The White Bridge

History of the White Bridge

The bridge’s iron frame was imported from France in 1872, replacing the wooden bridge that had been damaged during the flooding of 1860. 

The white bridge matched perfectly with the white stones that lie in the Rioni River, leading to it being dubbed The White Bridge.

Besides acting as a vital connection within the city, the bridge has a long history of connecting people and ideas. In the mid-20th century, the city’s cultural elite would meet here to discuss events of the day.

In addition, the bridge’s beauty has always drawn couples, and many attach locks to the bridge’s handrails as a pledge of everlasting love.

Rituals Associated with the White Bridge

White Bridge has a rather novel tradition attached to it. Called “Baptism as a Kutaisian”, the act of jumping off the White Bridge into the Rioni River is immortalized in the statue of Picasso’s Boy, who has two hats in his hand and a smile on his face.

The statue itself comes from an outstanding minor character in Eldar Shengelaia’s film, An Unusual Exhibition.

The White Bridge Today

The White Bridge was completely renovated in 2019. Some of the tiles were replaced with glass, and phrases from Georgian poems were inscribed on its iron tiles.