Georgia's new Presidential Palace, which was completed in 2009.
In recent years, much to the chagrin of some commentators, the Georgian capital Tbilisi has been undergoing something of a structural facelift.
With a rich and varied history, the city has always managed to embrace a range of styles, making it a veritable treasure trove of different architectural visions.
Over the years, many classical, medieval, and even Soviet structures have found a home in Tbilisi.
Under the administration of President Mikheil Saakashvili, however, Georgia's main city has seen the erection of many implacably modern structures of glass and steel.
Although there are many who bemoan the gradual disappearance of Tbilisi's rickety, but charming old wooden buildings, their complaints seem to be falling on deaf ears.
Like it or loathe it, this latest wave of development seems certain to leave an indelible mark on the city landscape, changing its appearance forever.
PHOTO GALLERY: Tbilisi's Evolving Architecture
Tbilisi's Changing Face
1/10A view of Tbilisi's old town
With its rich and varied history, Tbilisi has always embraced a range of architectural styles. Over the years many classical, medieval, and even Soviet structures have found a home in the Georgian capital. Under the administration of President Mikheil Saakashvili, however, Georgia's principal city has seen the erection of many implacably modern structures of glass and steel. Although there are many who bemoan the gradual disappearance of Tbilisi's rickety, but charming, old wooden buildings, their complaints seem to be falling on deaf ears. Like it or loathe it, this latest wave of development seems certain to leave an indelible mark on the city landscape, changing its appearance forever.
2/10Lermontov House on Gudiashvili Square. City authorities began tearing down this iconic building in May.
With its rich and varied history, Tbilisi has always embraced a range of architectural styles. Over the years many classical, medieval, and even Soviet structures have found a home in the Georgian capital. Under the administration of President Mikheil Saakashvili, however, Georgia's principal city has seen the erection of many implacably modern structures of glass and steel. Although there are many who bemoan the gradual disappearance of Tbilisi's rickety, but charming, old wooden buildings, their complaints seem to be falling on deaf ears. Like it or loathe it, this latest wave of development seems certain to leave an indelible mark on the city landscape, changing its appearance forever.
3/10The ancient Sioni Cathedral, which dates to the 12th century.
With its rich and varied history, Tbilisi has always embraced a range of architectural styles. Over the years many classical, medieval, and even Soviet structures have found a home in the Georgian capital. Under the administration of President Mikheil Saakashvili, however, Georgia's principal city has seen the erection of many implacably modern structures of glass and steel. Although there are many who bemoan the gradual disappearance of Tbilisi's rickety, but charming, old wooden buildings, their complaints seem to be falling on deaf ears. Like it or loathe it, this latest wave of development seems certain to leave an indelible mark on the city landscape, changing its appearance forever.
4/10Sioni Cathedral was the main Georgian Orthodox cathedral until the Holy Trinity Cathedral (pictured) was consecrated in 2004.
With its rich and varied history, Tbilisi has always embraced a range of architectural styles. Over the years many classical, medieval, and even Soviet structures have found a home in the Georgian capital. Under the administration of President Mikheil Saakashvili, however, Georgia's principal city has seen the erection of many implacably modern structures of glass and steel. Although there are many who bemoan the gradual disappearance of Tbilisi's rickety, but charming, old wooden buildings, their complaints seem to be falling on deaf ears. Like it or loathe it, this latest wave of development seems certain to leave an indelible mark on the city landscape, changing its appearance forever.
5/10The Holy Trinity Cathedral at night. Construction began on this building in 1995 and it was completed in 2004.
With its rich and varied history, Tbilisi has always embraced a range of architectural styles. Over the years many classical, medieval, and even Soviet structures have found a home in the Georgian capital. Under the administration of President Mikheil Saakashvili, however, Georgia's principal city has seen the erection of many implacably modern structures of glass and steel. Although there are many who bemoan the gradual disappearance of Tbilisi's rickety, but charming, old wooden buildings, their complaints seem to be falling on deaf ears. Like it or loathe it, this latest wave of development seems certain to leave an indelible mark on the city landscape, changing its appearance forever.
6/10A nighttime view of the 13th century Metekhi Church (front right), the Holy Trinity Cathedral (back right), and the Presidential Palace (far left).
With its rich and varied history, Tbilisi has always embraced a range of architectural styles. Over the years many classical, medieval, and even Soviet structures have found a home in the Georgian capital. Under the administration of President Mikheil Saakashvili, however, Georgia's principal city has seen the erection of many implacably modern structures of glass and steel. Although there are many who bemoan the gradual disappearance of Tbilisi's rickety, but charming, old wooden buildings, their complaints seem to be falling on deaf ears. Like it or loathe it, this latest wave of development seems certain to leave an indelible mark on the city landscape, changing its appearance forever.
7/10Pedestrians walk across the recently built Bridge of Peace, which traverses the Kura River in Tbilisi's old town.
With its rich and varied history, Tbilisi has always embraced a range of architectural styles. Over the years many classical, medieval, and even Soviet structures have found a home in the Georgian capital. Under the administration of President Mikheil Saakashvili, however, Georgia's principal city has seen the erection of many implacably modern structures of glass and steel. Although there are many who bemoan the gradual disappearance of Tbilisi's rickety, but charming, old wooden buildings, their complaints seem to be falling on deaf ears. Like it or loathe it, this latest wave of development seems certain to leave an indelible mark on the city landscape, changing its appearance forever.
8/10The Bridge of Peace at night
With its rich and varied history, Tbilisi has always embraced a range of architectural styles. Over the years many classical, medieval, and even Soviet structures have found a home in the Georgian capital. Under the administration of President Mikheil Saakashvili, however, Georgia's principal city has seen the erection of many implacably modern structures of glass and steel. Although there are many who bemoan the gradual disappearance of Tbilisi's rickety, but charming, old wooden buildings, their complaints seem to be falling on deaf ears. Like it or loathe it, this latest wave of development seems certain to leave an indelible mark on the city landscape, changing its appearance forever.
9/10The newly constructed Rike Park with the Bridge of Peace in the distance.
With its rich and varied history, Tbilisi has always embraced a range of architectural styles. Over the years many classical, medieval, and even Soviet structures have found a home in the Georgian capital. Under the administration of President Mikheil Saakashvili, however, Georgia's principal city has seen the erection of many implacably modern structures of glass and steel. Although there are many who bemoan the gradual disappearance of Tbilisi's rickety, but charming, old wooden buildings, their complaints seem to be falling on deaf ears. Like it or loathe it, this latest wave of development seems certain to leave an indelible mark on the city landscape, changing its appearance forever.
10/10The building that houses Georgia's traffic police in Tbilisi's old Avlabar district.
With its rich and varied history, Tbilisi has always embraced a range of architectural styles. Over the years many classical, medieval, and even Soviet structures have found a home in the Georgian capital. Under the administration of President Mikheil Saakashvili, however, Georgia's principal city has seen the erection of many implacably modern structures of glass and steel. Although there are many who bemoan the gradual disappearance of Tbilisi's rickety, but charming, old wooden buildings, their complaints seem to be falling on deaf ears. Like it or loathe it, this latest wave of development seems certain to leave an indelible mark on the city landscape, changing its appearance forever.
