13 Tbilisi Metro Stations for History, Art, & Design

Tbilisi’s metro system isn’t just a convenient way to get around—it’s, in a way, a hidden gallery of Soviet-era art and architecture. Like in other Soviet Union cities, the Tbilisi metro station network was also a means of ideological storytelling.  

The Tbilisi metro, opened in 1966, was the fourth metro system in the Soviet Union, following those in Moscow, Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), and Kyiv. Although it never featured grand mosaics, intricate chandeliers, beautiful paintings, or sculptural reliefs like those in Moscow, Tashkent, St. Petersburg, or Kyiv metros, the stations still echoed communist propaganda and symbolism.

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Communist names of the metro stations have changed, as have their aesthetics, and the government has removed details associated with the Soviet era over time.

A few beautifully decorated stations remain, offering a fascinating glimpse into the city’s Soviet past. These often-overlooked underground spaces within the Tbilisi metro station system are a unique addition to any itinerary, making them a must-see Tbilisi sight, especially for those interested in the Soviet architecture of the bygone era.

The decorations left in older stations feature intricate details that tell stories of Georgian identity, socialist ideals, and industrial progress, making a ride on the Tbilisi public transport a cultural experience in itself.

This guide to Tbilisi metro stations tells the interesting story of its construction and highlights some of the most visually striking stations for those curious about Soviet architecture, mosaic art, or simply seeking alternative attractions in Tbilisi.

Note: For my research purposes, I applied as a researcher at the National Archives of Georgia, but I was denied access because they don’t have the materials I requested. Although I’ve seen numerous images of the National Archives’ logo on the internet, and I called the hotline before applying as a researcher. Therefore, all this is based on my extensive research, as well as the documents and photos I have found on the internet. Some images here are recreations of an AI and are marked accordingly.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy something through them—at no extra cost to you. It helps support my blog and lets me share real, first-hand travel tips. Learn more

History of the Tbilisi metro system

The construction of the Moscow metro system in the 1930s marked the beginning of the era of underground public transport in other cities of the former Soviet Union.

For Soviet ideology, introducing new transport systems in the capitals or other major cities was considered prestigious as part of developing them into modern towns.

Obviously, the metro was both a means of transportation and a vehicle for ideological propaganda to the masses. Therefore, each Soviet government in its own country dedicated a lot of resources to building an underground metro system.

However, the most crucial factor for justifying the necessity of the metro was that the city had to have a population of at least 1 million.

Kandid Charkviani, the First Secretary of the Communist Party Central Committee of the Georgian SSR, promoted the idea of building the Tbilisi metro system.

His idea was rejected by Lavrentiy Beria (Stalin’s notorious right-hand man), who thought that Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku—the oil center of the Caucasus—deserved the metro more than Tbilisi. Moreover, Tbilisi had a population of no more than 600,000, far less than the main rule of having 1 million citizens.

Nevertheless, Charkviani decided to bypass Beria, and in 1951, when Stalin was in Likani (a small spa town near Borjomi), he took the opportunity to discuss the construction of the Tbilisi metro station network.

He got a verbal approval, but soon the official document followed, and the planning began. The Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the USSR No. 3637-1696, issued on September 29, 1951, had a secret status and contained information on the metro.

According to the document, the first-line section of the Tbilisi metro system should have been built from the current Tsereteli Avenue to Atskuri Street, i.e., the Didube-300 Aragveli section of the present entire network. The construction cost was estimated at 1,050,000,000 Rubles, roughly equivalent to $3-4 billion in today’s money.

Within a year, more than 1 km of passage shafts and tunnels were dug between Station Square and Marjanishvili. Regardless, in 1953, presumably after Stalin’s death, the Council of Ministers of the USSR halted all metro construction in three cities of the Soviet Union, including Tbilisi.

Over the next seven years, Georgian Soviet authorities worked diligently to persuade the committee in Moscow to continue the work, arguing that the Tbilisi metro would also serve as a shelter during the Cold War.

Work on the Tbilisi metro resumed in 1960 and was officially opened on January 11, 1966.

