Mtkvari (Kura) River Embankment

The Kura River, or Mtkvari in Georgian, is the city's main waterway, which for centuries served as the primary route for transporting cargo. Until the mid-20th century, it was wild and swift: each spring, massive rafts laden with timber and firewood were floated down its waters. Rafters known as "metive" navigated between rocks at high speed, living directly on these floating platforms in small huts.

Historically, the river divided Tbilisi into two important parts: on the right bank lay the old core of the city with palaces and churches, while on the left bank was the Avlabari district and the road to Kakheti. Due to the unpredictable nature of the Kura and frequent spring floods that destroyed bridges, old buildings along the embankment were built high above the water. The river acquired its modern calm and broad appearance in the 1950s following the construction of the Ortachala Hydroelectric Power Plant, which raised the water level and submerged the rocky banks and old foundations.

Walking along the embankment is an excellent way to experience the city's history and see iconic landmarks. One of the best views of Metekhi Church and the monument to Tbilisi's founder, King Vakhtang Gorgasali, opens from here. You can continue along the water or cross the bridge to examine these historic monuments up close.