Baratashvili Fortress Wall and Berikaoba Sculpture

Why is it significant?

Conclude your journey along the impressive medieval stone battlements lining Nikoloz Baratashvili Street, the ancient northern fortification line of Kala.

Key Facts

Open the walk

Conclude your journey along the impressive medieval stone battlements lining Nikoloz Baratashvili Street, the ancient northern fortification line of Kala. Unearthed during major archaeological excavations in the late twentieth century, these thick stone ramparts and rounded bastions defended Tiflis against invaders from the north for over a thousand years. Beside the historic wall stands the delightful bronze sculpture group of Berikaoba, created in 1981 by sculptor Avtandil Monaselidze to celebrate Georgia's ancient masked spring carnival tradition.

Look at the lively bronze figures depicting dancers, acrobats, and masked performers celebrating the ancient fertility festival of Berikaoba. Rooted in pre-Christian pagan rituals, Berikaoba involved villagers donning animal skins and grotesque masks to dance through streets, mock oppressive rulers, and welcome the rebirth of spring. Along the wall, modern residential homes have been ingeniously integrated directly into the ancient masonry, their carved wooden verandas perched atop centuries-old fortress stones.

The avenue honors Nikoloz Baratashvili, the brilliant nineteenth-century Georgian Romantic poet who passed away tragically at the age of twenty-seven. His passionate, melancholic poems, such as Twilight on the Mtatsminda and Fate of Georgia, gave voice to the national yearning for freedom and spiritual transcendence during the Russian imperial era. Standing beside these ancient ramparts, one can easily imagine the young poet walking along the city edge, contemplating the turbulent destiny of his beloved homeland.

Sunlight illuminates the textured river stones and arched embrasures of the excavated wall, contrasting with the busy modern traffic flowing along the avenue. This dynamic intersection where ancient defense, romantic literature, and joyful folk masquerade meet provides the ideal finale to your journey through Old Tbilisi. You have experienced fifteen centuries of history, courage, and cultural genius that continue to animate Georgia's capital today.

Relax at the cafes near Baratashvili Bridge or continue your journey into modern central Tbilisi.