About Mother of Georgia
The statue was designed by Georgian sculptor Elguja Amashukeli and was built in 1958 to celebrate Tbilisi’s 1500th anniversary. It shows a woman dressed in traditional Georgian clothing. In her left hand, she holds a bowl of wine to welcome friends. In her right hand, she holds a sword to fight enemies. This symbolises Georgia's hospitality and strength.
Originally, the statue was made of wood, but it was covered in aluminium to protect it in 1963. In 1997, it was replaced with a new and identical version. Over the years, Mother of Georgia has become a famous symbol of Tbilisi and the whole country. The spot offers amazing views of the city and is a popular place for photos and sightseeing.
Mother of Georgia Highlights
• Admire the beauty of the 20-metre-tall statue of the Mother of Georgia in Tbilisi, also known as Kartlis Deda.
• Ride the cable car from Rike Park to the Narikala Fortress for a fun and scenic journey up the hill.
• Learn about Georgian culture through the symbols of hospitality and strength of the statue.
• Explore nearby attractions such as the historic Narikala Fortress, the peaceful National Botanical Garden, and the charming Old Tbilisi streets.
• Capture amazing photos with the iconic Mother of Georgia and the beautiful city skyline as your backdrop.
How To Reach Mother of Georgia
- By Cable Car- The easiest and fastest way to reach the Mother of Georgia is to take the cable car ride from Rike Park to Narikala Fortress. From the fortress, it is a short 5-minute walk to the statue.
- By Foot- You can also hike up the stairway on Betlemi Street for a more active journey. The path is steep but paved and scenic.
Best Time To Visit Mother of Georgia
Mother of Georgia is a famous tourist destination that can be visited throughout the year.
- Best Season- The best season to visit the Mother of Georgia is during the spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) seasons. At this time, the weather remains pleasant with fewer crowds and beautiful scenery.
- Best Day of the Week- You can visit the attraction on any day of the week. But, it is advisable to avoid weekends due to large crowds.
- Best Time of the Day- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for cooler weather and better photo opportunities.
Mother of Georgia Other Essential Information
- Wear comfortable shoes as the walk to the Mother of Georgia statue can be steep and tiring.
- Keep yourself hydrated at all times, especially during the summer season.
- Take the cable car ride from Rike Park to Narikala Fortress for an easy trip.
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and get direct access to the attraction.
- Check the weather before going, so you can enjoy the best sights.
- Rest and take pictures upon reaching the top.
- Consider visiting the nearby National Botanical Garden as well.
Take a Cable Car Ride
Taking a cable car ride from Rike Park to reach the Mother of Georgia is a fun and scenic experience, especially for first-time visitors to the city. The short ride offers stunning views of Tbilisi, including the Mtkvari River and Old Town. As you ascend, you can also see Narikala Fortress and lush greenery around Sololaki Hill.
Go on a Hike
For adventure lovers, hiking to the statue is a great option. The path starts from Betlemi Street and passes through historic sites like the Jumah Mosque and the Abanotubani bathhouses. Though the trail is steep, it is well-paved and offers beautiful views along the way. The hike is a rewarding experience that allows visitors to enjoy the natural beauty and history of Tbilisi.
