Chronicles of Georgia: What to See and How to Get There from Tbilisi
Chronicles of Georgia at a glance
- Location: Keeni Hill, northern Tbilisi, overlooking the Tbilisi Sea reservoir.
- Creator: Zurab Tsereteli; construction began in 1985 and the complex remains unfinished.
- Scale: 16 pillars, approximately 30–35 metres high.
- Admission: Free entry to the monument.
- Visit: Around an hour for the reliefs, stairs and reservoir views.
- Getting there: Approximately 20–30 minutes by car from the centre, with extra time for traffic.
- Walking: A long staircase and uneven paving; arriving by car still leaves steps to negotiate.
Monument details and practical information come from Georgian Holidays, Tbilisi Local Guide and RentUp.
What is the Chronicles of Georgia, and when was it built?
This is a modern monument rather than an ancient ruin. Sculptor Zurab Tsereteli began the project in 1985, during the Soviet period, and it remains unfinished. The enormous pillars bring Georgian national history and Christian imagery together in a setting above the city. Knowing that background helps make sense of the contrast between its imposing scale and its relatively recent origins.
We suggest approaching slowly enough to see the whole composition before walking among the pillars. From below, the staircase gives you a sense of their height; close up, the individual reliefs become the focus. If your interest is architecture or sculpture, leave space in your itinerary to look at details instead of treating the monument only as a photo stop.
What should you look for among the pillars?
The main structure contains 16 pillars approximately 30–35 metres tall. Look higher up for Georgian kings, queens and national heroes, then examine the lower panels for scenes from the life of Christ. The monument tells its story vertically, so a distant view and a close look offer different experiences. We recommend looking at the lower reliefs first, then stepping back to take in the figures above them.
Beside the main pillars are a chapel and St Nino's grapevine cross. Include these in your walk, while keeping the atmosphere respectful around religious spaces. Turn towards the reservoir as well: the water known as the Tbilisi Sea and the surrounding city views are part of the appeal. For photographs, we suggest taking an overall view from the approach before concentrating on the spaces between the pillars.
How do you get to the Chronicles of Georgia from Tbilisi?
The monument stands in northern Tbilisi above the Tbilisi Sea. From the city centre, allow approximately 20–30 minutes by car, depending on where you start and the traffic. That is a planning estimate for the drive, so allow additional time for getting out, climbing the stairs and returning to your next stop. We suggest keeping the pickup address and your destination clear when arranging the journey.
For an independent visit, a taxi is an option. For a planned excursion, choose a private car with driver and agree your outward and return itinerary when booking. If you want to continue sightseeing afterwards, include those plans in your request. We recommend arranging the return journey before leaving the centre, especially if you intend to stay until the light begins to fade.
With OrbiTrip, the per-vehicle price is shown before booking. There is no prepayment; pay the driver in cash. Cancellation is free. See live prices for your date on this page.
See drivers and live prices: Tbilisi to Chronicles of Georgia
How long should you spend, and what fits around the visit?
Allow about an hour at the monument for a relaxed look at the pillars, the chapel area and the views. Photography enthusiasts may prefer to leave more room in their schedule. We suggest deciding whether this is a brief sightseeing outing or the main focus of your afternoon before booking the car, so the visit does not become a rush back down the stairs.
For a gentle plan, travel from your Tbilisi hotel, explore the monument and return to the centre for a meal. If you are considering a longer excursion, compare it with our Mtskheta day-trip guide and decide which outing deserves your available time. We recommend choosing a clear priority rather than adding stops simply because they appear close together on a map.
| Your priority | Our suggested approach |
|---|---|
| History and sculpture | Leave time to compare the lower reliefs with the figures higher up. |
| Photography | Plan for daylight and allow time for both the approach and the reservoir views. |
| A relaxed outing | Visit from your Tbilisi base and arrange the return journey in advance. |
| Limited mobility | Consider the long stairs before making this your main excursion. |
When should you go, and what should you bring?
We recommend daylight, with enough time to descend before it becomes dark. Morning or late afternoon can suit a photography visit, but choose a comfortable outing over waiting for a particular light effect. The hilltop is exposed, can be windy and has little shade. Bring drinking water, sun protection and a layer you can put on when the wind picks up.
Wear shoes with a secure grip for the staircase and uneven paving. If rain is forecast, we suggest keeping the plan flexible and taking particular care on the steps. Travelling with children calls for an unhurried pace on the approach. Keep your phone charged for navigation and your return arrangements, and leave your hands free while climbing.
Where should you stay, and who will enjoy this visit?
We suggest keeping your existing Tbilisi base and visiting as an outing. The monument is a good choice if you enjoy large-scale sculpture, Christian imagery or viewpoints over the city. For a wider city plan, see our Tbilisi sightseeing guide; families can also use our Tbilisi with kids guide to balance walking with quieter activities.
For anyone who finds stairs difficult, the long ascent is the key consideration. A car journey does not remove that part of the visit. We recommend discussing your walking needs with your companions before choosing the outing, and being comfortable turning back if the approach is more demanding than expected.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Chronicles of Georgia free to visit?
Yes. Admission to the monument is free, and you do not need to buy an entrance ticket.
How do you get there from central Tbilisi?
Go by taxi or a private car with driver. Allow approximately 20–30 minutes for the drive, depending on traffic and your pickup location, and arrange your return journey in advance.
How long should you spend at the monument?
We suggest about an hour for the stairs, reliefs, chapel area and views. Leave additional time if photography is your main interest.
Who built the Chronicles of Georgia?
Sculptor Zurab Tsereteli began the project in 1985. The complex remains unfinished.
What do the pillars depict?
The 16 pillars, approximately 30–35 metres tall, show Georgian rulers and national heroes above scenes from the life of Christ on the lower parts.
Is it suitable for someone who has difficulty with stairs?
A long staircase and uneven paving are important considerations. Arriving by car still leaves walking and steps. We recommend assessing your walking needs before choosing the visit.
Checked on 20 October 2026; sources: Georgian Holidays, Tbilisi Local Guide and RentUp. Driving time depends on traffic and pickup location. We recommend visiting in daylight.