The timeline of Tbilisi metro stations

The first section of the Didube-300 Aragveli Line, planned along the Mtkvari River and opened in 1966, had only six stations: Rustaveli, Marjanishvili, Vazglis Moedani (current Station Square), Oktomberi or October (current Nadzaladevi), Elektrodepo or El Depo in short (current Gotsiridze), and Didube.

In November 1967, the second section from Rustaveli to 300 Aragveli opened, featuring three stations: Lenin Square (now known as Liberty Square), 26 Komisari or 26 Commissars (now Avlabari), and 300 Aragveli.

Four years later, in 1971, the third section was added, extending from 300 Aragveli to the Samgori area, with Isani station located in between.

Because the Saburtalo neighborhood was one of the first areas to be constructed as a mass residential district in the mid-1950s, it got its own line (the second line of the Tbilisi metro) in 1979, with five stations from Station Square to Delisi.

The tunnel from Samgori to Varketili was added only in 1985, as was the one from Didube to Guramishvili, with Ghmaghele station in between. The first line’s last stops – the Sarajishvili and Akhmeteli Theater were added in 1989.

Saburtalo Line’s last two stops, Vazha Pshavela and State University, were finished in 2000 and 2017, respectively.

Tbilisi Metro 3rd line and expansion plan

Today, the Tbilisi metro network has 23 stops and spans 27.3 km across the city; however, the Soviet government had planned to expand it with one more line and 22 additional stations, covering the entire city.

If created, it would have been a great addition to the capital in the long run, especially in today’s terrible traffic.

I created this reconstructed map based on the research and the old Soviet metro system map of Tbilisi.

According to these maps and plans, the Tbilisi metro system was expected to have a third line from Didi Dighomi to Vazisubani, covering the Vake and Chughureti neighborhoods, with an expansion to the Kakheti Highway and Moscow Avenue.   

The very first version of the route of the first two lines, made public even before its construction, showed transit stations at Didube, Rustaveli, and Varketili.

Based on the blueprints of the 1960s, the second Saburtalo Line was initially planned to be circular, covering the Vake and Saburtalo areas with two transfer stations at Station Square and Rustaveli, and bypassing Marjanishvili. Only half of this plan materialized, and the other half disappeared from the following years’ plans.

The design and construction of the third line began in the 1980s. The plan covered the entire route, including Didi Dighomi, Dighomi Massif, Saburtalo, Vake, Chugureti, Elia (the area above Avlabari), and Vazisubani.

Transfer stations were located at the Technical University on the Saburtalo Line, Didube, Rustaveli (also known as Rustaveli 2), and Varketili on the Akhmeteli-Varketili Line.

Works started on the first five stations in 1989. The most extensive work was carried out at the Vazisubani station, where a 65 km-long tunnel was dug, running from Saarbrücken Square, Rustaveli, and even Elia.

In 2002, the entrance to this tunnel was flooded and filled with trash. Unfortunately, I was unable to find information on its current state. Had the third metro line been completed as planned, the Vazisubani station would have been the deepest in the network at a staggering depth of 63 meters. Now, it’s Rustaveli at 60 meters.

The only visible trace of the third line without going urbexing is the staircase above the train tracks in Rustaveli Metro Station (more on this in the Rustaveli Section).

Besides the third line, the Soviet Tbilisi government planned to expand from the Akhmeteli Theater to the east and Varketili to the north, reaching the surrounding districts of the Tbilisi Sea (look at the map above).

Obviously, after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, all work on expansion and development was halted and never resumed, except for the two stations on the Saburtalo Line.

Tbilisi Metro stations in the 90s and beyond

After we gained independence, stations with very socialist and communist names, such as Oktombreli, Lenin Square, or 26 Komisari, were changed.

The country’s financial and political instability in the so-called “dark 90s” also hit the metro. During the 1990s civil war, the metro system continued to operate, but it skipped stops at Rustaveli and Liberty Square stations, both of which were in conflict zones, as the entire Rustaveli Avenue was unsafe and full of armed militia.

