05The story
Architecture and towns
Stone and vines through time
From the first wine jars to modern bridges: milestones in Georgia's architecture and towns.
c. 6000 BC
People grow grapes and bury clay wine jars
c. 364
The first fort is built on the Narikala hill, on the site of Tbilisi
5th century
Tbilisi is founded at the hot springs
590–605
Jvari is built on the hill above Mtskheta
9th–12th centuries
Most of Svaneti's stone towers are built
Early 11th century
Bagrati Cathedral rises in Kutaisi
1010–1029
The present Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is built in Mtskheta
1106
Work begins on Gelati Monastery near Kutaisi as a centre of learning
1762
A fortress is built on the Sighnaghi hill above the Alazani Valley
1905
The funicular to Mtatsminda in Tbilisi opens
1994
Gelati and the monuments of Mtskheta join the World Heritage List
1996
Upper Svaneti joins the World Heritage List
2010
The Bridge of Peace opens over the Kura
2013
Qvevri winemaking joins UNESCO's intangible heritage list
2021
The Colchic Rainforests become Georgia's first natural World Heritage Site