Exploring Georgia’s Soviet Heritage

The protruding white bell tower of the Palace of Rituals is a striking addition to the Tbilisi skyline. Also known as the Wedding Palace, the Palace of Rituals is an unusual example of Georgia’s Soviet heritage. Built by architect Victor Jorbenadze in 1984, the building draws on 1920’s expression and medieval Georgian church architecture.

Originally built as an extravagant wedding venue, the Palace of Rituals has hosted many famous people from around the world. In 1987, Margaret Thatcher watched a Georgian dance performance at the venue whilst Deep Purple frontman Ian Gillan renewed his wedding vows with his wife during his 1990 tour. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, it was purchased by the Georgian oligarch Badri Patarkatsishvili in 2002. Today, it is used for private events, weddings, fundraisers, and corporate functions. It remains an impressive, if divisive, example of Soviet architecture in Tbilisi.