Mtatsminda Park
Hilltop amusement park about 770 metres up, reached by funicular, with a Ferris wheel and the widest panorama of Tbilisi.
Mtatsminda ParkPhoto: Jonathan Cardy, CC BY-SA 3.0Mtatsminda Park sits on top of Mount Mtatsminda, the Holy Mountain, which rises directly above central Tbilisi with the city's TV tower on its summit. Founded in the 1930s, the park has rides, carousels, a roller coaster, cafes and a 65-metre Ferris wheel, its tallest attraction. On clear days the views stretch across the whole city and the hills beyond. For families it is a full afternoon out; for everyone else, the reason to come is the panorama, best at sunset when the lights come on across the valley.
The classic way up is the funicular from Chonkadze Street in Sololaki, first opened in 1905 and restored after a long closure, which climbs about 500 metres of track. It stops halfway at the Pantheon of Mtatsminda, the churchyard of St David's Church, where Alexander Griboyedov, Ilia Chavchavadze and many other writers and public figures are buried. The upper station has a restaurant with a terrace. You can also drive or take a taxi up.
History
Mtatsminda, the Holy Mountain, takes its name from St David Garejeli, who by tradition lived on the slope in the 6th century, where St David's Church now stands. The funicular opened in 1905, and the Soviet government created the amusement park on the summit in the 1930s. The Pantheon below was officially opened in 1929, a century after the death of Griboyedov, the first notable person buried there.
What to see and do
- Ride the funicular from Chonkadze Street, first opened in 1905
- Stop at the Pantheon of Mtatsminda halfway up
- Take the 65-metre Ferris wheel for the highest view in the city
- Watch the sunset over Tbilisi from the terraces
How to visit
Getting there
The lower funicular station is on Chonkadze Street in Sololaki, about 15 minutes' walk from Freedom Square. A taxi can also drive up to the park, about 20 minutes from the centre.
When to go
Late afternoon to sunset. Plan 2–4 hours here.
- Weekends are busy with families; a weekday evening means shorter queues.
- It is noticeably cooler on top; bring a layer in spring and autumn.
- Outside the summer season, check locally which rides are running.
Mtatsminda Park: FAQ
How do you get to Mtatsminda Park?
Take the funicular from Chonkadze Street in Sololaki, which stops at the Pantheon on the way up. A taxi from the centre takes about 20 minutes by road.
Is Mtatsminda Park worth visiting?
Yes, for the view alone. Even if you skip the rides, the funicular, the Pantheon and the panorama at sunset make a good half day.
Tours that include Mtatsminda Park
Read more in our guides
Photo: Alexxx1979, CC BY-SA 4.0A day-by-day loop from Tbilisi through Uplistsikhe, Kazbegi and Kakheti, showing how long each drive takes, where to eat and sleep, and realistic 2026 costs.
Photo: Q-lieb-in, CC BY-SA 4.0Colour starts near the treeline in late September and reaches Tbilisi in November. Here is when each region peaks, the walks to do there and which mountain roads shut first.
Photo: Marcin Konsek, CC BY-SA 4.0What Prometheus Cave, Martvili Canyon, the National Museum, Vardzia, the Tbilisi cable cars and dozens of other sights cost to enter in 2026, with hours, combo tickets and free alternatives.
Nearby places
Straight-line distance from Mtatsminda Park.
