Kartlis Deda
Monument Iconic Tbilisi statue symbolizing Georgian national identity
On Tbilisi’s Sololaki hill, Kartlis Deda (Mother of Georgia) is a 1958 aluminium statue symbolising hospitality; tourists visit for panoramic city views and photography.
Kartlis Deda, commonly called the “Mother of Georgia,” is a 20-metre-tall monument on a ridge overlooking central Tbilisi. The figure holds a bowl of wine in one hand and a sword in the other as symbolic gestures of hospitality and defence.
The monument functions primarily as a civic symbol and viewpoint rather than a religious or functional structure; visitors go to see the sculpture and the panorama of Tbilisi. Its elevated location makes it a regular stop on city sightseeing routes.
Kartlis Deda was erected in 1958 to commemorate the 1,500th anniversary of Tbilisi and has since become one of the city’s best-known landmarks. It has served as a modern symbol of Georgian identity since its installation.
The monument stands on a hill on the northern ridge above Tbilisi’s old town, within the city limits and easily visible from many central neighbourhoods.
- Height and date: The statue stands about 20 metres tall and was erected in 1958 to mark Tbilisi's 1,500th anniversary.
- Viewpoint: From its hilltop position the monument offers wide views across central Tbilisi and is a prominent city symbol visible from many vantage points.
How to Get to Kartlis Deda #
Kartlis Deda (Mother of Georgia) stands on a hill overlooking central Tbilisi (the Sololaki/Ansari district). It’s within walking distance of the historic centre: expect a steep 15-30 minute uphill walk from Rustaveli Avenue or Freedom Square, or take a short taxi ride. You can also use the Tbilisi cable car from Rike Park to Narikala and then walk a few minutes uphill to reach the statue.
Tips for Visiting Kartlis Deda #
- Visit at sunset for the best panoramic views as the city lights come on; early morning is the quietest time if you want fewer people.
- Approach on foot from the Narikala/Old Town area to combine the statue with the fortress viewpoints and get short scenic walks rather than driving to the top.
- Most visitors photograph the front of the statue only walk around and slightly downhill from the monument for unobstructed, wide views of central Tbilisi and the Mtkvari river.
Best Time to Visit Kartlis Deda #
Best in late spring or early autumn for comfortable weather and the clearest city views from the hilltop statue.
Weather & Climate near Kartlis Deda #
Kartlis Deda's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -2°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (519 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of -2°C. The driest month with just 21 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -2°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. The wettest month with 83 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