Moreover, due to frequent electricity outages in the early years, it often failed to function for several days, and it was relatively infrequent for years.

When it did, you’d need to pray for the electricity not to be turned off, so you wouldn’t need to walk in dark tunnels to exit at the nearest station.

It was extremely crowded back then, with people literally crammed in the carriages. It was also not a safe place to be, as petty crime (mugging and pickpocketing) was quite common.

I don’t have good memories of traveling by metro from childhood. In most cases, I was jammed between people and had a hard time breathing. As my mom recalls, I was almost crushed by the wave of people trying to push each other to come inside until she screamed that there was a kid inside. I started using the metro again in my late 20s.

In the mid-2000s, under the governance of former President Saakashvili, the system underwent significant restoration work—several Tbilisi metro stations were renovated, trains and other facilities were modernized, and the Soviet-era rolling stock was overhauled.

The interiors of the carriages were changed, the typography on the buildings were replaced (although you can still find the old font on the enter/exit doors), and some exterior designs were given a fresh look or significantly altered its Soviet-era architecture.  

The renovation process slowed considerably in the following years and is still far from its target standard.

13 Tbilisi Metro stations for Soviet architecture, mosaics, and bas-reliefs

Tbilisi metro stations, both inside and outside, do seem similar, but there is no repetition; each station has a distinct design. While it might not be noticeable today, architects thoroughly considered complex constructional forms and combined different fields of art in outdoor and indoor spaces.

Every detail was thoughtfully crafted, reflecting a careful balance of function, form, and artistic vision fully understood by the architects and artists behind it.

Georgian artist Shota Kuprashvili was commissioned to design a custom typeface exclusively for the Tbilisi Metro. This unique font is only visible on a few stations, and is mainly left at the metro entrance and exit doors.  

If you look closely, the first-line metro stations of the early years have above-ground entrances. Some stand independently (Rustaveli, Isani, and 300 Aragveli, for instance), and others are part of a building or a complex (Marjanishvili and Station Square).

The early metro stations featured underground halls divided into three sections by columns or arches. In contrast, later stations on both the Akhmeteli–Varketili and Saburtalo lines shifted toward open, undivided spaces.

A few later stations in the first line, but especially the entire Saburtalo Line, designed between 1970 and 1973, no longer have above-ground vestibules and are primarily underground with somewhat simplified structures.

Within these streamlined stations of the Saburtalo Line, some structural innovations stand out. Stations built at great depths, such as Station Square 2 (designed by Tengiz Kalandadze) and Technical University (by Givi Modzmanashvili), were among the first in the Soviet Union to feature vaulted halls constructed with monolithic reinforced concrete.

Although the metro system was a symbol of the Soviet Union’s communist ideology, Tbilisi metro stations primarily showcased elements of Georgian national motifs, along with a few stations that embodied strong socialist principles.

The interior designs were also well thought out to the most minor details. Besides the grand structures or decorations, even ventilation grills have some sort of ornament or decor. 

Remember: Taking photos inside metro stations are forbidden. I have done this very discreetly with my mobile phone, however, I have been caught a few times and was kindly asked to stop. So be careful.

Rustaveli Metro station

It may be hard to notice today, but Rustaveli Station’s above-ground building is circular and blends seamlessly with its surroundings.

Named after Shota Rustaveli, the medieval poet who wrote the 12th-century epic poem “The Knight in the Panther’s Skin,” the hotel has decorations inspired by the poem.

The metro entrance has a large frieze created by the famous sculptor Elguja Amashukeli (author of the Mother of Georgia statue). The relief features characters, quotes from the poem, and a portrait of Shota.

Located 60 meters underground, with a 120-meter-long escalator, Rustaveli is the deepest metro station in Tbilisi. The escalator used to have beautiful lamps, but they were removed years ago.

The arch of the underground hall at the end of the escalators has a frieze sculpture of Rustaveli, while the platform section is covered with reddish-brown marble. The floor is black, and the upper part of the wall and the ceiling are white.

