Orbeliani Square in Tbilisi: History and Flower Market
🌸 Historical Square · ⏱️ 1–2 hours · 📍 Between Tabukashvili, Purtseladze, and Vekua streets, Tbilisi
🌸 What to know before your visit
| 📍 Location | Between Tabukashvili, Purtseladze, and Vekua streets. Continuation of the route from Agmashenebeli Ave. |
| 📅 History | Named after the Orbeliani noble family. King Teimuraz II granted the lands to General Orbeliani in the 18th century |
| 🏗️ Renovation | 2019. 20 buildings renovated, 13 of which are cultural heritage sites. "New Tiflis" project |
| 🌸 Highlights | Flower market with pavilions. Garden with a fountain. 19th–20th century architecture |
| 🚗 Parking | Underground, for 150+ cars |
| ⛪ Nearby | Sameba Cathedral · Kashueti Church · Art Museum · Dry Bridge |
| 💡 Bonus | Street musicians, cafes with Georgian cuisine, shops, and stalls |
🧭 Who Is This Article For
Orbeliani Square is not the most obvious tourist spot. It is rarely placed in the top three must-see attractions or included in standard tours. However, it is precisely here where you will find flower stalls loved by locals more than any shopping mall, architecture of two centuries captured in a single frame, and a vibrant street rhythm. Plus, a route that connects it to Mushtaidi Park, Agmashenebeli Avenue, and Freedom Square.
📜 A Name with History
"Orbeliani" is not just a name. It is one of the most famous Georgian noble families with a rich history. The lands where the square stands today were granted by the Georgian King Teimuraz II to his General Orbeliani in the 18th century. The territory remained in the possession of this family, and the name stuck.
During the Soviet era, the square was renamed and became known as "Kolmeurneoba" (Kolkhoz) Square. This colloquial name has survived to this day: many Tbilisi residents still say "Kolmeurneoba," and they will be understood. The official name today is Orbeliani Square.
🌸 The Flower Market: The Heart of the Square
The main feature of Orbeliani Square is its flower markets. Dozens of pavilions filled with bright, fragrant flowers of all kinds. This is not a seasonal fair — the flower stalls are permanently located here. Roses, chrysanthemums, lilies, exotic flowers — alongside green plants, pots, and garden accessories.
Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, simply walking past these stalls is an experience in itself. The colors, the scents, the bustling vendors, and bargaining in Georgian create an atmosphere that is hard to find in heavily commercialized tourist areas.
🏛️ The 2019 Renovation
In 2019, the square underwent a major reconstruction as part of the city project "New Tiflis":
— Engineering and communication networks were completely replaced, and drainage and stormwater systems were installed — things that are invisible but change everything.
— 20 buildings were renovated, 13 of which are cultural heritage sites. The restoration was structural: foundations and walls were reinforced. Because of this, about 340 families were temporarily relocated to alternative housing.
— An underground parking lot for 150+ cars was created.
— The opening was held ceremonially: the event was attended by President Salome Zourabichvili, Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze, the Speaker of Parliament, the Mayor, and members of the Cabinet of Ministers.
The renovation restored the square's 19th–20th-century architectural appearance without turning it into a sterile museum display — daily life continues here.
⛪ Sameba Cathedral Nearby
A few minutes from the square is the Sameba Cathedral (Holy Trinity), one of the main Orthodox cathedrals in Tbilisi. It serves as both a religious and cultural center. It was here that some of the key figures in Georgian history were married:
Chavchavadze and Olga Guramishvili, Nino and Ekvtime Takaishvili, Ivan Machabeli and Anastasia Davitashvili.
Visiting the cathedral fits perfectly into a walking route through this quarter.
🗺️ Neighborhood Route: What to See in One Day
Orbeliani Square is part of a tourist route that encompasses the entire district:
- Mushtaidi Park → Agmashenebeli Avenue → Orbeliani Square → Freedom Square
- Along the way, you will also find:
- Alexander's Gardens and April 9 Garden — quiet public squares with benches for a quick rest.
- Dry Bridge — an open-air flea market featuring antique items, vintage goods, and paintings.
- Kashueti Church — another historical temple in this quarter.
- Museum of Fine Arts — one of Tbilisi's primary art museums.
The best time to visit is a weekday morning when the flower stalls are just setting up their goods and there are few people around. Weekends are more lively, but the atmosphere changes — street musicians and larger crowds arrive. Combine it with a walk along Agmashenebeli: walk down from Mushtaidi toward the square, then head toward Freedom Square. It’s about 3–4 km, taking a couple of hours with stops. The square is beautifully lit in the evening — another great reason to return.
🗺️ How to Plan Your Walk
1️⃣ Start with the flower market — walk along the pavilions, even if you aren't buying. The aromas and colors are worth your time.
2️⃣ Step into the garden with the fountain in the center of the square — a good place to take a break.
