Lado Gudiashvili Square

Stepping into Lado Gudiashvili Square feels like a journey into the atmosphere of Old Tbilisi a place where centuries of history, traditional architecture, and the city's creative spirit come together in one intimate yet remarkable space. Located near Freedom Square, the square is one of the rare places where the historic character of Tbilisi has been carefully preserved, allowing visitors to experience the authentic atmosphere of the old city. The history of the square stretches back approximately 600 years. It first appeared on Tbilisi's city plan in 1785, during the reign of King Erekle II. Throughout different periods, the square was known by several names, including Bejanas Baghi, Abbas-Abad Square, Kolortaghi, Alaverdov, and later Moghnis Square. Each name reflects a different chapter of the area's diverse and complex history. The unique charm of Lado Gudiashvili Square lies in its preserved Old Tbilisi architecture 19th-century buildings, traditional wooden balconies, brick cellars, and a mixture of architectural influences from different eras. One of the most notable buildings on the square is an early 19th-century residential house, locally known as the "Blue House". Throughout its history, the building served various purposes, including housing offices of the Russian Imperial military administration and later the editorial office of the newspaper "Literary Georgia". The building is also connected with the visit of the Russian poet Mikhail Lermontov to Tbilisi in 1838. The square also holds a special connection with Georgian art and culture. It was once a gathering place for Tbilisi's creative circles, and today it carries the name of the renowned Georgian artist Lado Gudiashvili (1896-1980). His work was deeply inspired by the people, streets, and everyday life of Old Tbilisi, capturing the unique character of the city and its inhabitants. A major restoration project began in 2018 with the aim of preserving the historic identity of the square and restoring the original appearance of its buildings. The project focused on the careful restoration of façades, preservation of historic cellars, and protection of important architectural details. Today, Lado Gudiashvili Square is one of the most charming and atmospheric corners of Tbilisi. Visitors do not simply see a beautiful historic square they discover the different layers of the city itself: the structure of old neighbourhoods, 19th-century Tbilisian architecture, the artistic heritage of the 20th century, and the rhythm of contemporary urban life. Join our tour and uncover the hidden stories of Old Tbilisi walk through Lado Gudiashvili Square, where architecture, art, and centuries of the city's memory come together in one remarkable place.