Mother of Georgia (Kartlis Deda)

Mother of Georgia, or Kartlis Deda, is a twenty-meter aluminum statue towering over Tbilisi on the crest of the Sololaki Ridge next to Narikala Fortress. The monument appeared in 1958 to celebrate the city’s 1500th anniversary and was created by sculptor Elguja Amashukeli. Originally the statue was wooden, but was later replaced by a more durable metal structure.

Mother Georgia holds a bowl of wine in her right hand and a sword in her left. These two symbols reflect the traditional Georgian view of hospitality and the defense of one's land: guests are welcomed with wine, and enemies with weapons. The statue has no specific historical prototype. The sculptor created an allegorical image of a Georgian woman, embodying the nation's strength, dignity, and independent spirit.

In 1997, the monument was completely reconstructed, replacing the old frame and renewing the figure's exterior appearance. Today, the statue reaches a height of about 20 meters and remains one of Tbilisi's most recognizable landmarks. Its surface is crafted from large aluminum panels, and the austere lines of the national dress make the silhouette easily distinguishable even from a great distance. An observation deck is located at the foot of the monument, offering panoramic views of Old Tbilisi, the Kura River, and surrounding hills.