The Chronicle of Georgia, front entrance
The Chronicle of Georgia (or the History of Georgia) monument was created by Zurab Tsereteli when Georgia was part of the Soviet Union. Soviet funding made possible the production of this monumental piece which many refer to as the “Stonehenge” of Georgia. After the fall of the Soviet Union and the Russian Georgian War, work on the monument was halted due to lack of funds. The monument has yet to be completed.
The three figures at the front entrance columns are those of the poet Shota Rustaveli (left), David the Builder (right) and the Chronicler (center). Notice the Chronicler holding a scroll. The verses alongside these three figures explain their prominent place in Georgian history.
Translated verses:*
“He made wisdom into a shield, he made the sword into a wall, he made Georgia into the fortress of the east.” David the Builder
“Mozar the engraver of our past, the spinning wheel, the proof of our glory, the master historian Georgia. Many things have passed by, that wheel still spins, our Georgian Chronicler still holds the pen.” Generally about the Chronicler
“The glory of the nation is unchanging, our sun, our Rustaveli, may the pages of the rider in tiger’s skin spread throughout the entire earth.” Shota Rustaveli
* from the The Chronicler of Georgia - History told through Art, Oct. 8, 2021 by Mariam Chincharauli, Luka Pitskhelauri. intermedia.ge
The monument is situated on Keeni Hill in the northern part of Tbilisi, about 30 minutes away from the city center. There’s a spectacular view of the Tempka neighborhood as well as the Tbilisi Sea from the top of the hill. To see the monument, you’ll have to go up these stairs. If you have mobility issues, there’s a way to skip the stairs by entering through the back entrance. Make sure your driver or guide is aware of your situation so they can ask the ticket office for permission to go through the back entrance.
This is the view as you climb up to the monument.
Full View, Front Entrance
Scrolls relating the rich history of Georgia greet the visitor at the front entrance.
These pillars are distinctly different. It may have been designed that way? Who knows what the sculptor of the Chronicle of Georgia, Zurab Tsereteli, might have originally planned. What we do know about Tseterelli is that he was born in Tbilisi and studied at the Tbilisi State Academy of Arts. He later moved to Russia where he designed several structures including the Friendship Forever Monument in Moscow which commemorates Russian Georgian friendship.
Central courtyard of The Chronicle of Georgia
There are 16 pillars, 30 to 35 meters high, each of which is divided into three sections. The bottom part has biblical reliefs, the middle section shows the kings, queens, heroes and historical figures of Georgia, and the top rang features narratives of events in Georgian history.
Biblical Stories
Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden
Christianity was introduced to Georgia in 337 AD by Saint Nino. She was instrumental in the conversion of King Miriam III of Iberia to Christianity. This proved to be the catalyst for the spread of the Christian faith in the country. Saint Nino’s distinctive gravevine cross is found at the entrance to the monument.
Birth and childhood of Jesus, the Adoration of the Shepherds,
St. Joseph is seated on the bottom left corner
The Adoration of the Magi
Notice the star between the two magi on the right. It is the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Magi to the birthplace of Jesus. Matthew 2:1-12.
The Wedding at Cana, Gospel of John 2:2-12
At the wedding feast in Cana in the town of Galilee, Jesus turned water into wine upon the request of his mother when wine ran out. This relief also seems to be a narrative of the wine industry in Georgia which is one of the oldest in the world. Wine production in the country has been around for 8000 years.
Lazarus is raised from the dead according to the Gospel of John 11:38-34
Jesus carries his cross
Jesus is taken down from the cross
Jesus is laid to rest
Kings, Queens and Historical figures
What I missed most about these bronze reliefs are detailed descriptions of the historical figures and narratives. I tried researching them but didn’t find any reference. The biblical reliefs are easier to follow for Christian visitors.
Notice that the monument clearly features the status of each statue. The King wears a crown while the figure in front of him has a headcover similar to that of a monk. Note that the 13 Assyrian Fathers, who played a crucial role in spreading the Christian faith in Georgia, are also part of this monument.
The second tier of the monument is dedicated to the kings, queens, heroes of Georgian history. The topmost layer are narratives of Georgian history.
Back entrance
from the bottom of the hill
How to get there:
Check for options here: https://www.rome2rio.com/map/Tbilisi/Chronicle-of-Georgia
I had a private tour of the Chronicle of Georgia through Little Manila Travel and Tours. This tour included Jvari, Mtskheta and Samtavro Monastery. What I liked about this tour was that I could spend as much time as I wanted at each place. My guide gave me a good historical background of the places we visited and assisted me in going uphill to the 6th century church in Jvari Monastery. He also thoughtfully took me to the back entrance of the Chronicle of Georgia so I didnt have to climb all those stairs. And staff came to my hotel to drop off my spring coat which I had forgotten in the car. I highly recommend this tour company. littlemanilatravelandtours.com.
Currency: lari or gel. $1.00 = 2.70 Georgian lari (as of July 28, 2025)
Electrical outlet: Type C and F. 220V/50Hz
Where to stay: Ibis Styles Old Town is on 39 Kote Abkhazi Street. It is surrounded by restaurants, cafés, grocery stores and souvenir shops. It is a short walk to Freedom Square and Meidani Square, both hubs of activity in Old Tbilisi. My room had a terrific view of the iconic Mother of Georgia statue and the steeples of churches on Sololaki hill. The hill is all lighted up at night, a sight to see.
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Images by TravelswithCharie