in the 6th century, underwent numerous reconstructions throughout its history. In 1750, Bishop Sava Tusishvili rebuilt the dome, dramatically altering the cathedral's appearance, a move that reportedly displeased King Erekle II. The dome, deemed too massive, collapsed during an 1824 earthquake, followed by the cathedral walls in 1848. The monastery's 16th-century bell tower exemplifies brick architecture. Each of its three floors contains a residential space featuring arched windows, niches, and a fireplace. These living quarters within the bell tower reflect the turbulent times, when people sought refuge in fortresses and churches. The bell tower served as both a dwelling and a defensive structure. Between 1774 and 1777, Sava Tusishvili also constructed a palace within the monastery grounds. This two-story building, with a tiled roof, features three enfilade rooms on each floor: a central hall flanked by smaller square rooms. While the exterior is simple and well-proportioned, the interior exhibits artistic integrity, with walls adorned by niches and ornate cabinets. Ninotsminda village lies just west of Sagarejo. The monastery is located on the village's northern edge, its bell tower visible from the main road.
The Ninotsminda Monastery complex was a significant spiritual and educational center in Georgia. The main cathedral, originally built in the 6th century, underwent numerous reconstructions throughout its history. In 1750, Bishop Sava Tusishvili rebuilt the dome, dramatically altering the cathedral's appearance, a move that reportedly displeased King Erekle II. The dome, deemed too massive, collapsed during an 1824 earthquake, followed by the cathedral walls in 1848. The monastery's 16th-century bell tower exemplifies brick architecture. Each of its three floors contains a residential space featuring arched windows, niches, and a fireplace. These living quarters within the bell tower reflect the turbulent times, when people sought refuge in fortresses and churches. The bell tower served as both a dwelling and a defensive structure. Between 1774 and 1777, Sava Tusishvili also constructed a palace within the monastery grounds. This two-story building, with a tiled roof, features three enfilade rooms on each floor: a central hall flanked by smaller square rooms. While the exterior is simple and well-proportioned, the interior exhibits artistic integrity, with walls adorned by niches and ornate cabinets. Ninotsminda village lies just west of Sagarejo. The monastery is located on the village's northern edge, its bell tower visible from the main road.
Telavi. The corner tower "Batonis Tsikhe" is visible, 1977
Experts suggest it's Georgia.
Experts suggest it's Georgia.
Akhali Shuamta Monastery (Telavi), 1977
An active nunnery near Telavi dates back to the 16th century. Originally adorned with rich frescoes, the monastery church's interior was whitewashed in the 19th century following the abolition of Georgian autocephaly. Restoration attempts in the 20th century recovered only fragments of these frescoes. Legend attributes the nunnery's founding to Queen Tina of Kakheti, daughter of a Gurian prince. A childhood dream foretold her building a православный храм at a location revealed only later, after her marriage to Prince Levan of Kakheti, when she recognized the spot during her travels through Georgia. The monastery was established there, and Tina herself later took monastic vows.
An active nunnery near Telavi dates back to the 16th century. Originally adorned with rich frescoes, the monastery church's interior was whitewashed in the 19th century following the abolition of Georgian autocephaly. Restoration attempts in the 20th century recovered only fragments of these frescoes. Legend attributes the nunnery's founding to Queen Tina of Kakheti, daughter of a Gurian prince. A childhood dream foretold her building a православный храм at a location revealed only later, after her marriage to Prince Levan of Kakheti, when she recognized the spot during her travels through Georgia. The monastery was established there, and Tina herself later took monastic vows.
Fortress in Gremi, 1977
Gremi, a 16th-century architectural monument, is a royal fortress in the Kakheti region of Georgia. The fortress and the Church of the Archangels are all that remain of the once-flourishing city of Gremi. Located east of the modern village of the same name, near Kvareli, it lies 175 km east of Tbilisi. Gremi served as the capital of the Kakheti Kingdom during the 16th and 17th centuries and had a large Armenian population. Founded by King Levan of Kakheti, it was a royal residence and a bustling trading city on the Silk Road until its destruction by Shah Abbas I in 1615. The city never recovered, and the capital was moved to Telavi in the mid-17th century. The city is estimated to have covered 40 hectares and consisted of three main parts: the Church of the Archangels, the royal residence, and the commercial district. Archaeological excavations were conducted in the area between 1939 and 1967. In 2007, Gremi was nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Church of the Archangels complex sits on a hill and includes the church itself (dedicated to Archangels Michael and Gabriel), a bell tower, a three-story palace, and a wine cellar (marani). The complex is surrounded by a fortified wall with towers and embrasures. Remains of a secret tunnel leading to the river have also been discovered. The Church of the Archangels, built by King Levan of Kakheti in 1565 and decorated in 1577, is a cross-domed stone church. Its traditional Georgian masonry incorporates local interpretations of Iranian architectural styles. The building has three entrances.
