Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument
Soviet monument from 1983 with a tiled mosaic, on a platform over the Devil's Valley between Gudauri and the Jvari Pass.
Russia–Georgia Friendship MonumentPhoto: Supanut Arunoprayote, CC BY 4.0The Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument is a large semicircular concrete viewing platform on the Georgian Military Road between Gudauri and the Jvari Pass. It was built in 1983 to mark 200 years since the Treaty of Georgievsk and to celebrate friendship between Soviet Georgia and Soviet Russia. Its inner wall is covered by a large, colourful tile mosaic with scenes from Georgian and Russian history and folklore. The platform sits on the edge of a cliff above the deep Devil's Valley.
Most travellers stop for 20 to 30 minutes on the way to Kazbegi. The view across the valley to the surrounding peaks is wide, and in summer you will often see paragliders over the valley. Stalls in the car park sell snacks and souvenirs. The monument's message reads differently today, given Georgia's relations with Russia, but it remains one of the most popular photo stops on the road.
History
The monument was unveiled in 1983 on the bicentenary of the 1783 Treaty of Georgievsk, under which the eastern Georgian kingdom of Kartli-Kakheti accepted Russian protection. Russia annexed the kingdom in 1801. The monument has been kept as a viewpoint and is one of the best-known examples of late Soviet monumental design in Georgia.
What to see and do
- Tile mosaic of historical and folk scenes
- View over the Devil's Valley
- Paragliders over the valley in summer
- Photo stop on the Military Road
How to visit
Getting there
The monument is just off the Georgian Military Road a few kilometres north of Gudauri, about 2 hours from Tbilisi. Cars and tours to Kazbegi can stop; marshrutkas usually do not.
When to go
Clear mornings; summer and autumn. Plan 20–30 minutes here.
- The platform edge drops steeply; keep children close.
- It is cold and windy even in summer at this altitude.
- In winter, snow and ice can make the platform slippery.
Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument: FAQ
Why is there a Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument in Georgia?
It was built in 1983, in the Soviet period, to mark 200 years since the Treaty of Georgievsk, which placed eastern Georgia under Russian protection. Today it is visited mainly as a viewpoint.
Where is the Friendship Monument?
On the Georgian Military Road between Gudauri and the Jvari Pass, overlooking the Devil's Valley. It is about 2 hours by car from Tbilisi.
Tours that include Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument
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Nearby places
Straight-line distance from Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument.
