Mtatsminda Pantheon
Three “visiting cards" of Tbilisi, GEORGIA
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
The Pantheon
The Mtatsminda Pantheon, established in 1929, serves as a final resting place for 54 of Georgia's most distinguished writers and public figures. Key personalities interred here include Ilia Chavchavadze, Akaki Tsereteli, Vazha-Pshavela, Jacob Gogebashvili, Galaktion Tabidze, Giorgi Leonidze, Zviad Gamsakhurdia (the first president of Georgia), and Merab Kostava (a leader of the national movement). The Pantheon also features a symbolic memorial for artists persecuted by the Soviet government and a symbolic grave for self-taught artist Niko Pirosmanashvili. A funicular, operational since 1905, offers a scenic ascent to the Pantheon, celebrated in a significant painting by Pirosmanashvili.
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT THIS PLACE
The Mtatsminda Pantheon, nestled near the Mamadavit Church, is an iconic "visiting card" of Tbilisi. Its historical roots date back to the 6th century, when David Garejeli, an Assyrian father from Antioch, founded a small chapel and healing spring here. Visitors can explore the graves of prominent Georgian figures and a monument reflecting 19th-century Christian culture. The terrace of Mtatsminda offers a breathtaking panorama of Tbilisi, highlighting the city's old and new aspects, encapsulating its rich history and cultural heritage.
THIS PLACE IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE
The Mtatsminda Pantheon stands out as an open-air resting place for individuals revered by society, serving as an educational space for future generations to learn about key historical figures. It also offers tourists insights into Georgian public figures. Noteworthy monuments include the bronze figure of a woman, symbolizing the somber spirit of Georgia, on Ilia Chavchavadze's grave. Chavchavadze, a significant national figure, was murdered by social-democrats in 1907. Zviad Gamsakhurdia's final resting place also adds to the Pantheon's significance, making it a place of reflection and remembrance.
SPECIAL TIPS
The area
Explore Tbilisi's premier attraction, the Mtatsminda Pantheon, offering an extraordinary panorama from the highest and most renowned mountain. Known as the Holy Mountain, it draws inspiration from the significant Christian sanctuary, Mount Athos. The Assyrian fathers, particularly Davit Garejeli, established a chapel on the eastern slope of this revered mountain.
Positioned in the heart of the mountain, the Pantheon is surrounded by a recreational park, restaurants, and attractions, providing a diverse experience. Ascend the mountain effortlessly via the picturesque funicular, a mountain-cable railway constructed in 1905, or opt for the driveway for another scenic route. The Mtatsminda Pantheon stands not just as a symbol of cultural reverence but also as a multifaceted destination for visitors.
Curiosities
The monument commemorating the grave of Ilia Chavchavadze, titled "Mourning Georgia," was crafted by the sculptor Jacob Nikoladze in Paris and subsequently cast there. It was inaugurated on Mtatsminda in 1913. Nikoladze, having studied Renaissance sculpture in Paris and later in Italy, developed a profound appreciation for the masterpieces of Michelangelo and Donatello in Florence.
Following the tragic murder of Ilia Chavchavadze, an assistant to Roden decided to undertake the creation of a monument in his honor, necessitating a considerable amount of funding. The Literacy Society initiated a widespread campaign, sending letters throughout Georgia, urging individuals to contribute whatever they could.
Between 1907 and 1913, a substantial sum of money was successfully collected. Ultimately, Ilia's final resting place on Mtatsminda was adorned with the monument, serving as a lasting tribute to his legacy.