First Republic Square

First Republic Square is one of the largest squares in modern Tbilisi. In its current form, it appeared in 1983 as a grand ceremonial terminus to Rustaveli Avenue and was known for a long time as Republic Square. During the Soviet period, official events, holidays, and mass demonstrations were held here.

One of the most famous objects on the square was a concrete grandstand with arches built in 1983 for the visit of high-ranking guests from Moscow. Among Tbilisi residents, it received the unofficial nickname "Andropov’s Ears". In 2005, the structure was demolished during a large-scale reconstruction, after which the square became more open and modern. At that time, public spaces were also refreshed and the adjoining area was landscaped.

In 2003, the square became one of the main sites of the Rose Revolution events. Later it was renamed Rose Revolution Square, and subsequently given its current name, in honor of the First Georgian Republic, proclaimed in 1918. Today the square remains an important urban public space and a venue for concerts, festivals, and city events.