About Sights – The Bridge of Peace at Night

The wavy steel and glass canopy of the Bridge of Peace (Georgian: მშვიდობის ხიდი) pedestrian bridge that spans the Mtkvari River in Tbilisi is fitted with thousands of LED lights that are switched on 90 minutes before sunset, illuminating the river and the buildings on both banks. The 150 meter (490 ft) bridge was designed by the Italian architect Michele De Lucchi and was … Continue reading

About Food – Mushrooms with Green Onions

Wild Oyster mushrooms are called ‘Kalmakha’ in Georgia and grow on the bark of trees. They look, smell and taste like oysters and are a popular appetizer in Georgia. In this family recipe we show how to prepare wild oyster mushrooms with green onions. Ingredients: 1.5 kilos of wild Oyster Mushrooms, 200 grams of green onions, 40 … Continue reading

About Sights – Tbilisi’s Old Town in Winter

Tbilisi’s Old Town is picturesque all year and especially so in winter. The Old Town (Georgian: ძველი თბილისი) is one of the oldest parts of the city and nestles on the mountainside under the 4th century Narikala fortress (Georgian: ნარიყალა). The Old Town is part of the Tbilisi Historic District and contains a number of officially designated … Continue reading

About Sights – The Vertical Garden in Tbilisi

Completed in 2010, the vertical garden near the Avlabari Metro Station in Tbilisi was created by French botanist Patrick Blanc. Blanc is the founding father of the vertical garden, also known as “le Mur Végétal” (the vegetable wall). The 107 square meter garden comprises 104 species of evergreen and blooming plants. Patrick Blanc has created vertical … Continue reading

About Culture – Ethnic Georgians Living in Turkey

Communities of ethnic Georgians live in remote villages on the Turkish side of the Machakhela River, which is a trans-boundary river between Georgia and Turkey. Georgian traditions and customs still continue, including traditional wine-making. Photos courtesy of the President’s Administration. CLICK on the logo to visit GEORGIA ABOUT on Facebook and see photos and news about Georgia. Click LIKE on the page and … Continue reading

About Food – Ojakhuri with Mushrooms and Cheese

In this family recipe from the historical Racha region (Georgian: რაჭა) of Georgia we show how to make Ojakhuri with mushrooms and cheese. It is quick to prepare and makes a delicious meal. Ingredients: 700 grams of potatoes, 400 grams of mushrooms, 3 tbs of oil, 50 grams of butter, 150 grams of Imeretian cheese (mozzarella can … Continue reading

About Sights – The Tbilisi State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre

Opened in 1851, the Tbilisi State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre was the first opera theater in all Transcaucasia. Situated on Rustaveli Avenue, in the centre of Tbilisi, it is the oldest opera house in Georgia. Designed by by the Italian Architect,  Antonio Scudieri, the theater had a capacity of 800 spectators and was comparable to European … Continue reading

About Sights – Batumi Lighthouse

The 21-meter stone lighthouse situated in Miracle Park in the city of Batumi (Georgian: ბათუმი) on Georgia’s Black Sea coast was built by French engineers in 1882. Batumi’s first lighthouse was built in 1863 during Ottoman rule, while the Russians erected a second one in 1878. Miracle Park is situated on the last stretch of … Continue reading

About Sights – Aerial Photographs of Gori Fortress

Gori Fortress (Georgian: გორის ციხე) is a 13th century castle, situated on a hill above the city of Gori (Georgian: გორი) in the Shida Kartli region of eastern Georgia. It was captured by the Ottomans in the 16th century and then continually changed hands between the Turks, the Georgians, and the Persians. Much of the … Continue reading

About Food – Tomato and Walnut Salad

Nut salads are popular all year round in Georgia. In this recipe we show how to make a delicious tomato and walnut salad. Ingredients: 2 large tomatoes, 200 grams of walnuts, 1 medium sized onion, 3-4 cloves of garlic, 20 grams of fresh parsley, 1 level tsp of dried marigold, 2 hot green peppers, 2 tsp of … Continue reading

About Food – Beef Chashushuli with Mushrooms

Beef Chashushuli with mushrooms is a delicious family meal with a spicy flavor. Ingredients: 1 kilo of lean beef, 2 large onions, 250 grams of walnuts, 500 grams of mushrooms, 6 cloves of garlic, 2 bay leaves, 1 tbs of hot red pepper, 6 tbs of oil, salt (amount dependent upon personal preference), 1 level tsp … Continue reading

About Sights – The Treasure Caves of Khvamli

The Khvamli (Georgian: ხვამლი) or Khomli (Georgian: ხომლი) limestone massif is located near Georgia’s second city, Kutaisi, and contains numerous sinkholes and caves. One of the most distinctive caves is called Tekenteri (თეკენთერი) whose entrance is through the hollow of a large tree. The cave contains a lake of cold, clean water that was drawn up in buckets by local herdsmen to … Continue reading

About Food – Megrelian Kharsho

Kharsho (Georgian: ხარშო), also known as Kharcho, is a traditional Georgian dish, usually made with beef or chicken but can also be made with other meats. It can be made with walnuts and with or without rice. In this recipe we show how to make Megrelian Kharsho, which is hot and spicy and also uses tomatoes or tomato … Continue reading

About Sights – Niko Pirosmanashvili State Museum in Mirzaani

Niko Pirosmani (Niko Pirosmanashvili) (Georgian: ნიკო ფიროსმანი) is considered to be one of Georgia’s greatest artists. Born in the village of Mirzaani in the Kakheti region, he taught himself to paint but it was only after his death in 1918 that his naive style became admired. The Niko Pirosmanashvili State Museum was established in Pirosmani’s home … Continue reading

About Art – Shalva Kikodze

Shalva Kikodze (Georgian: შალვა ქიქოძე) (1894 – 1921) was a Georgian expressionist painter, graphic artist and cartoonist. After studying at the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture he returned to Georgia to work as a theater decorator for Jabadari Theater in Tbilisi. In 1921 Kikodze moved to Paris where his work was exhibited in … Continue reading

About Tourism – New Mountain Rescue Station at Stepantsminda

A new mountain rescue station was recently opened at Stepantsminda (Georgian: სტეფანწმინდა) in Kazbegi municipality in north-eastern Georgia. So far this year, the Department of Emergency Management has rescued 87 people, including 29 foreigners, in the mountainous regions. Photos courtesy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia. CLICK on the logo to visit GEORGIA ABOUT on Facebook and see … Continue reading