I am always on the hunt for unusual and unique architecture. The headquarters of the Bank of Georgia fits the bill.
This concrete structure was built in the 1970s by George Chakhava, who was both lead architect on the project and the client. Chakhava was the Deputy Minister of Highway Construction of the Georgian SSR. The first time I noticed this building was at night from the highway that follows the Kura River. It recalled a tower of Jenga blocks placed one on top of the other to 18 stories. It was a quick view, and it wasn’t well lit, so I was not all that impressed.
I inquired about the building and my friend drove me out in the morning and there it stood in all its Brutalist glory. Instead of Jenga blocks, it was a concrete wonderland. The design is based on the Space City concept, which in some ways reminds me of a tree house fantasy. The idea is to build up and leave the ground below to nature. Perhaps this was an early prototype for what we now think of as green buildings. It creates harmony between human space and nature, allowing the forest to grow within and around the structure. It was acquired by the Bank of Georgia in 2007.
It is best to go on foot, by car it is impossible to stop and park. Cross to the other side of the river for a full view of the building.
29a Iuri Gagarini St
GEL
no-price
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Tbilisi guide.
The "Writers House" in Tbilisi has been a center for Georgian writers since Communist times. It's the ideal fusion of modernist and Georgian styles...
By
"Mapshalia" is one of the rarest places in Tbilisi, especially if you love Megrelian cuisine. Try their Elarji & Gebjalia - everything's cheap & delicious!
By
"Radio Cafe" is my new favorite spot in Tbilisi. It has the most delicious food, an absolute gem. The staff is also amazing. What can I say?
By
At 2 Tona they brew beer on the spot in their giant machinery out in the open, and are known for their exceptional Khinkali...
By
1 GEL for a cup of Turkish Coffee (you read that right, just 1 GEL!), 6 GEL for a tasty chicken sandwich, 5 GEL for homemade lemonades with unique flavors!
By
Designated as a vault for more than a hundred thousand books back in 1917, this building is a symbol of pre-Soviet freedom of the educational system.
By
The most spectacular thing I noticed here is the delicacy the shop owners handled each slice with while placing them into the takeaway box.
By
Zghapruli Gemo is a true hidden gem! Their Lobiani is so appetizing that my sister is even willing to walk 2 whole kilometers from our home to get it.
By
Georgian Film Academy rents out the cinema hall, resulting in the exhibitions of such content that you won’t come across on any streaming platform...
By
There are gigantic murals scattered throughout the city, each of them taking up the whole height and width of a building, each of them forcing you to halt.
By
The Maghlivi Bridge is visible from distant spots in the capital and the view from all sides of it makes the adrenaline kick in...
By
Vazha-Pshavela was a famous Georgian writer, who created pieces of literature that enriched the already rich language with descriptions of flora and fauna.
By
112 Insider Tips from Locals
Authentic Stories
Escape the Crowds
Full Access to our Art & culture Blog & App!
✓ 112 Hidden Gems only Locals know
✓ Full Access to the Art & culture City Blog & App!