Bridge of Peace Tbilisi: modern architecture over the Mtkvari River
In 2010, a steel and glass pedestrian bridge appeared over Tbilisi's Mtkvari River and changed the city's postcard image forever. The Bridge of Peace, designed by Italian architect Michele De Lucchi, connects Rike Park with the old town and has become the most recognisable symbol of modern Tbilisi.
Design and construction: an elegant feat of engineering
The structure is 150 metres long and consists of steel girders supporting a roof of curved glass panels. By day, the transparency of the glass lets you see the sky and the surrounding landscape. At night, thousands of integrated LED lights in the structure create a visual spectacle that draws locals and tourists alike.
De Lucchi's design sought to create a bridge that was "light as air", in contrast to the historical weight of the stone bridges of the nearby old town.
The bridge as a symbol: tradition and modernity
The Bridge of Peace was conceived as a metaphor for the connection between old and new Tbilisi: on one side, the lanes of the historic old town, the domes of Abanotubani and Narikala Fortress; on the other, Rike Park with its amphitheatre and the new riverfront buildings. It is also a symbol of the ambitious urban reforms of the Saakashvili government in the 2000s.
How to include it in your Tbilisi visit
The bridge is the perfect finishing touch on the classic old-town route: head down from Freedom Square along Kote Afkhazi, visit Abanotubani, climb to Narikala Fortress and end by crossing the Bridge of Peace towards Rike Park. The night light show begins at 21:00 in summer.
Frequently asked questions
When was the Tbilisi Bridge of Peace inaugurated?
On 6 May 2010, coinciding with St George's Day, patron saint of Georgia. Its opening was a major media event that marked Tbilisi's new image as a modern city.
Can you cross the Bridge of Peace at any time?
Yes, the bridge is pedestrian and open 24 hours. The best time to visit is at sunset or at night, when the LED lights activate and create the visual spectacle for which it is famous.
Why is it called the Bridge of Peace?
The name was chosen as a symbol of Georgia's desire to build a peaceful, modern society, at a time of deep reforms following the Rose Revolution. It also reflects the symbolic connection between Tbilisi's past and future.