Queen Darejan’s Palace, Sachino

Architectural Features and Structural Elements of Sachino Palace

As noted by researcher and architect Tengiz Kvirkvelia, the main structural elements of the building — towers, buttresses, and walls — were constructed using a combination of river stones and so-called "Georgian" bricks (flat and square).

Those paying close attention will notice that the tightly arranged stones create horizontal and vertical stripes within the wall structure. According to historian Giorgi Khutsishvili, this pattern is meant to imitate a "braided whip or vine." Similar motifs are often found in historic buildings around Kartli and Kakheti in stone carvings and wood engravings.

The most famous aspect of the palace’s architectural composition is the carved, round light blue wooden balcony, supported by a large round buttress that juts out, creating a sort of "nose." in the structure. When constructed, this architectural element had less aesthetic value, and the protruding buttress was added for practical purposes: from this balcony, one could freely observe important sections of the Mtkvari River and the city center, which made it easier to protect the Queen. Approaching the palace without being detected by the sentry standing on the balcony would have been very difficult. The protruding buttress is followed by a lower defensive wall. The wall has arched niches and arrow slits, which initially served purely practical defensive purposes but are now considered important decorative elements.

The central part of the inner structure of the complex includes the Queen’s Hall and royal apartments. Some of the auxiliary rooms and the palace church have also survived among the original constructions.

More attention was paid to the decorative elements of the interior design, although today the decor is relatively modest, and much of it has been lost. Traditional Georgian elements (mostly wood carvings) are better preserved, while some fragments of Persian-style decor can also be seen. Though often an enemy, the cultural influence of Persia in Georgia was rather significant at the time.

Historical Significance and Legacy

The palace was built in 1776 for Queen Darejan, wife of King Erekle II. A key figure in its construction was Joseph (Osefa) Korghanashvili, the Queen’s steward and financial-administrative manager. According to a 1797 decree, Queen Darejan gifted him an oil factory in Avlabari for his "great effort and service in building the Avlabari complex, including our house and church."

According to the Queen’s order in 1789, the complex was expanded to include a palace church dedicated to St. Irakli and St. Daria.

The palace's significance as a historical architectural monument is heightened by the fact that it survived the 1795 invasion of Agha Mohammad Khan in its original form. In contrast, most of historic Tbilisi was destroyed, and many of the structures that survived lost their most distinctive elements.

In 1803, after the Queen was exiled to St. Petersburg, the complex was purchased by the Russian exarch Theophilact, who transformed it into a theological seminary. Later, in 1824, Metropolitan Jonah consecrated the Queen’s Palace Church in the name of the Transfiguration of the Savior and founded a monastery. In 1862, a district parish school for the children of the clergy was opened on the complex grounds. From 1906 to 1908, the future Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia, Ambrosi Khelaia, was head of the monastery.

During the Soviet period, the complex was confiscated from the Georgian Orthodox Church. Over the decades, its function changed many times. In the early years of Soviet rule, settlers took over the palace, leading to many modifications and additions. The residents were relocated in the late 1970s, after which intensive restoration work ensued. The restoration lasted two years (1978–1980). Since then, the site has mainly served cultural purposes. In 1987–1988, it housed the Veriko Anjaparidze One-Actor Theater. In 1991, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the church was returned to the Georgian Patriarchate. Today, there’s a convent on the grounds.

The part of the complex open to visitors underwent intense restoration recently and reopened in August 2024.

How to Get to Queen Darejan’s Palace

There are several ways to reach the palace.

The first option is to walk from Freedom Square, going down Baratashvili Street towards Metekhi Bridge. After crossing the bridge, go up the Metekhi ascent, and the stairs lead directly to the palace.

The second option is to walk through Rike Park, which is more convenient if you are already on the left bank of the river. It’s a pleasant stroll with several landmarks along the way.

If using public transport, Avlabari Metro Station is located about a 10-minute walk from the palace, while numerous busses stop at Europe Square.

Nearby Landmarks

Queen Darejan's Palace is located in the historical part of Tbilisi. Although not exactly in the center, many other famous landmarks are only 15–20 minutes away. These include:

• Metekhi District – Metekhi Church is one of Tbilisi’s most popular historical landmarks. The church itself is an excellent example of 13th-century architecture, but it’s even more famous for the statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali atop a horse. From the churchyard, you can enjoy one of the best views of Old Tbilisi. It’s a 5–7 minute walk from Queen Darejan’s Palace to Metekhi Church.

• Rike Park and the Bridge of Peace – It takes about a 10–15 minute walk from Queen Darejan’s Palace to Rike Park. If you continue through the park, you’ll reach the Bridge of Peace, a massive arched glass and metal structure designed by Italian architect Michele De Lucchi. It’s particularly impressive at night when illuminated in various colors.

• Narikala Fortress and the Mother of Georgia – If you take the cable car from Rike Park, you’ll arrive at two of Tbilisi’s most famous landmarks. The main structure of Narikala Fortress dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries, although the first fortress was built here in the 4th century. A five-minute walk from the fortress you’ll find the Kartlis Deda (Mother of Georgia), Elguja Amashukeli’s monumental sculpture of a Georgian woman holding a wine cup in her left hand and a sword in her right.