მშვიდობის ხიდი
A 2010 steel-and-glass pedestrian bridge linking Old Tbilisi with the modern left bank
The Bridge of Peace is a 156 m pedestrian bridge spanning the Kura River (Mtkvari), connecting Erekle II Street in Old Tbilisi with Rike Park on the left bank. The steel-tube-and-glass structure was designed by Italian architect Michele De Lucchi. Opened on May 6, 2010, it cost 12.5 million GEL (~$7.5 million) to build. The frame was assembled in Italy and shipped to Tbilisi on 200 trucks.
Rike Park sits on the left bank of the Kura between Metekhi Bridge and Baratashvili Bridge. It houses the lower station of the cable car to Narikala Fortress (2.5 GEL / ~$1 one-way). The park features an amphitheater, playgrounds, a musical fountain, and art installations including a giant piano and chess board. Two metallic tube-shaped structures at the north end are an unfinished concert hall and exhibition center designed by Massimiliano Fuksas.
Allow 30–60 minutes for the bridge and park. Entry is free, open 24/7. Suitable for families and evening walks.
The Bridge of Peace has a bow-shaped profile with a wave-like glass canopy on a steel frame. The walkway is 5 m wide at the center and up to 22 m at the supports. The structure rests on four columns on the riverbanks and weighs 500 tons of steel. Under the glass roof, 1,208 LED fixtures illuminate the bridge, while 240 motion sensors in the glass railing panels light up as pedestrians pass. The lighting activates 90 minutes before sunset and runs until 90 minutes after sunrise. Four different light programs cycle every hour, and a Morse code message spelling out the periodic table of elements runs across the parapets – a symbol of life and peace.
From the bridge, views extend in both directions: south toward Metekhi Church with the statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali and Narikala Fortress, north toward Baratashvili Bridge and the Presidential Palace. At night, the LED reflections in the Kura create one of Tbilisi's most recognizable views.
Rike Park is a landscaped green space with lawns, pathways, fountains, and flower beds. In summer evenings, the musical fountain runs a light-and-water show. At the park's southern edge, the cable car station sends glass-floor gondolas (8 passengers each) on a 500 m, 2–3 minute ride to Narikala. The park hosts festivals and concerts, including the annual Tbilisoba in October.
Bridge dimensions – 156 m long, canopy width 12–22 m, steel weight 500 tons
Lighting – 10,000+ LEDs, 4 light programs, Morse code periodic table every hour
Architect – Michele De Lucchi (Italy), lighting by Philippe Martinaud (France)
Construction – 269 days, frame built in Italy and delivered by 200 trucks
Cable car – from Rike Park to Narikala, 2.5 GEL (~$1) one-way, 7 gondolas seating 8
Rike Park – amphitheater, musical fountain, playgrounds, giant chess board and piano
The idea for the bridge emerged after the 2008 Russo-Georgian conflict. Commissioned by Tbilisi City Hall under President Mikheil Saakashvili, it was designed to symbolize peace and connect the historic center with the new districts on the left bank – at the very crossing where Silk Road caravans once forded the Kura. Construction took 269 days, and the bridge opened on May 6, 2010 – the feast day of Saint George, Georgia's patron saint.
Rike Park was built on the site of a former asphalt lot used as a driving school practice ground. The redevelopment was part of a larger waterfront modernization project. The two futuristic tube-shaped structures – a concert hall and exhibition center by architect Fuksas – were commissioned during the Saakashvili era, but funding dried up after the change of government, and the buildings remain unfinished. The cable car from the park to Narikala opened in 2012.
Bridge and park entry is free. Open 24/7.
Cable car (Rike – Narikala):
One-way: 2.5 GEL (~$1 / €0.90)
Payment: Metromoney card (2 GEL deposit, available at the station and metro) or contactless bank card
Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily (weather-dependent)
Boat rides:
From the pier near the bridge – 15–20 GEL (~$6–7) for 20 minutes
No special restrictions. Bridge and park are open 24/7. No open food or drink allowed on the cable car – stow items in a backpack. It's windy at the top near the fortress – bring a layer even on warm days.
In the park:
Free restrooms
Playgrounds for various ages
Benches and lawns
Cafés near the park (average check 20–30 GEL / $8–11)
Nearby:
Restaurants on Shardeni Street – 3 minutes across the bridge
Shops and ATMs at Europe Square
Accessibility: Bridge and park are fully wheelchair and stroller-accessible. Cable car gondolas are in constant motion – boarding requires mobility.
On foot from central Tbilisi:
– From Freedom Square – 10–15 minutes via Erekle II Street
– From Avlabari metro station – 7–10 minutes downhill to the riverbank
Public transport:
– Buses #341, 344, 345 to Europe Square
– Metro: nearest stations Avlabari (7 min walk) and Freedom Square (12 min walk)
By taxi:
– Bolt from anywhere in the center – 3–7 GEL (~$1–3)
On site:
The bridge is pedestrian-only. Street parking available near Europe Square.
Time of day: Evening (1 hour before sunset) – best for bridge lighting and the park's musical fountain. Before 10:00 AM – fewest visitors.
Season: Year-round. Summer evenings feature the lit musical fountain. Winter lighting stands out against the dark skyline.
Duration: 30–60 minutes for bridge and park. With a cable car ride and walk around Narikala – 2–3 hours.
Avoid: Summer weekends 12:00–4:00 PM – hot and crowded.
Practical answers about visiting, routes and time on site.
No, both are free and open 24/7.
90 minutes before sunset. The lighting runs all night until 90 minutes after sunrise. In summer that's around 7:00 PM, in winter around 4:30 PM.
You need a Metromoney card (2 GEL / ~$0.75 deposit) or a contactless bank card. Cash is not accepted. Buy the card at the lower station in Rike Park or any metro station.
Yes. The park has playgrounds, an interactive fountain (children splash through it in summer), and giant chess. The glass-floor cable car is a hit with kids.
30–60 minutes for the bridge and park. With a cable car ride to Narikala Fortress and an Old Town walk – 2–3 hours.
Across the bridge: Shardeni Street restaurants and Gabriadze Theater. South: Metekhi Church and Abanotubani sulfur baths. Via cable car: Narikala Fortress.
Free Wi-Fi is available in parts of the park. 4G coverage is strong throughout. An eSIM is more convenient for constant connectivity.
Yes, tourist boats depart from the pier near the bridge. Cost is 15–20 GEL (~$6–7) for a 20-minute ride with views of the bridge and Old Town from the water.
