Tbilisi's Ex-Central Post Office Transforms into High-End Accommodation
In the heart of Georgia, Tbilisi stands as a vibrant city that seamlessly blends its rich history with modern charm. This cosmopolitan metropolis, one of Europe's oldest capitals, boasts a unique blend of Byzantine, Neoclassical, Middle Eastern, and Soviet influences.
One of the city's most striking modernist landmarks is the Telegraph Hotel, a transformation of the former central post office. The hotel retains its mid-century modernism with an infusion of contemporary classical design, offering refined interiors and minimalist design in its 239 rooms, evoking comfort and simplicity. Its prime location on Rustaveli Avenue places it near many cultural institutions, including the Georgian National Gallery, the Georgian Museum of Fine Arts, and the Tbilisi Opera House.
The Georgian Museum of Fine Arts, one of Georgia's most modern art museums, houses a collection of 3,500 works from up to 80 artists covering the period from 1945 to the present day. The museum's facade features a sculpture of an eagle, inspired by the eagles found in the caves of Vani, dating back to the ninth and first centuries BCE.
Another architectural gem is the Kashveti Church of St George, located near Liberty Square. Constructed between 1904 and 1910, this Georgian Orthodox Church consists of a cross-dome, three-church structure. The church is named after the Georgian words kva ("stone") and shva ("to give birth"), reflecting the strength and growth that the church symbolises. The frescos of the Kashveti Church of St George were made using the difficult and ancient method of encaustic painting.
Tbilisi's Soviet past is evident in its architecture, particularly in the Ortachala Central Bus Station (1973), the Former Trade Union Palace of Culture, the Former Central Post Office on Rustaveli Avenue (1970s), and select monumental public buildings. These structures represent the top Soviet modernist architecture in Tbilisi, combining artistic mosaic work with minimalist and brutalist design typical of the era.
A tour of Tbilisi's brutalist architecture is a must for visitors. The former central post office, built in the 1970s on Rustaveli Avenue, was awarded a National State Award in 1983. Other areas like Nutsubidze, Gldani, and Varketili contain numerous Soviet-era residential blocks, though these tend more towards utilitarian mass housing rather than celebrated modernist landmarks.
The city's charm is further enhanced by its pleasant weather, with the best time to visit being from May to October. In 2024, 124,335 Indians visited Georgia, marking a 46.8% increase from the previous year, highlighting the growing popularity of this historic city.
Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply seeking a unique travel experience, Tbilisi offers a captivating blend of culture, architecture, and hospitality that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
- A visit to the Georgian Museum of Fine Arts, showcasing contemporary art, provides a captivating addition to one's home-and-garden inspired exploration of Tbilisi's vibrant lifestyle.
- To uncover more of Tbilisi's unique charm, consider exploring its Soviet legacy, as seen in the minimalist and brutalist architecture of home-and-garden icons like the Former Central Post Office and the Ortachala Central Bus Station.
