Precipitous buildings in Tbilisi, Georgia

On the precipice of the Mtkvari River on Tunnell Street there are a series of buildings that hang precariously, but interestingly, over the left bank of a steep gorge.

On the right bank is the main city of Tbilisi with a wide boulevard dotted with statues. The Old Tbilisi district, the original part of the city, is also on the right bank with narrow winding lanes that edge toward the river.

Across the river are a number of bridges, both for traffic and pedestrians. The most recent is the Bridge of Peace with its modern and innovative construction.

So from these precarious buildings, residents can look along the river, over the bridges, to the sights of Old Tbilisi and the new modern city. In the background are the hills in which the immense Mother of Georgia statue overlooks the city. Along the ridge is the St Nicolas Church, the Ortachalskaya hydroelectric plant, St David's Church, and the Mtatminda Fun Park.

MARTINA NICOLLS is an international aid and development consultant, and the author of:- 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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