Mother of Georgia in Tbilisi

Standing high above Tbilisi on Sololaki Hill, the Mother of Georgia is one of the city’s most recognizable monuments. Known in Georgian as Kartlis Deda, the 20-metre aluminium statue overlooks Old Tbilisi from a viewpoint near Narikala Fortress.

The monument represents the Georgian national character through two powerful symbols. In one hand, the woman holds a bowl of wine to welcome those who arrive as friends. In the other, she carries a sword for those who come as enemies.

Together, the wine and the sword express two qualities deeply connected with Georgia’s history: generous hospitality towards guests and determination to defend the country.

The Story of Kartlis Deda

The Mother of Georgia was created by prominent Georgian sculptor Elguja Amashukeli and erected in 1958, when Tbilisi celebrated the 1,500th anniversary of its founding.

Amashukeli originally called the sculpture “Capital,” but local people began referring to it as Kartlis Deda. The popular name eventually became inseparable from the monument itself.

The first version was made from wood and was intended to be a temporary installation. After the statue became popular, it was decided that it should remain permanently above the city. In 1963, it was covered with aluminium to protect it from weather damage.

Elguja Amashukeli received the Shota Rustaveli State Prize for the sculpture in 1966. The original monument was eventually replaced with a new version in 1997, preserving the design that had already become an important part of the Tbilisi skyline.

What Does the Mother of Georgia Symbolize?

The statue depicts a woman wearing a stylized version of traditional Georgian clothing.

The bowl of wine in her left hand represents friendship, hospitality and Georgia’s long connection with winemaking. Welcoming guests with food and wine remains an important part of Georgian culture today.

The sword in her right hand represents strength and readiness to protect the country. Georgia’s location between powerful empires has resulted in centuries of invasions, conflicts and struggles for survival.

The contrast between the two objects is the monument’s central message:

Friends are welcomed with wine, while enemies are met with a sword.

This combination of hospitality and resistance is one reason the statue has become a symbol not only of Tbilisi, but also of Georgia and its national identity.

Views from the Mother of Georgia

The area surrounding the monument offers panoramic views across Tbilisi.

From the hill, visitors can see much of the historic center, including:

• Old Tbilisi and its traditional balconies
• The Mtkvari River
• Metekhi Church
• Rike Park
• The Bridge of Peace
• The Presidential Palace
• Sameba Cathedral
• The modern and residential districts beyond the Old Town

The monument itself is impressive from below, but the viewpoint is one of the main reasons to walk up to the statue. It is a particularly good location for panoramic photographs of Tbilisi.

How to Get to the Mother of Georgia

By Cable Car

The easiest way to reach the Mother of Georgia is to take the Rike–Narikala Cable Car from Rike Park.

The ride takes only a few minutes and offers excellent aerial views of the Mtkvari River, Old Tbilisi and the surrounding hills. From the upper cable car station, the Mother of Georgia is approximately a five-minute walk away.

Cable-car hours may change according to the season, weather conditions or maintenance, so check the latest schedule before visiting.

On Foot

Visitors can also walk uphill from Old Tbilisi. One of the most scenic routes passes through the historic Betlemi neighbourhood and continues towards Sololaki Hill.

Another option is to begin near Abanotubani and follow the uphill paths towards the Narikala area. The walk is rewarding but can be steep, especially during hot weather.

Wear comfortable shoes and carry drinking water during the warmer months.

By Taxi

A taxi can take you close to the monument, although the final access may still require a short walk. This can be a more comfortable option for visitors who prefer to avoid the steep climb.

Discover Its Story on Our Old Tbilisi Free Tour

The Mother of Georgia is visible from several parts of Old Tbilisi, but understanding the monument requires more than simply seeing the bowl and sword.

On our Old Tbilisi Free Tour, local guides explain the stories, traditions and historical experiences that shaped the Georgian character represented by the statue. The tour explores Georgian hospitality, the foundation of Tbilisi, the city’s repeated invasions and the importance of protecting local culture and identity.

Please note that the walking tour does not climb to the Mother of Georgia monument. Instead, we see it from the Old Town and place its symbolism within the wider story of Tbilisi.

After the tour, you can continue exploring independently by taking the cable car from Rike Park or walking uphill from the historic center.

Join our Old Tbilisi Free Tour and discover the stories behind Tbilisi’s most important landmarks

Our tour is led by local guides and covers the historic courtyards, Clock Tower, Bridge of Peace, Rike Park, Metekhi area, Sulfur Baths and many other important places in Old Tbilisi.

Practical Information

Georgian name: Kartlis Deda
English name: Mother of Georgia
Location: Sololaki Hill, near Narikala Fortress
Height: Approximately 20 metres
Sculptor: Elguja Amashukeli
Erected: 1958
Entrance fee: Free
Recommended visit time: 20–40 minutes
Best time to visit: Morning, late afternoon or around sunset
Easiest access: Rike–Narikala Cable Car

The monument is located outdoors and can be visited at any time. However, the surrounding paths may be steep or uneven, and visibility is naturally better during daylight.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Mother of Georgia is in the morning or late afternoon.

During summer, the middle of the day can be very hot and there is limited shade around parts of the hill. Visiting later in the day provides softer light, cooler temperatures and better conditions for photography.

Sunset is especially beautiful, but allow enough daylight to become familiar with the walking paths before it gets dark.

Attractions Near the Mother of Georgia

The monument can easily be combined with several nearby attractions:

• Narikala Fortress
• National Botanical Garden of Georgia
• Rike–Narikala Cable Car
• Abanotubani Sulfur Baths
• Leghvtakhevi Waterfall
• Jumah Mosque
• Betlemi neighbourhood
• Meidan Square
• Metekhi Church
• Rike Park

A popular route is to take the cable car from Rike Park, walk to the Mother of Georgia and then descend towards the Sulfur Baths and Old Tbilisi.

Is the Mother of Georgia Worth Visiting?

Yes. The Mother of Georgia is worth visiting for its symbolism, panoramic city views and location close to several of Tbilisi’s most important attractions.

The monument is not highly detailed when viewed close up, but its cultural meaning and dramatic position above the city make it an essential part of the Tbilisi skyline.

For a more meaningful experience, first discover Old Tbilisi with a local guide and learn about the history, hospitality and resilience represented by the statue. You can then continue uphill and see Kartlis Deda from close range.