Travel back in time and discover the Soviet past of Georgia

The Parliament building stands as a monumental symbol of Soviet authority and architectural ambition. Built in the 1930s on the site of the demolished Cathedral, it embodies the regime’s desire to reshape both history and identity. Its massive colonnades, heavy stone facade and symmetrical design are prime examples of Stalinist architecture — meant to impress and intimidate. Today, it represents Georgia’s complex journey from Soviet rule to independence.

Opened in 1966, the Tbilisi Metro was one of the first subway systems in the Soviet Union outside Russia and Ukraine — a mark of prestige and modern progress. Its stations were built deep underground, serving not only as public transport but also as potential bomb shelters. Each station reflects Soviet ideals through mosaics, marble and geometric design, blending propaganda with local artistry. Riding the metro today feels like stepping into a living time capsule — a glimpse into daily life and design under the Soviet regime.

Located high above the city, the “Maghlivi” campus of Tbilisi State University is a striking example of late Soviet brutalism. Constructed in the 1970s, its monumental concrete forms were designed for function and endurance rather than beauty, reflecting the Soviet ideal of education as a collective pursuit.

Suspended high above Tbilisi’s Nutsubidze Plateau, this residential complex is a masterpiece of Soviet brutalism. Designed in the 1970s by Otar Kalandarishvili, it consists of three towering blocks connected by a dramatic sky bridge — a bold solution to the city’s mountainous landscape. Once a model of futuristic urban living, it’s now one of Tbilisi’s most photographed Soviet structures, capturing both the creativity and the isolation of life in the late socialist era.

Originally built in 1975 as the Ministry of Highway Construction, this building is one of the boldest examples of Soviet modernism in the Caucasus. Designed by Giorgi Chakhava and Zurab Jalaghania, it follows the “space city” concept — where architecture seems to float above the ground. Its interlocking horizontal blocks symbolize the connection of Georgia’s roads, an elegant metaphor for unity and progress. Today, it houses the Bank of Georgia, standing as a rare Soviet icon that’s been reimagined for the modern era.

Built in the late 1970s, it was designed to merge with the landscape — a concrete structure that seems both futuristic and ancient. The building’s rough geometry and massive bas-reliefs reflect the Soviet fascination with science, history, and monumentality. Though abandoned, it remains one of Tbilisi’s most atmospheric sites — a symbol of forgotten ambition and fading utopias.