Gremi, a 16th-century architectural monument, is a royal fortress in the Kakheti region of Georgia. The fortress and the Church of the Archangels are all that remain of the once-flourishing city of Gremi. Located east of the modern village of the same name, near Kvareli, it lies 175 km east of Tbilisi. Gremi served as the capital of the Kakheti Kingdom during the 16th and 17th centuries and had a large Armenian population. Founded by King Levan of Kakheti, it was a royal residence and a bustling trading city on the Silk Road until its destruction by Shah Abbas I in 1615. The city never recovered, and the capital was moved to Telavi in the mid-17th century. The city is estimated to have covered 40 hectares and consisted of three main parts: the Church of the Archangels, the royal residence, and the commercial district. Archaeological excavations were conducted in the area between 1939 and 1967. In 2007, Gremi was nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Church of the Archangels complex sits on a hill and includes the church itself (dedicated to Archangels Michael and Gabriel), a bell tower, a three-story palace, and a wine cellar (marani). The complex is surrounded by a fortified wall with towers and embrasures. Remains of a secret tunnel leading to the river have also been discovered. The Church of the Archangels, built by King Levan of Kakheti in 1565 and decorated in 1577, is a cross-domed stone church. Its traditional Georgian masonry incorporates local interpretations of Iranian architectural styles. The building has three entrances.
Fortress in Gremi, 1977
Gremi, a 16th-century architectural monument, is a royal fortress in the Kakheti region of Georgia. The fortress and the Church of the Archangels are all that remain of the once flourishing city of Gremi. Located east of the modern village of the same name, near Kvareli, it lies 175 km east of Tbilisi. Gremi was the capital of the Kakheti Kingdom from the 16th to the 17th centuries and had a large Armenian population, including numerous churches. Founded by King Levan of Kakheti, it served as a royal residence and bustling trading city on the Silk Road until its destruction by Shah Abbas I in 1615. The city never recovered, and the capital was moved to Telavi in the mid-17th century. The city is believed to have covered 40 hectares and comprised three main parts: the Church of the Archangels, the royal residence, and the commercial district. Archaeological research was conducted in the area between 1939-1949 and 1963-1967. In 2007, Gremi was nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Church of the Archangels complex sits on a hill and includes the church itself (dedicated to Archangels Michael and Gabriel), a bell tower, a three-story palace, and a wine cellar (marani). The complex is surrounded by a fortified wall with towers and embrasures. Remains of a secret tunnel leading to the river also survive. Built in 1565 by King Levan of Kakheti and decorated in 1577, the Church of the Archangels is a cross-domed stone church. Its traditional Georgian masonry incorporates local interpretations of Iranian architectural styles. The building has three entrances.
Gremi, a 16th-century architectural monument, is a royal fortress in the Kakheti region of Georgia. The fortress and the Church of the Archangels are all that remain of the once flourishing city of Gremi. Located east of the modern village of the same name, near Kvareli, it lies 175 km east of Tbilisi. Gremi was the capital of the Kakheti Kingdom from the 16th to the 17th centuries and had a large Armenian population, including numerous churches. Founded by King Levan of Kakheti, it served as a royal residence and bustling trading city on the Silk Road until its destruction by Shah Abbas I in 1615. The city never recovered, and the capital was moved to Telavi in the mid-17th century. The city is believed to have covered 40 hectares and comprised three main parts: the Church of the Archangels, the royal residence, and the commercial district. Archaeological research was conducted in the area between 1939-1949 and 1963-1967. In 2007, Gremi was nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Church of the Archangels complex sits on a hill and includes the church itself (dedicated to Archangels Michael and Gabriel), a bell tower, a three-story palace, and a wine cellar (marani). The complex is surrounded by a fortified wall with towers and embrasures. Remains of a secret tunnel leading to the river also survive. Built in 1565 by King Levan of Kakheti and decorated in 1577, the Church of the Archangels is a cross-domed stone church. Its traditional Georgian masonry incorporates local interpretations of Iranian architectural styles. The building has three entrances.
Fortress in Gremi, 1977
Gremi, a 16th-century architectural monument, is a royal citadel located in the Kakheti region of Georgia. The citadel, with the Church of the Archangels, is all that remains of the once-flourishing city of Gremi. Located east of the modern village of the same name near Kvareli, Gremi is 175 km east of Tbilisi. Gremi served as the capital of the Kakhetian kingdom from the 16th to the 17th centuries, and had a significant Armenian population. A thriving trading post on the Silk Road, the city, founded by King Levan of Kakheti, was razed by Shah Abbas I in 1615. Gremi never recovered, and the capital was moved to Telavi in the mid-17th century. The city, estimated to have covered 40 hectares, comprised three main parts: the Church of the Archangels, the royal residence, and the commercial district. Archaeological excavations were conducted between 1939-1949 and 1963-1967. In 2007, Gremi was nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Church of the Archangels complex sits on a hill and consists of the church itself (dedicated to Archangels Michael and Gabriel), a bell tower, a three-story palace, and a wine cellar (marani). Enclosed by fortified walls with towers and embrasures, the complex also includes the remains of a secret tunnel leading to the river. Built in 1565 by King Levan of Kakheti and decorated in 1577, the Church of the Archangels is a cross-domed stone church. Its traditional Georgian masonry reflects Iranian architectural influences. The building has three entrances.
