Chronicles of Georgia
Zurab Tsereteli's monument of 16 giant pillars above the Tbilisi Sea, telling Georgian history and the life of Christ.
Chronicles of GeorgiaPhoto: Eric Luth, CC BY 4.0The Chronicles of Georgia is a vast monument on Keeni Hill in the Nadzaladevi district, on the northern edge of Tbilisi, overlooking the Tbilisi Sea reservoir. Sixteen pillars, each 30–35 metres tall, stand on a high platform reached by a long flight of steps. The upper part of each pillar shows Georgian kings, queens and heroes, while the lower part illustrates scenes from the life of Christ. Up close the scale is overwhelming, and the figures, worked in Tsereteli's bold style, are easy to study from the platform.
The sculptor Zurab Tsereteli began the work in 1985, and it was never fully finished, which adds to the strange atmosphere. Few tourists make the trip, so you may have the site almost to yourself. The platform gives wide views over the reservoir and the northern suburbs. There is little shade and few facilities, so bring water, and plan to combine the visit with a stop at the Tbilisi Sea.
History
Zurab Tsereteli, the Tbilisi-born sculptor known for giant works such as the Peter the Great statue in Moscow, began the Chronicles of Georgia in 1985, in the late Soviet period. The design combines Georgian royal history with Christian themes. Work slowed after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the monument was never fully finished, but the pillars stand complete enough to make the trip worthwhile.
What to see and do
- Climb the steps to the 16 pillars, up to 35 metres tall
- Study the reliefs of Georgian rulers and biblical scenes
- Look out over the Tbilisi Sea reservoir
- Photograph the pillars in late afternoon light
How to visit
Getting there
The monument stands on Keeni Hill above the Tbilisi Sea, about 9 km north of the centre in a straight line and roughly 20–30 minutes by taxi. A taxi is the easiest option.
When to go
Late afternoon. Plan 45 minutes–1 hour here.
- Bring water and sun protection; there is no shade on the platform.
- Ask your taxi to wait or book a return ride in an app, as few cars pass by.
- Combine with the Tbilisi Sea on the same trip.
Chronicles of Georgia: FAQ
Who built the Chronicles of Georgia?
The monument was created by sculptor Zurab Tsereteli, who began it in 1985. It was never fully finished.
How do you get to the Chronicles of Georgia?
The easiest way is by taxi, about 20–30 minutes from the centre. It stands on Keeni Hill above the Tbilisi Sea in the Nadzaladevi district.
Nearby places
Straight-line distance from Chronicles of Georgia.
