Soviet Tbilisi From Propaganda to Executions

Meet your guide and begin your journey through the remnants of Soviet Tbilisi. Visit imposing Soviet buildings, government offices, and residential blocks that still echo with the weight of history. See some buildings that even bear the scars of past violence, marked by bullet holes that were never repaired. Hear personal stories — some passed down quietly, others lived directly — about control, censorship, resistance, and the small joys people held onto despite it all. From state-imposed silence to forbidden music, from public loyalty to private fears, explore both the visible and invisible layers of life under the regime. These seemingly ordinary spaces conceal unsettling stories — quiet reminders of a difficult past that still lingers beneath the surface.

1. 1

   Rustaveli Avenue

   40 min

   We will take a walk along Rustaveli Avenue, exploring the iconic buildings from the Soviet Union and Russian Empire eras. Along the way, we'll share stories from those times, delve into the legacy of the Soviet regime, and reflect on the turbulent 1990s that followed its collapse. Together, we'll observe and discuss the lasting scars and influences of that history, many of which still shape our lives today.

2. 2

   Parliament of Georgia

   10 min

   We will stop in front of the Parliament, and I will share a little about modern politics—what is happening in Georgia now and why we can say that it is still connected to Soviet times or whatever remains after its collapse.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   10 min

   We’ll stop at Kashueti Church to learn about how the Soviet government fought against all religions in the empire, and what consequences this had specifically in Georgia.

4. 4

   9th Of April Park

   10 min

   We will stop at the 9th April Park and learn about how Georgians protested against the Soviet regime, as well as the harsh and brutal responses they faced each time.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   10 min

   We will stop at the Heroes of the Revolution Memorial, built in the 1980s, to learn about how Georgia transitioned from the Russian Empire to the Soviet Union, including the key revolutions and the roles that Stalin and Lenin played in this process and in the creation of the USSR.

6. 6

   Dry Bridge Market

   5 min

   We’ll make a quick stop at the Dry Bridge Market to explore Soviet-era items such as old coins, World War medals, propaganda posters, military uniforms, Soviet car license plates, dishes, and many other everyday objects used during the USSR.

7. 7

   Dedaena Park

   15 min

   We’ll visit Dedaena Park to learn about the intense and often tragic stories of executions that took place here, as well as some of the victories won through protests.

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.