Metekhi Bridge in Tbilisi: History, Photos, Route
🚗🚶 For pedestrians and cars · ⏱ 20–30 minutes · 📍 Old Tbilisi, Mtkvari River
📋 What you need to know in advance
| 📍 Location | Old Tbilisi, near Metekhi Church, across the Mtkvari River |
| 🔗 Connects | Europe Square and Vakhtang Square |
| 🚇 Getting there | 5 min walk from Rike Park, 10 min from Avlabari metro station |
| 👁️ Views from the bridge | Narikala Fortress, Mother of Kartli statue, Old Town, Abanotubani |
| 🌙 Best time to visit | Evening and night — the Old Town reflects in the water |
| 🏗️ Built | 1951, reinforced concrete, two spans. Engineers: Chomakhidze and architect Demchineli |
| 💰 Entrance | Free, open 24/7 |
🧭 Why come here
Metekhi Bridge is not just a river crossing. It is one of the best viewpoints in Tbilisi: from here you can see Narikala Fortress, the Mother of Kartli statue, the domes of Abanotubani, and the cliff with Metekhi Church — all at once, in a single frame. This article is for anyone who wants to understand what this place is about and not miss it on their route.
📖 History worth knowing
A bridge has stood here since the Middle Ages. Back then it was a strategic object: it controlled the crossing of the Mtkvari and guarded the approaches to the city. The first bridge was wooden — not by accident. Wood can be quickly dismantled when an enemy attacks. And it was.
One story from the chronicles stands out: residents of the Isani district blew up the bridge themselves to keep Bagrat IV out of the city. The bridge was destroyed — the city was saved.
What followed was a cycle of destruction and rebuilding. In 1797 the bridge was reconstructed; in 1805 the Mtkvari flooded and carried it away. It was rebuilt again and stood until 1826, when it was replaced with an arched bridge. A metal one appeared in 1870.
The current bridge was built in 1951 — reinforced concrete, two spans. Designed by engineer Chomakhidze and architect Demchineli. One detail makes it asymmetrical: road traffic along the embankment is only possible from one bank, so the arch over the river spans 43 metres, while on the right bank there is a viaduct instead of a second arch.
🌆 What you can see from the bridge
Metekhi offers one of the best panoramic views of Old Tbilisi. Standing in the middle, you can spot several landmarks at once:
Narikala Fortress — on the cliff right above the city. Especially dramatic in the evening when the floodlights come on.
The Mother of Kartli statue — a silver figure of a woman holding a bowl and a sword. Visible from most points in the Old Town, but from the bridge the view is especially clear.
Metekhi Church — standing on a cliff right by the bridge, above the river. Built in the 5th century, rebuilt in the 13th. Nearby is the equestrian statue of Vakhtang Gorgasali, the founder of Tbilisi.
Abanotubani — the sulphur bath district with its distinctive domes. From here they look like a film set.
At night all of this reflects in the Mtkvari. That's the real reason to come after sunset.
🗺️ How to fit the bridge into your route
Metekhi Bridge fits naturally into a walking tour of the Old Town. One of the best options:
1️⃣ Start at Rike Park — a modern park on the left bank of the Mtkvari, with an amphitheatre and views of the Old Town.
2️⃣ Walk across Metekhi Bridge to the right bank.
3️⃣ Climb up to Metekhi Church and the Vakhtang Gorgasali statue — good viewpoint.
4️⃣ Head down to Meidani Square through the streets of the Old Town.
5️⃣ From there — to Abanotubani or Shardeni Street.
The full route on foot takes about an hour, without rushing.
Don't rush off the bridge — stop in the middle and look in both directions. To the left: the Old Town and Metekhi Church on its cliff. To the right: Rike Park and modern Tbilisi. Two different cities in one glance. At night the contrast is even sharper.
💬 What visitors say
"At night you can see the Old Town reflected in the Mtkvari — it's a truly stunning view."
"Walking across Metekhi Bridge, you can't help feeling connected to the past. History is present here — that's not an exaggeration."
"Crossing Metekhi Bridge offers incredible views of the city's landmarks. A real find for photographers."
Most reviews say the same thing: people come just to cross the river and leave with photos — and the feeling that they've seen something that mattered.
Have you been to Metekhi Bridge? Tell us what stayed with you — the night view, the history, or something completely unexpected. We read every comment ❤️
🏁 Is it worth coming
Metekhi Bridge is not the headline attraction — it's the one you'd regret missing. Ten minutes on the bridge gives you a view that's hard to find anywhere else in Tbilisi. Drop it into your route between Rike Park and the Old Town, and you won't lose a minute or an impression.
ℹ️ The bridge is free and open 24 hours a day. Information about nearby cafes and venues is current at the time of publication — check details before your visit.
🏛️ Nearby attractions
❓ FAQ
💬 Evening or night — when Narikala Fortress lights up and the Old Town reflects in the water. It's beautiful during the day too, but the night view is a different experience.
💬 Yes, the bridge is open to both pedestrians and cars. The pedestrian path runs along the side.
💬 Road access along the embankment is only possible from one bank. So the arch over the river spans 43 metres, while on the right bank there's a viaduct instead of a second arch.
💬 It's a small square on the right bank, right at the bridge exit. The equestrian statue of Vakhtang Gorgasali — the king who founded Tbilisi in the 5th century — stands here. Metekhi Church is just next to it.
💬 The easiest way is to walk through Rike Park — about 5 minutes. Or from Avlabari metro station — about 10 minutes downhill.
💬 Yes — in the side streets of the Old Town and in Rike Park itself. Georgian cuisine, coffee shops, and a few spots with river views.
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