Located just behind the Georgian National Academy of Sciences in Tbilisi is a house that may have been almost forgotten by time but is brimming with stories even today. The Gabashvili house is not just a building; it’s a portal that takes you back to another era of elegance, revolutions, and carved wooden balconies. This house once belonged to a prince, hosted the elite of Georgian society, and even earned a promise from Joseph Stalin himself. Over the centuries, it has witnessed revolutions and some peak moments of Georgian history.
Gabashvili House Is A Beautiful Piece Of Georgian History
The house was originally owned by Prince Vasil Gabashvili, a Georgian lawyer and economist, born in 1847. Gabashvili was known not only for his professional expertise but also for his influential personality. He lived in this house until he died in 1906. The building’s significance grew even more during the aftermath of World War II when the government implemented a large-scale reconstruction project on Shota-Rustaveli Avenue.
This reconstruction aimed to make space for the headquarters of the Gruzugol Trust, and the house was also at risk of being demolished. This house was home to Nikoloz Kipshidze, a well-known therapist during this time. In this time of uncertainty, he directly appealed to Joseph Stalin to save the house. According to the family accounts, Stalin made a promise and helped preserve the building.
Designed by the architect Korneli Tatishchev, the house was completed between 1895 and 1896. It represents a beautiful fusion of Rococo and Baroque architectural styles and stands as a prime example of 19th-century Georgian architecture. Even today, it is a rare and cherished sight. The house’s exterior features delicate lace-like blue details that give it a refined elegance that still impresses visitors today.
However, what really sets the Gabashvili house apart are its intricately carved wooden balconies, one of the most striking features of this building’s design. This combination of decorative elements with Georgian national styles and European influences is a rare combination to be found in Tbilisi.
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Tbilisi’s Cultural Spot You Cannot Miss
Apart from its architectural beauty, the Gabashvili house was also at the centre of social and cultural life in Tbilisi. It was home to the Gabashvili family, one of the most influential and well-known families in the city. It served as a place where representatives of the Georgian intelligentsia and foreign guests used to come together for cultural exchange. The rooms featured antique furniture, artwork, and historical artefacts filled with the sophistication and culture of 19th-century Georgia.
A must-visit spot in Tbilisi for tourists and researchers interested in Georgian history, this house symbolises the vibrant cultural history of Tbilisi. Stopping by the Gabashvili house today is a chance to step back for a glimpse into the past.
This house is a must-visit for history buffs and those curious about Tbilisi’s evolution. Even with its rough history and danger of demolition, this house endured and lives to represent Tbilisi’s resilience.
Where: 54 Shota Rustaveli Ave, Tbilisi, Georgia
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
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