3️⃣ Examine the facades of the 19th–20th-century buildings — despite the restoration, the architectural context has been preserved.
4️⃣ Walk over to the nearby Sameba Cathedral — explore both its interior and exterior.
5️⃣ Pop into a cafe on the square — enjoy Georgian cuisine and local wine.
6️⃣ Continue your route toward the April 9 Garden, Dry Bridge, and Freedom Square.
💬 What Visitors Say
"When I was in Tbilisi, Orbeliani Square managed to leave a special impression on me. Thanks to the recent renovation, it has become very cozy. The flower markets add a special charm, and the central garden with the fountain is a great place to relax."
"Strolling through the square, I felt the atmosphere of a living and pulsating energy. You can find everything here: cozy cafes with Georgian cuisine, shops with national souvenirs, as well as street musicians and artists."
"It's unusual to hear the name 'Kolmeurneoba' (Kolkhoz) for such a beautiful place. It's definitely not a kolkhoz style, but if it is, then it's an elite one."
"The architecture of the 19th–20th centuries gives it a special charm. Walking through the square feels like stepping back into the past against a backdrop of modern comfort."
🏁 Why You Should Visit
Orbeliani Square is one of those places in Tbilisi that needs no advertising among the city's residents. The flower stalls were here long before the restoration and will remain long after. It offers two centuries of architecture, a fountain, a nearby cathedral, and a vibrant street rhythm. Entry is free, underground parking is available, and the route seamlessly connects several historical quarters.
ℹ️ The square is located between Tabukashvili, Purtseladze, and Vekua streets. Underground parking is available for those arriving by car. Cafes and restaurants are open daily. Information is current at the time of publication.
Have you been to Orbeliani Square? What stood out to you the most — the flower market, the architecture, a terrace cafe, or the walk to Sameba Cathedral? Let us know — we read all comments ❤️
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
💬 Between Tabukashvili, Purtseladze, and Vekua streets. The square is part of a major tourist route: from Mushtaidi Park → along Agmashenebeli Ave. → Orbeliani Square → Freedom Square. Finding it is easy, as it is clearly visible from Agmashenebeli.
💬 Orbeliani is the historical name, given in honor of the Georgian princes to whom the land was granted by King Teimuraz II in the 18th century. In the Soviet era, the square was renamed "Kolmeurneoba" (Kolkhoz) — and this name lives on. Locals use both variants, and you will be understood either way.
💬 A permanent market featuring pavilions filled with fresh flowers — roses, lilies, chrysanthemums, and exotic plants. It operates daily. This is the main feature of the square, which no restoration can replicate, as the market existed here long before the 2019 upgrade.
💬 In 2019, under the "New Tiflis" project. 20 buildings were restored, 13 of which are cultural heritage sites. Underground utility networks were completely replaced, and an underground parking lot for 150+ cars was built. The opening was attended by the president, prime minister, and mayor.
💬 Yes. An underground parking lot for 150+ cars was created during the 2019 renovation. This is one of the few places in the historic center of Tbilisi where convenient parking is available directly underneath a square.
💬 Sameba Cathedral is just a few minutes' walk away. Kashueti Church, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Dry Bridge (flea market), April 9 Garden, and Alexander's Gardens are all within a 15-minute walk.
💬 Sameba Cathedral is one of Tbilisi's main Orthodox cathedrals. Historically significant weddings took place here: Ilia Chavchavadze, Ekvtime Takaishvili, and other key figures of Georgian culture and history were married in this church.
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I’ve always loved places that hum with stories, and this square definitely has that vibe. The cobblestones seem to whisper tales of the past while you sip on a fragrant cup of coffee from a nearby café. I’m not entirely sure how long I spent there, but it felt like time slowed down. Whether you're a tourist or a local, Orbeliani Square is a little slice of Tbilisi magic that you just shouldn't miss. 🌼✨
მგონი, ორბელიანის მოედანი მაინც ერთ-ერთი იმ ადგილებისგანაა, სადაც ამსტერდამი და თბილისი თითქოს ერთმანეთს ეხება. იმაზე ვისაუბრემ, რომ ყვავილებით სავსე მაღაზიები თითქოს ცოცხალ ექოს ქმნიან, როცა შენ იქაზე გადიო, შენ იპოვი მზის სხივებს იმ თვალწარმტაცი ტაძოს ფონზე.
პირფერობა, რაც იქაა, ყველაფერში იგრძნობა. და თან სულ სხვადასხვა ადამიანი იყრის თავს - ადგილობრივები, ტურისტები... მაგრამ ისე, როდი უნდა ვიცოდეთ, როგორი შოკოლადები აქვთ იქ, მარიამ? შეგიძლია უფრო მითხრათ იმ სალონდების შესახებ, რომლებიც იქ ახლოს არიან?