The wall at the end of the platform also features a frieze sculpture of the knight and the panther, while the ventilation grills have tiny panther decorations.

Rustaveli was intended to be the transfer station for the third line, which was under development when the Soviet Union collapsed; however, the work was halted and never resumed.

On the side of Alkhmeteli station, the staircase and the transfer path above the train tracks are clearly visible, making it the only trace of the third line without going urbexing.

Its decorative and architectural character easily distinguishes it from late Stalinist monumental architecture. The rest of the stations of the first section of the line (Nadzaladevi, Avlabari, and 300 Aragveli) had similar design concepts. 

300 Aragveli Metro station

Opened in November 1967 as part of the second extension of today’s Akhmeteli–Varketili Line, 300 Aragveli Metro Station honors the 300 soldiers from the Aragvi Valley who died defending Tbilisi during the 1795 Battle of Krtsanisi against the Persian army.

The station’s above-ground pavilion, designed by Tamaz Tevzadze, stands out with its minimalist modernist look. Initially, this freestanding rectangular building was part of a carefully planned landscaped space.

On one side, a small decorative pool framed the entrance; on the other, an open-air ice cream café made the space lively and inviting. Unfortunately, a recent restaurant development completely disrupted the master plan, blocking the station’s facade and altering its intended visual harmony.

Interestingly, Tevzadze’s personal archive contains early project sketches and models showing a circular design, co-authored with Gera Ajiashvili. Though that concept never materialized, its influence can still be felt in the station’s open, light-filled vestibule.

The glazed vestibule, supported by massive columns, features two-story-high windows on the south and east sides, allowing natural light to enter before leading commuters down the escalators to the underground platform.

While Tamaz Tevzadze designed the exterior, the underground vestibule was the work of Giga Batiashvili, a common fact when different architects worked on a single metro project.

Although not overloaded with decorative elements, 300 Aragveli still preserves some remarkable works of art, including the carved copper relief of the 300 Aragveli warriors, created by sculptor Teimuraz (Tengiz) Gigauri in collaboration with Givi Gigauri. 

Isani Metro Station

Constructed in 1971 along with Samgori (see below), Isani Metro Station serves the district of the same name on the Akhmeteli–Varketili Line. Among all Tbilisi metro stations, Isani stands out for its distinctive overground entrance—a remarkable example of 1960s–70s Georgian modernist architecture.

Designed by Givi Modzmanashvili and Nikoloz Lomsadze, the glass-walled structure is topped with an original dome that gave the station a futuristic look when it first opened.

Its roof consists of five curved surfaces resting on four pillars, creating a light, almost weightless structure. This innovative design for Tbilisi at that time—resembles sails fluttering at the corners, giving the building a dynamic, sculptural appearance.

It was one of the earliest examples of such roofing in the USSR and remains a standout piece of Georgian public architecture.

Another highlight inside Isani Metro Station is the decorative ceramic panel by artist Soso Koiava, located at the escalators, depicting a hunting scene of King Vakhtang Gorgasali.

It recalls the legend of Tbilisi’s foundation, complete with a mounted king, hunters armed with bows and arrows, and the surrounding flora and fauna. The sun and moon symbols further emphasize the connection with nature. There’s a metro name “Isani” in old Georgian skrypt.

Although Isani station underwent a renovation in 2006 that replaced its transparent glass with blue-tinted panels, it still retains much of its original character.

The exterior building and the ceramic mosaic near the escalators are the only decorative highlights of the station worth seeing. 

Samgori Metro Station

Samgori Metro Station serves the neighborhood and district of the same name on the Akhmeteli–Varketili Line, opened in 1971, sitting between Isani and Varketili stations.

Designed by architect Nikoloz Lomidze, Samgori is a key stop on the city’s eastern route—both for Tbilisi transportation and for those heading to the nearby bus station or market area.

Unlike many other Tbilisi metro stations on the first line, which were constructed more or less within the same period, Samgori doesn’t have a standalone above-ground vestibule. Instead, it’s built with entrances that connect directly to the underground hall via staircases and a short escalator.

