King Erekle II Square (Salakbo Garden)

Irakli II Square is a quiet corner of Old Tbilisi located on the site where the majestic palace of King Rostom stood until 1795. Following the devastating Persian invasion, only the garden survived from the palace, which over time became "Salakbo", literally meaning "the talking place". In the era before newspapers and the internet, "ambavists" (news tellers) gathered here, turning the garden into the city's primary open-air information hub.

In the center of the square today stands the Wallace Fountain, a rare landmark with Parisian heritage. Similar cast-iron fountains were gifted to Paris by philanthropist Richard Wallace in the 19th century, while the Tbilisi specimen was installed here in 1993. Four female caryatid figures supporting the dome symbolize kindness, charity, simplicity, and sobriety. Two landmark dates are inscribed on the fountain: July 14, 1789 (the Storming of the Bastille) and May 26, 1918 (Georgia's Independence Day), making it a symbolic bridge between the two nations.

In 2026, King Erekle II Square retains its status as one of the quietest spots in the center, despite extensive reconstruction on neighboring Rustaveli Avenue. Following the passing of Patriarch Ilia II in March 2026, the square adjacent to the Patriarchate residence became a place of peaceful gatherings for citizens and pilgrims.