Mtatsminda Park is a beloved landmark in Tbilisi, Georgia, perched majestically atop Mount Mtatsminda, offering a unique blend of amusement, nature, and unparalleled panoramic views of the entire city. Standing at an altitude of 770 meters, it’s the highest point in Tbilisi and a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
Location and Accessibility:
Elevated Position: The park is situated on the summit of Mount Mtatsminda, often translated as “Holy Mountain,” a name with historical religious significance due to the presence of St. David’s Church and the Pantheon.
Iconic Funicular: The most picturesque and traditional way to reach the park is via the Tbilisi Funicular. This historic cable railway, built in 1905, offers a steep and scenic ride up the mountainside, providing stunning views of the city as you ascend. A special rechargeable card is needed for the funicular and other park attractions.
Other Access: The park can also be reached by car or by local buses (e.g., bus #124 from Rustaveli Metro Station).
Park Features and Attractions:
Mtatsminda Park covers over 100 hectares and is generally divided into three main zones: extreme, children’s, and family, catering to all ages and interests.
Giant Ferris Wheel: Undoubtedly the most iconic attraction, the 65-meter (213-foot) high Ferris wheel stands right at the edge of the mountain. A ride on this wheel offers the most spectacular and unobstructed 360-degree views of Tbilisi, stretching from the Old Town to the modern districts and even glimpses of the Caucasus Mountains on clear days. It’s particularly magical at sunset and night when the city lights twinkle below.
Tbilisi TV Tower: While not an attraction to enter, the distinctively shaped Tbilisi TV Tower, an illuminated and prominent symbol of the city, is located within the park grounds and contributes to the iconic skyline view.
Amusement Rides: The park boasts a variety of rides:
Roller Coasters: Including options for thrill-seekers.
Water Slides: Popular especially during warmer months.
Carousels and Bumper Cars: Classic rides for younger visitors.
Ghost Castle: A dark ride featuring horror scenes, originally from Luneur Park in Italy.
Other Attractions: Such as dancing trees, big cars, trampolines, shooting galleries, video games, and a small train that takes visitors around the park.
Restaurants and Cafes: Several dining options are available, from casual cafes to more upscale restaurants, including the famous Funicular Restaurant Complex, which offers fine dining with unparalleled panoramic views. There are also snack kiosks and souvenir shops.
Green Spaces and Recreation: Beyond the rides, the park offers expansive landscaped areas, quiet walking paths, fountains, and picnic spots, making it a great place for relaxation and enjoying the fresh mountain air.
Wedding Palace and Celebration Center: The park also includes facilities for events and celebrations.
Beyond the Park:
Mtatsminda Pantheon of Writers and Public Figures: Located on the lower slope of Mount Mtatsminda, near the middle funicular station, this historic necropolis surrounds St. David’s Church (“Mamadaviti”). It is the final resting place of many of Georgia’s most revered writers, artists, scholars, and national heroes, including Ilia Chavchavadze, Akaki Tsereteli, Vazha-Pshavela, and the Russian playwright Alexander Griboyedov and his Georgian wife Nino Chavchavadze.
Hiking Trails: From Mtatsminda Park, it’s possible to hike along scenic trails to other areas, such as Turtle Lake (Kus Tba), another popular recreational spot.
History:
The park itself was established by the Soviet government in the 1930s and was once among the most visited public parks in the USSR. In the early 2000s, it underwent significant modernization and transformation into a contemporary theme park under the ownership of Georgian billionaire Badri Patarkatsishvili and his family.
Mtatsminda Park is a dynamic and multifaceted destination, blending thrilling entertainment with natural beauty and historical significance, making it an essential part of the Tbilisi experience.
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