Gremi, a 16th-century architectural monument, is a royal citadel located in the Kakheti region of Georgia. The citadel, with the Church of the Archangels, is all that remains of the once-flourishing city of Gremi. Located east of the modern village of the same name near Kvareli, Gremi is 175 km east of Tbilisi. Gremi served as the capital of the Kakhetian kingdom from the 16th to the 17th centuries, and had a significant Armenian population. A thriving trading post on the Silk Road, the city, founded by King Levan of Kakheti, was razed by Shah Abbas I in 1615. Gremi never recovered, and the capital was moved to Telavi in the mid-17th century. The city, estimated to have covered 40 hectares, comprised three main parts: the Church of the Archangels, the royal residence, and the commercial district. Archaeological excavations were conducted between 1939-1949 and 1963-1967. In 2007, Gremi was nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Church of the Archangels complex sits on a hill and consists of the church itself (dedicated to Archangels Michael and Gabriel), a bell tower, a three-story palace, and a wine cellar (marani). Enclosed by fortified walls with towers and embrasures, the complex also includes the remains of a secret tunnel leading to the river. Built in 1565 by King Levan of Kakheti and decorated in 1577, the Church of the Archangels is a cross-domed stone church. Its traditional Georgian masonry reflects Iranian architectural influences. The building has three entrances.
Fortress in Gremi, 1977
Gremi, a 16th-century architectural monument, is a royal fortress in the Kakheti region of Georgia. The fortress and the Church of the Archangels are all that remain of the once-flourishing city. Located east of the modern village of the same name, near Kvareli and 175 km east of Tbilisi, Gremi served as the capital of the Kakheti Kingdom in the 16th and 17th centuries. A bustling trade center on the Silk Road, the city, home to a significant Armenian population, was razed by Shah Abbas I in 1615. Never regaining its former glory, the capital was moved to Telavi in the mid-17th century. Archaeological excavations reveal a city that likely encompassed 40 hectares, comprising the Church of the Archangels, a royal residence, and a commercial district. Nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status in 2007, the Church complex sits on a hill, surrounded by fortified walls. It includes the Church of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, built in 1565 and decorated in 1577, a bell tower, a three-story palace, a wine cellar (marani), and remnants of a secret tunnel leading to the river. The church, a cross-domed structure, showcases traditional Georgian masonry with Iranian architectural influences.
Gremi, a 16th-century architectural monument, is a royal fortress in the Kakheti region of Georgia. The fortress and the Church of the Archangels are all that remain of the once-flourishing city. Located east of the modern village of the same name, near Kvareli and 175 km east of Tbilisi, Gremi served as the capital of the Kakheti Kingdom in the 16th and 17th centuries. A bustling trade center on the Silk Road, the city, home to a significant Armenian population, was razed by Shah Abbas I in 1615. Never regaining its former glory, the capital was moved to Telavi in the mid-17th century. Archaeological excavations reveal a city that likely encompassed 40 hectares, comprising the Church of the Archangels, a royal residence, and a commercial district. Nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status in 2007, the Church complex sits on a hill, surrounded by fortified walls. It includes the Church of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, built in 1565 and decorated in 1577, a bell tower, a three-story palace, a wine cellar (marani), and remnants of a secret tunnel leading to the river. The church, a cross-domed structure, showcases traditional Georgian masonry with Iranian architectural influences.
Svetichoveli, 1977
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (Georgian: სვეტიცხოველი, "Life-Giving Pillar") is the main patriarchal cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church in Mtskheta. For a millennium, it served as the primary cathedral of Georgia and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It remains one of Georgia's most important spiritual centers and its largest surviving historical religious building. Georgia's first wooden church was built here in the 4th century by King Mirian III, after his conversion to Christianity. In the latter half of the 5th century, King Vakhtang I Gorgasali built a basilica on this site, the ruins of which are still visible today. The current four-pillared, three-nave cruciform church, dedicated to the Twelve Apostles, was constructed between 1010 and 1029 under the supervision of the architect Arsakidze.
