The charm of the Old City of Tbilisi is the unique Tbilisi baths and the ceremonial kaleidoscope.

The old city of Tbilisi, otherwise called Kala, is located on the banks of the Kura River, at the foot of Mtatsminda Mountain. The medieval architectural appearance of upper and lower old Tbilisi is created by winding cobbled streets winding through the hills, ancient brick or clay two-storey houses with attached stairs leading directly to the second floor. And of course, vine-covered gazebos, in the shade of which you can hide from the midday heat.

Initially, the old fortress of Kala, created by the Persians, was considered a city, and the residential settlement that arose around the fortification itself was Tbilisi. There is also an opinion that the boundaries of the historical district coincide with the territory of Tiflis in the XII century.

The appearance of the city underwent strong changes in the XVIII century, when the settlement was looted and burned by the army of the Persian Shah. However, it took only three years for the residents to restore the city from the ashes and resurrect its former beauty, adding modern elements at that time.

The complex of famous sulfur baths is located in the Abanotubani area of the old city. This is one of the most popular places in Tbilisi not only among tourists, but also among local residents. The baths of Tbilisi are based on sulphurous thermal springs. The buildings were built in the Persian style, over time some of them were destroyed, some were rebuilt. In ancient times, baths were famous for their rich decoration, but today they are simple rooms without any special frills.

In total, the complex includes about ten baths, differing in the level of service, comfort and, accordingly, cost. The baths enjoy the greatest honor: No. 5, Iraklievskaya, garrison, Mirzoevskaya.

The main idea of the baths is the healing sulphurous steam, for which Georgian tourists strive to get into the complex. There are both common rooms designed for a large number of visitors, and VIP. You can rent a family room with a thermal pool and a steam room. If desired, use the services of a professional bath attendant and massage therapist. Bath accessories, including sheets and towels, are not included in the price of the visit, so if you want to save money, take everything you need with you.

It is useful for people sensitive to odors to learn about the specifics of such baths – the constant smell of sulfur.

A visit to the baths at the healing sulfur springs is recommended for the treatment of skin, neurological, respiratory diseases.

Turning off the Maidan, you can walk along Shardeni Street, named after the French traveler Jean Shardeni, who visited Tiflis in the XVII century and compiled a description of Georgia. In ancient times, the street was called "Dark", artisans' shops were located here. Today, the pedestrian street of Shardeni is completely filled with various cafes, hookah bars, restaurants with verandas and terraces and resembles Paris in architectural appearance. Live music and seductive aromas of culinary masterpieces entice tired tourists to relax after a busy day, and night bars and dance clubs are waiting for lovers of night entertainment.

On Sioni Street there is a large historical cathedral, one of the main Orthodox cathedrals of Georgia. The cathedral received this name in honor of the biblical Mount Zion, and was consecrated in honor of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The temple attracts the attention of tourists both as a monument of medieval architecture and by the fact that an ancient Christian relic – the cross of St. Nino - is kept in the walls of the cathedral.

The oldest street in Tbilisi – Botanic Street – is located between two architectural monuments: Narikala fortress and sulfur baths. One of the most popular sightseeing routes of ancient Tbilisi. The main attraction of the street is the botanical garden. Also, walking along this route, you can climb the Narikala fortress, explore the mosque, or turn to the spiral staircase leading to the waterfall

How to get to Narikala Fortress:

1. Cable car. This is the most optimal way to the fortress: speed and comfort, plus the opportunity to see the sights from a height.
2. Walking up Orbiriu Street. This method is longer and more energy-consuming, but an incomparable advantage will be the opportunity to plunge into the atmosphere of a medieval city.

The quarter of Sololaki houses is located in the central part of the city between Mtatsminda Mountain and Sololaki ridge. This aristocratic district arose at the junction of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, at one time it was reputed to be one of the richest districts of Tbilisi. The residents of the quarter were mostly wealthy Armenians who competed with each other in the construction of exquisite houses. The houses erected here in the style of Caucasian Art Nouveau are distinguished by luxurious decor. We recommend a walk through the streets of the Sololaki district. The most famous houses of the district:

• Djibladze Street/Ahospireli, 3/7;
• Dadiani Street, 18;
• Galaktioni Street, 24.