Friends, I continue my account of the walk in Mtatsminda Park in Tbilisi. Last time, I wrote about how to get here by funicular and the ride on the Ferris wheel. Today, my story will be about the Tbilisi TV Tower, which is located within the park.
How to Get There
You can reach the park with the TV tower by funicular, bus, or on foot. The first option is the most challenging, while the last is the simplest but most time-consuming. In the summer of 2023, a one-way ride on the funicular cost 10 Georgian lari. To pay for the ride, you had to purchase a special card costing 2 lari.
Entry to the park is free. I couldn't find information on the park's operating hours, but the funicular takes visitors up until 11:30 PM. It is likely that you can stroll around Mtatsminda at this late hour.
Tbilisi TV Tower: The Highest Point in the City
The TV tower on Mtatsminda Mountain was built in 1972. Previously, there was another similar structure built in 1955. The old tower was moved to the vicinity of Gori, a small city known as the birthplace of I. V. Stalin.
The location for the TV tower was chosen deliberately, as Mtatsminda is the highest point in Tbilisi. The tower is situated at an elevation of 725 meters, and the height of the structure itself is 274.5 meters.
The structure looks very unusual. The main trunk of the tower is supported by two struts, creating a triangular volume at the base. I assume these spaces are intended for staff or equipment.
I came across information about a project to modernize the TV tower. According to the project, it was planned to open a spa hotel with a restaurant and circular observation decks here. The news about the reconstruction dates back to 2020, and when I visited in 2023, no work was being carried out on the tower. Whether this project will be realized is unknown to me.
Currently, the tower is closed to tourists. You cannot go up or even approach its base; the structure can only be viewed up close from the park.
My next article about the trip to the Georgian capital will be dedicated to the Tbilisi Botanical Garden.
Have a nice trip!