The station has two exits: one leading to the Kakheti Highway, locally known as the Upper Samgori area, and the other to Moscow Avenue, often referred to as Navtlughi. The latter is located right by Samgori Bus Station, the city’s bazaar, an alternative flea market, and even a now non-functioning railway depot with beautiful Soviet mosaic decoration.

The two exits are linked by an underground tunnel that, until the 1990s, featured a working travelator. Today, the moving walkway is long gone, replaced by rows of second-hand and used shoe stalls.

Architecturally, Samgori’s lower hall features a hipped ceiling supported by two rows of white columns contrasting against bold red walls.

Both entrances to the platform are adorned with frieze decorations that depict Georgian folklore, culture, and traditions. On the station’s red platform walls, you’ll also find carved copper artworks with similar folk motifs.

Technical University Metro Station

The Technical University Metro Station, part of the Saburtalo Line since 1979, was initially named Politeknikuri Instituti and ranks among the first deep-level, single-vault metro stations in Tbilisi.

Located between the Pekini Avenue–Bakhtrioni Street intersection and Merab Kostava Street near the Tbilisi Sports Palace, it serves both commuters and students of the nearby Georgian Technical University, from which it takes its name.

The station reflects an architectural shift in the design of Tbilisi metro stations during the late Soviet era, when open, undivided spaces over the multi-hall, columned layouts of earlier years became more common. This is easily noticeable in most Saburtalo Line stations, except for Tsereteli.  

The station’s vaulted ceiling features a geometric rhombus pattern, adding texture and depth to the space. But it’s the vibrant mosaic panels at both ends that steal the show.

Designed by Radish Tordia, Iden Tabidze, and Apolon Kharebava, the west-end mosaic celebrates Art and Sport—highlighted by the iconic figure of the “Queen of Chess,” a tribute to Georgia’s world chess champion Nona Gaprindashvili, the first woman ever to receive the FIDE Grandmaster title.

On the east side, a mosaic on Labor and Education captures the spirit of Soviet-era youth and ambition. These standout decorative elements make it one of my favorite stops for Soviet mosaics and memorabilia. 

Marjanishvili Metro Station

Part of Tbilisi’s first metro line, which has been in operation since 1966, Marjanishvili Metro Station is situated between Station Square and Rustaveli on the Akhmeteli–Varketili Line.

Named after the prominent Georgian theater director Kote Marjanishvili, this station is one of the early examples of how Tbilisi metro stations were thoughtfully integrated into larger complexes, blending public transportation with commercial or public spaces and everyday city life, rather than standing as separate above-ground buildings.

The entrance to the Marjanishvili Metro is hidden on the ground floor of an administrative building. Interestingly, the station wasn’t built from scratch—the underground space was adapted from a pre-existing bomb shelter, reworked into a metro station.

Once inside, the underground vestibule has arches that connect passages to the platforms. The design is elegant, dominated by ivory marble lining the walls, while the floor, benches, and massive columns are crafted from polished Borjomi granite, giving it a classic appearance.

The centerpiece is a bronze sculptural portrait of Kote Marjanishvili, crafted by Merab Berdzenishvili. Its flowing form stands out against the light marble background, creating a vivid focal point.

Like at Rustaveli, small decorative touches, such as theater masks, are incorporated into the interior, subtly referencing Marjanishvili’s theatrical legacy.

In the 1980s, city planners intended to add a second entrance near the Marjanishvili Theater to ease access for commuters. Construction even began, but was eventually halted and never completed. 

Station Square Metro Station

In service since 1966, Station Square Metro Station, also known as Sadguris Moedani in Georgian, is one of the busiest and most connected stops, located between Nadzaladevi and Marjanishvili.

This station serves as an essential link between the first and second (Saburtalo) lines, the central railway station, bus terminals, and Tbilisi’s sprawling central Dezerter market.

