The Chronicles of Georgia: the colossal monument that tells the story of the country
On a hill above the Tbilisi Reservoir, eight pairs of stone columns 35 meters tall rise from the Georgian landscape like fingers pointing to the sky. These are the Chronicles of Georgia (Kartlis Deda, a reference to the mother spirit of Georgia), conceived by Georgian sculptor Zurab Tsereteli in 1985 and still unfinished: a pharaonic project intended to narrate in stone the entire history of the Georgian people from its origins to the present day.
History and concept of the monument
The project was initiated in 1985 at the request of the Soviet Georgian authorities. Tsereteli conceived a set of 16 columns arranged in two rows that would chronologically narrate the history of Georgia. However, the collapse of the USSR in 1991 interrupted the works before completion, and the monument has been in a state of suspended construction for decades.
The existing columns display two narrative registers: the upper one depicts twelve kings and queens of Georgia from the Golden Age — including Queen Tamar and Giorgi the Builder —, while the lower one shows scenes from the life of Jesus Christ, reflecting the central role of Christianity in Georgian identity.
Panoramic views and access
Beyond its historical and artistic value, the Chronicles of Georgia offer some of the best panoramic views of Tbilisi and its surroundings. From the hill you can see the Tbilisi Reservoir, the residential districts of the new city, and on clear days the peaks of the Greater Caucasus on the northern horizon.
Controversy and current status
The monument has been the subject of criticism for its excessive scale and landscape impact, as well as for the deterioration caused by decades of insufficient maintenance. Nevertheless, it remains a must-visit destination for those who want to understand the complexity of Georgian cultural identity and its relationship with medieval history. Combine it with a visit to the Samtavro Monastery in Mtskheta to delve deeper into the roots of Georgian Christianity.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to the Chronicles of Georgia from central Tbilisi?
The monument is about 10 km from the historic centre of Tbilisi, next to the reservoir. The most practical way to get there is by taxi (around 10–15 GEL) or by rental car. There is no direct public transport from the city centre.
Are the Chronicles of Georgia finished?
No. The original project envisaged 16 columns that would narrate the entire history of Georgia, but construction was interrupted with the collapse of the USSR in 1991. The monument has been in an unfinished state of construction for decades.
Who is Zurab Tsereteli, the creator of the Chronicles of Georgia?
Zurab Tsereteli (born 1934) is one of the most prolific and controversial sculptors in the world. Georgian by origin, he created large public monuments in Moscow, New York and several European cities. He served as President of the Russian Academy of Arts for decades.