Metekhi Bridge

Metekhi Bridge Architecture

Metekhi Bridge, in its current form, was built in 1951. The two-arched reinforced concrete bridge was designed by architect Sergo Demchineli and engineer Giorgi Chomakhidze. Their task was to create a functional, high-capacity structure that would fit in with the aesthetics of Old Tbilisi.

The architectural solution is impressive, with massive piers and smooth arches seamlessly blending into the storied environment. The structure itself is a complex engineering feat, providing strength and durability. It takes into account the risks of seismic activity and the seasonal fluctuations in the Mtkvari River’s water levels. The pier foundations are embedded in the riverbed and reinforced using specific technology to maintain stability even in extreme conditions.

The bridge is about 140 meters long and approximately 20 meters wide, with four traffic lanes. It has wide and broad sidewalks on both sides.

The arches and walls are lined with basalt, while the columns - with Bolnisi tuff stone. Visitors are routinely fascinated by the cast-iron railings, decorated with ornamental elements. Although decorated railings are not uncommon, Metekhi Bridge’s use of traditional Georgian ornamental motifs gives them a more unique effect. At night, the bridge is illuminated by a special lighting system. Unlike the nearby Bridge of Peace, which is lit up in multiple colors, Metekhi Bridge is lit using old-fashioned lanterns, giving it a cozier appearance.

A Brief Historical Overview of Many Bridges

The earliest confirmed references to a crossing in this location date back to the 8th century as mentioned by the writer Ioane Sabanisdze in “The Martyrdom of Abo Tbileli.”.

For centuries, it was the only point within the capital city of Tbilisi connecting the two river banks, making it a place of great strategic significance. According to Ivane Javakhishvili, at one time, there were two bridges at this location: the so-called "Great Bridge" (or Avlabari Bridge) being used for transport (carts and carriages); and the "Small Bridge" also known as "Donkey Bridge," primarily used by pedestrians, with only transportation passing being donkeys. The latter was much younger - erected in the 19th century.

The Great Bridge existed for centuries and even held some religious symbolism. For some time, a "Holy Cross" was erected on its pier. Moreover, the tragedy of 100,000 martyrs took place here in 1226. After overtaking the city, Jalal ad-Din, the Khwarezmian Sultan, brought icons from Sioni Cathedral to the bridge and ordered Georgians to trample them. Those who refused to do so were beheaded.

Historical sources on the bridge during the 16th-18th centuries are scarce but interesting. Prince Vakhushti of Kartli marked it on his map of the city in 1735. The Great Bridge was heavily damaged during Agha Mohammad Khan's invasion in 1795. Due to its strategic importance, restorations began urgently but the damage inflicted was so severe that it took another two years before the bridge became operational again.

After the Russian Empire annexed Georgia, a new wooden bridge was built at this site in 1805 (Avlabari Bridge), with a pedestrian (and donkey) bridge added nearby. The former lasted until 1826 when it was replaced by a wooden arched bridge built on stone supports, although that survived for only three years before needing to be reconstructed. In 1843, the main bridge was rebuilt with higher-quality materials, and in 1870 both bridges were replaced with metal structures. These metal bridges remained in use until the 1950s, with Demchineli and Chomakhidze erecting the current Metekhi Bridge in 1951.

How to Get to Metekhi Bridge

There are several comfortable ways to reach Metekhi Bridge.

If you’re traveling by metro, disembark at either Avlabari or Liberty Square station, from where it’s a 10-15 minute walk.

You can also easily reach it by bus as routes 301, 310, 331, 344, 345, and 395 pass through Gorgasali Avenue and then cross the bridge.

Nearby Landmarks

The Metekhi district is considered to be the heart of Old Tbilisi. Some of the city’s most famous landmarks are just a few minutes’ walk away.  

Metekhi Nativity of the Virgin Church and the Statue of Vakhtang Gorgasali – One of the most recognizable landmarks in the city, it’s just a 5-minute walk from the bridge. The 13th-century monument is known for its beautiful facade, with geometric symbols carved into stone. In front of the Metekhi Church stands the statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali atop a horse, built by the famous Georgian monumentalist Elguja Amashukeli in 1959.

Sioni Cathedral – Among the oldest buildings in the city, Sioni Cathedral was built in the 6th-7th centuries. It houses unique frescoes and icons, including the Sioni Icon of the Mother of God, commissioned in 1762 by King Vakhtang VI’s son. The walls feature artwork from the 17th-19th centuries. The cathedral is a 5-minute walk from Metekhi Bridge.

The Great Synagogue of Tbilisi – Built in 1910, the Great Synagogue is a key cultural monument for Georgia’s Jewish community. The building is made of red brick, and the interior is decorated with elements typical of Jewish art. Halls, staircases, entrance walls, and ceilings are all fully painted, while the bima and the Torah ark are adorned with ornamental designs. From Metekhi Bridge, it’s a 5-7 minute walk along Tumanyan Street.

Narikala Fortress and the Mother of Georgia – The Narikala Fortress in its current form was built in the 16th-17th centuries, although historical sources suggest that the first fortifications on these grounds were erected as early as the 4th century. On the same hill stands Kartlis Deda (Mother of Georgia), another masterpiece by Elguja Amashukeli, a Georgian woman in traditional attire, holding a wine cup in her left hand and a sword in her right. To reach the complex, head to Rike Park from Metekhi Bridge and take the cable car.