The station has three exits: one leads to the railway station, another to the Dezerter market (shared with the Saburtalo Line entrance), and a third opens onto Tsotne Dadiani Avenue in the Nadzaladevi district.

The upper vestibule is integrated into the administrative building of the railway system, designed by architects Givi Kvernadze and Givi Melkadze.

Inside, the lower station hall is divided into three sections by arches supported by marble-clad pylons, a design created by architect Vakhtang Abramishvili.

Above the escalator arch, facing the hall, a high-relief depicting a sword and a cup commemorates the 1500th anniversary of Tbilisi. On its opposite side towards the escalators, you’ll also notice a decorative panel featuring the iconic Tbilisi TV Tower and Funicular building.

Small details make Station Square worth a second look. I absolutely love the ventilation grilles along the platform walls, adorned with Georgian cultural symbols, such as clay jugs and qvevris, golden fleece, and grapes, which turn functional elements into subtle tributes to national heritage. 

Stations Square 2 Metro Station

Opened in 1979, Station Square 2 is the terminal station of the Saburtalo Line and shares its entrances with the original Station Square Metro Station on Line 1.

As a key transfer hub, it connects the Saburtalo Line with the Akhmeteli–Varketili Line, making it a vital part of daily Tbilisi public transportation.

Station Square 2 is notable for being one of the first two single-vault deep-level stations built in Tbilisi. Unlike the columned designs of the older stations, this one features a wide, open platform under a high, curved vault.

Until 2011, both stations at this interchange were known by the same name: Vagzlis Moedani, a term borrowed from the Russian “vokzal” for railway station. The Georgian word “sadguri” is the local term, though “Vagzlis Moedani” remains widely used by some locals.

One detail often overlooked by commuters in a rush on the Saburtalo Line platform is the terracotta bas-relief panels at the ends of the platforms, which depict scenes of Georgian folklore and daily life. 

Guramishvili Metro Station

Originally named TEMKA—an abbreviation for the Tbilisi Electric Locomotive Plant—this station was built primarily to serve factory workers and residents of nearby apartment blocks and opened in 1985. In 1992, it was renamed after the 18th-century Georgian poet David Guramishvili.

Unlike many other later-time metro stops, Guramishvili doesn’t have an above-ground pavilion; access is via an underground passage. The open-plan station is covered in local marble.

Above the entrance to the waiting hall is a bas-relief panel featuring human figures and the word “TEMKA” in Georgian, along with a date. Unfortunately, the poor lighting and years of dust make it almost invisible.

Since 2016, the station has been undergoing intermittent repairs due to persistent ceiling leaks caused by groundwater. While a waterproofing layer was added to the arched roof in 2016–2017, much of the work remains incomplete.

One feature worth seeking out is the large bas-relief of the entrance foyer at the escalators. Although it appears to be carved from wood (it’s likely not), it’s an intricate piece showcasing Georgia’s flora, fauna, architecture, and traditions. Step closer to appreciate the details—it’s one of the most beautiful yet overlooked artworks in the Tbilisi Metro.

Nadzaladevi Metro Station

Nadzaladevi sits on the First Line of the Tbilisi Metro between Gotsiridze and Station Square. It opened in 1966 as part of the very first stretch of the city’s metro network. During the Soviet era, it was called Oktomberi, a nod to the October Revolution.

The station takes its name from the surrounding neighborhood and has a straightforward underground design. 

In the waiting hall near the platforms, you’ll find a mural added during the 2007 renovation by Avtandil Gurgenidze, depicting a night city scene with metro trains moving beneath it. Not my favorite part of the station.

The real highlight lies in the foyer near the escalators—a large panorama of Tbilisi by Koka Ignatov. It beautifully captures some of the city’s most iconic landmarks: the TV Tower and Funicular, Narikala Fortress, the Mtkvari River, and Freedom Square, among others.

Unfortunately, part of this artwork is obscured by a Dunkin’ Donuts booth and a cash desk, but it’s still worth stopping for a closer look.

Didube Metro Station

One of the original six Tbilisi metro stations, Didube Metro Station, served as the northern terminus of the Akhmeteli–Varketili Line until the 1985 extension to Guramishvili.

