The funicular of Tbilisi

A funicular traverses a single track for 501 metres up the mountainside of Mount Mtatsminda in the capital of Tbilisi, Georgia.

Designed by Blanche and Shimkevich, it commenced construction in July 1900 under the mangement of French engineer Blansche, and was completed in 1905. With a gradient of 65% and an angle of incline between 28-33 degrees, it was one of the largest and steepest railcars in the world. In 1971 the lower station was reconstructed by architects G. Batiashvili and T. Kutateladze. It closed on June 21, 2000, after a crash. Now, a well-constructed road leads to the park.

The funicular had three stops. The middle stop is at the Mtatsminda Pantheon of Writers and Public Figures and St. David's Church.

At the peak of the funicular is Mtatsminda Park. Mtatsminda (meaning Holy Mount) Park was constructed on the axis of the upper station of the funicular station in 1930. It is situated on a territory of more than 100 hectares making it the largest park in Tbilisi. The main axis of the park is a television tower with a height of 210 metres.

There was a two-storied “Rotunda” with a café-bar and restaurant. The old restaurant changed as a result of reconstruction between 1936-38 and a third floor was added. Currently, a completely new building is being constructed with a new restaurant to take advantage of one of the best locations to view the whole city of Tbilisi.

Mtatsminda Park is a great tourist attraction, particularly for families. It has water features, playgrounds, kiosks, cafes, and pathways meandering around stately trees and colourful flowers. Park benches and tables are scattered about the park where families can picnic or observe nature and the splendid views.

MARTINA NICOLLS

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MARTINA NICOLLS is an international aid and development consultant, and the author of: The Paris Residences of James Joyce (2020), Similar But Different in the Animal Kingdom (2017), The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).

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