Tbilisi - is the capital of Georgia and largest city by area and population. The history of this amazing city starts in the V century, when the Georgian King Vakhtang Gorgasali ordered to found a city in the center of a fertile valley, lying between two Caucasian ridges.The name comes from the word "tbili", which from Georgian means "warm". The valley where the city is located is rich in warm sulfur springs. There is even a beautiful legend connected with the foundation of the city. Vakhtang Gorgasali hunted in the dense forests. Suddenly, from behind the bushes pheasant flew. After the king let falcon to reach him, but both birds suddenly disappeared. After a long search, the birds were found cooked in hot spring coming from the ground. Dazed King Vakhtang ordered to found a city in this place - on the right bank of the Mtkvari River.
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Already in the Middle Ages Tbilisi (Tiflis then it was called) was well known in both the east and west, since Georgia became a trading center through which passed the way to the south to the Arab countries, to the north to Russia, to the west to the Byzantine Empire, to the east to India. Masters of Tbilisi were reputed as the most skilful artisans, particularly excelled in the gunnery and jewelry. At that time aphorism was born: "The key to the Caucasus is in Tbilisi".
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Growth of Tbilisi was observed in the Middle Ages. At this time he was also famous as a city of great poets, there bloomed genius Shota Rustaveli and many others. And this is understandable: the city itself adjusts to a poetic mood. And all is because there is no analogy of Tbilisi in the world. The combination of the original architecture and natural beauty gives it a unique charm and flavor. Tbilisi is elongated by narrow strip on both banks of the Mtkvari River. Its narrow winding streets run up the slopes. And houses are located one above the other by terrace, closely adjacent to each other, on the mountain slopes.
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Since the beginning of the XIX century the center for Modern Tbilisi has grown - New Town - with a rectangular grid of streets. Today the face of the city harmoniously combines ancient and modern features: near the temples of VI-VII centuries you can find modern high-rise buildings, new wide streets, parks, gardens, squares, majestic bridges over the Kura River.
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But the soul of the Tbilisi still lives in the Old City. Charm of curves of Tbilisi streets, terrace houses, twined by vine, old churches with tiled domes, the ruins of ancient monasteries, and traditional Georgian yards with fancy carved verandas –the soul of Tbilisi is irresistible. And a piece of your soul remains forever dwell in this enchanting corner, as well as you take a piece of Tbilisi forever in your heart...