The Mtatsminda and Sololaki area (running along between shopping-and-dining hotspot Rustaveli Avenue and the mountains) provides a wealth of original and beautifully renovated architecture. Check out some of our favorites below and remember to keep your eyes up while you walk- because many buildings have some surprising angels, demons and flowers hidden in their designs...

The Academy of Sciences Cable Station

The Academy of Sciences building, alongside McDonald's and Rustaveli Metro, designed by K.Chkheidze and M.Chkhikvadze (constructed 1953-1958), is a typical example of Soviet monumental architecture The 55-meter tower once bore a giant red star.

The 20 years redundant lower station of the Mtatsminda cableway (K.Chkheidze, 1958-1960) is set in the Academy’s courtyard, accessed through the arches where artists sell souvenirs.

Tbilisiarchitecture.net describes it so, "The architect makes this freestanding oval symmetric tower look remarkably light by the incorporation of a series of large glazed arches crowned by a small-scale open gallery. The internal ramp wraps delightfully round the oval shape providing a sense of space and airiness. The outer walls, made from orange and ochre Bolnisi tuffa-stone, remove all heaviness from the overall construction. The symmetry of the interior is finished off by providing the windows with a finely patterned metalwork, letting light and air into the climbing space up to cable-car. It’s hard not to make a comparison with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Guggenheim Museum built at the same time (1959) in New York. While the two buildings serve different functions there is an unmistakable symbiosis of style found between capitalist America and the then soviet Georgia."

Authorized School No6 (28 L. Asatiani Str.)

This interesting brick building reminiscent of Hogwarts can be found if you walk along the Shalva Dadiani street. It is one of the oldest school buildings in Tbilisi. Built by architect Alexander Ozerov in 1903-1905 for the 3rd School for Girls, for the entire century of its existence the building has always served as a school. It‘s architecture is an excellent example of the Neo- Gothic style and most of the authentic architectural details have been preserved to this day. The restoration of the building started in 2012 according to the project of Swiss architect Thomas Krayer.

Valiko's Hostel & Bar (24 G. Tabidze Str.)

The red facade and curved corner windows make this three-floor building stand out in its own right in this area of architectural wonders. It was owned by Valerian "Valiko" Gunia (1862 – 1938), a Georgian dramatist, actor, director, critic, and translator. His contribution to the Georgian scene won him the title of People's Artist in 1934. The current owners have plans to renovate the interior to restore an original 1920s-30s feel, though head upstairs to the bar and you'll already get a sense of it.

Main photo: Monktwins