If you appreciate luxury, beauty, and originality in architecture, then you definitely need to walk around the Sololaki district in Old Tbilisi.

But you should take into account that this walk will take quite a long time. It is impossible to do it quickly. You will have the desire to linger at each building, examine the facade in a detail, look through the windows, and recognize the style of these beautiful palaces.

The Sololaki district in Tbilisi was built up in the 19-20th centuries. It became a real architectural gallery. The secret of such beauty and diversity is simple – prestige. During this period, the Sololaki district was inhabited by rich Armenians who could not be fine with the fact that the neighbor's house was more original and the interior decoration was more refined. They had money, a broad outlook, and absolutely no fear of something new. So, thanks to these risky people, a new architectural style appeared in Tbilisi – «Caucasian modern».

You should start your walk from Freedom Square and never hesitate to ring the doorbell. Locals are happy to let tourists in and show them the interior of the front rooms. Then go to the pink house with exquisite wrought-iron grate. Now it is a great time to recall the lines from the poem «Mtsyri» or «A Hero Of Our Time». Here used to be a representative office of the Russian Empire in Georgia, and Mikhail Lermontov (a famous Russian writer) stayed here more than once.

Then continue to go to Lado Asatiani Street. It is called the citadel of the Art Nouveau style in Tbilisi. A beautiful red brick mansion with oblong windows and small spires attracts a lot of attention. This a noble girls’ boarding house.

The next building that deserves attention is the Siemens House. Yes, the world-famous founders of the popular brand.

Each building is so beautiful, that you want to look at the details forever. However, it is not always possible even to get closer to them. Despite its historical significance, most of the buildings in the Sololaki district really need to be restored. Sometimes it can even be dangerous for life to get closer.