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (Georgian: სვეტიცხოველი, "Life-Giving Pillar") is the main patriarchal cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church in Mtskheta. For a millennium, it served as the primary cathedral of Georgia and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It remains one of Georgia's most important spiritual centers and its largest surviving historical religious building. Georgia's first wooden church was built here in the 4th century by King Mirian III, after his conversion to Christianity. In the latter half of the 5th century, King Vakhtang I Gorgasali built a basilica on this site, the ruins of which are still visible today. The current four-pillared, three-nave cruciform church, dedicated to the Twelve Apostles, was constructed between 1010 and 1029 under the supervision of the architect Arsakidze.
Shiomgvime Monastery, 1977
Shio-Mgvime Monastery, located 9 kilometers from Mtskheta, sits at an elevation of roughly 750 meters. Founded after 560 AD by St. Shio, one of the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers, the monastery served as the burial place and enjoyed the patronage of the Amilakhvari princes for over three centuries. St. Shio initially inhabited a cave on the mountainside, attracting followers who carved their own dwellings into the sandstone cliffs. These caves remain visible today. The first structure, the Church of John the Baptist, was constructed between 560 and 580 AD during St. Shio's lifetime and seemingly retains its original form. St. Shio's relics, once housed within the monastery, were destroyed during the Soviet era. Around 1100 AD, David the Builder erected a second church. After suffering repeated damage from invasions, the monastery was entrusted to the Amilakhvari princes for restoration under King George VIII. Numerous caves dot the surrounding cliffs, easily carved into the soft sandstone and limestone.
Shio-Mgvime Monastery, located 9 kilometers from Mtskheta, sits at an elevation of roughly 750 meters. Founded after 560 AD by St. Shio, one of the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers, the monastery served as the burial place and enjoyed the patronage of the Amilakhvari princes for over three centuries. St. Shio initially inhabited a cave on the mountainside, attracting followers who carved their own dwellings into the sandstone cliffs. These caves remain visible today. The first structure, the Church of John the Baptist, was constructed between 560 and 580 AD during St. Shio's lifetime and seemingly retains its original form. St. Shio's relics, once housed within the monastery, were destroyed during the Soviet era. Around 1100 AD, David the Builder erected a second church. After suffering repeated damage from invasions, the monastery was entrusted to the Amilakhvari princes for restoration under King George VIII. Numerous caves dot the surrounding cliffs, easily carved into the soft sandstone and limestone.
View of the Jvari Monastery, 1977
Ikalto Academy near Telavi, 1977
The Ikalto Academy, traditionally known as the learning place of the 12th-century Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli, is part of the St. Zenon Monastery complex, 8 km from Telavi. Founded by St. Zenon of Ikalto, the complex also includes the smaller churches of Sameba (6th c.), Peristsvaleba (8th-9th c.), and Khvtismshobeli (9th c.), all restored in the 19th century. St. Zenon's relics rest in one of the churches. The Academy building (12th c.), the latest addition to the complex, is now in ruins on a roadside hill, destroyed by Shah Abbas I in 1616 and never rebuilt. Founded by David the Builder, the Academy was a significant center of Georgian culture and education.
The Ikalto Academy, traditionally known as the learning place of the 12th-century Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli, is part of the St. Zenon Monastery complex, 8 km from Telavi. Founded by St. Zenon of Ikalto, the complex also includes the smaller churches of Sameba (6th c.), Peristsvaleba (8th-9th c.), and Khvtismshobeli (9th c.), all restored in the 19th century. St. Zenon's relics rest in one of the churches. The Academy building (12th c.), the latest addition to the complex, is now in ruins on a roadside hill, destroyed by Shah Abbas I in 1616 and never rebuilt. Founded by David the Builder, the Academy was a significant center of Georgian culture and education.
Ikalto Monastery, 1977
Ikalto Monastery complex, near Telavi, consists of three churches and outbuildings. Although small, it holds historical significance as one of Georgia's earliest monasteries and the oldest in Kakheti, founded by Zenon of Ikalto after the mid-6th century. The current structures date back to the 8th century, coinciding with the rise of the independent Kakheti kingdom. Wine presses and cellars from this period are partially preserved. In the 12th century, King David the Builder commissioned the Church of the Dormition and an academy, where Shota Rustaveli famously studied. Shah Abbas burned the academy in 1616, effectively ending its operation. The monastery, subsequently restored in the 19th century, remained largely inactive until then.
Ikalto Monastery complex, near Telavi, consists of three churches and outbuildings. Although small, it holds historical significance as one of Georgia's earliest monasteries and the oldest in Kakheti, founded by Zenon of Ikalto after the mid-6th century. The current structures date back to the 8th century, coinciding with the rise of the independent Kakheti kingdom. Wine presses and cellars from this period are partially preserved. In the 12th century, King David the Builder commissioned the Church of the Dormition and an academy, where Shota Rustaveli famously studied. Shah Abbas burned the academy in 1616, effectively ending its operation. The monastery, subsequently restored in the 19th century, remained largely inactive until then.
Where is it?, 1977