During the planning of the metro’s third line, Didube was meant to be an interlink station for the Didi Dighomi direction.

The station has two main entrances—one via an underpass from Akaki Tsereteli Avenue, located directly adjacent to the always-busy Didube Bus Station, a key hub for Georgia’s public transportation, serving routes heading west and north of the country. The second entrance is accessed via a bridge from Tornike Eristavi Street.

Although Didube might not stand out for its decorative details or striking architecture, it holds a unique place in Tbilisi’s metro design. It’s one of only two stations where the tracks emerge from the tunnel into open air—my personal favorite part of the ride, as I wish the metro ran above ground.

Architecturally, Didube’s thin-roofed construction, designed by Givi Modzmanashvili and Nikoloz Lomidze, creates a unique, almost weightless impression. On the platform, a single row of central concrete columns—thinning toward the base—supports a wing-shaped roof that spreads outward.

This use of thin-walled reinforced concrete sheathed roofing was a structural innovation for its time in Tbilisi and later spread across Soviet architecture in various forms, including bus stops.

The station underwent renovation a few years ago, resulting in the removal of its oak benches and their distinctive metal-bracketed backrests. 

Gotsiridze Metro Station

Gotsiridze Metro Station—initially known as Electrodepo or El Depo—is part of the Akhmeteli–Varketili Line, located between Didube and Nadzaladevi stations, which opened in 1966.

The station’s first name, Electrodepo, reflected its proximity to the Nadzaladevi depot now serving the Saburtalo Line.

Designed by architects Givi Modzmanishvili and Nikoloz Lomidze, Gotsiridze stands out among Tbilisi metro stations for several reasons, starting with its distinctive side-platform arrangement—the only station in the entire network not built with the typical island platform design.

Elevated on reinforced concrete pillars, the platforms, initially open without roofing, connect to the ticket hall and city exit via staircases, showcasing a simple architecture.

A long pedestrian bridge links the station directly to Tsereteli Avenue in the Didube neighborhood, passing over the railway depot and train graveyard owned by Georgian Railways.

In 2011, it was renamed to Gotsiridze, in honor of Viktor Gotsiridze, a Georgian tunnel engineer who began his career working on the construction of the Moscow Metro before contributing to the Tbilisi Metro project.

The station underwent a major renovation that took nearly three years to complete, finally reopening in March 2023 with a fully roofed platform.

Grmaghele Metro Station

Grmaghele Metro Station, opened in 1985, is part of the First Line and serves the neighborhood of the same name.

Unlike some of the earlier Tbilisi metro stations, Grmaghele was built in a more open style typical of later Soviet metro construction. Its entrances are accessed directly from underground passages, keeping the design simple and functional, a common feature of this period in transportation development.

Inside, the station hall features high-relief artworks dedicated to metro builders and the spirit of industrial progress. These remarkable works are the creation of Zurab Tsereteli, whose monumental style left a bold imprint on Soviet-era public art.

While the station may seem modest at first glance, the presence of these expressive reliefs makes it worthy of a stop. Moreover, white Ural marble lines the walls, and floors are paved with granite from Kursebi, a village in the Tkibuli Municipality of Imereti. 

Quick tips on how to use the Tbilisi metro

• The Tbilisi metro operates daily, including on public holidays, from 6 am to 12 am, with peak hours typically between 8–10 am and 5–7 pm.
• A single ride costs 1 GEL and is valid for 90 minutes on the metro and other forms of public transport in Tbilisi.
• You can choose between two types of cards:
  • Metromoney Card – a pay-as-you-go card.
  • Travel Card – offers daily, weekly, or monthly passes.
• Both cards cost 2 GEL (non-refundable) but can be used by multiple people when traveling together.
• You can also tap your Visa or Mastercard at the metro gates, although this may incur a charge of 1.50 GEL per ride.

Check out my Tbilisi public transport guide for details on where to buy cards, how to top them up, and more local tips!