Pantheon

Tbilisi is rightfully considered one of the oldest cities in the world. For fifteen centuries, it has served as the cultural and economic heart of Georgia. The capital is renowned for its heroic past, ancient monuments, and unique landmarks. Among them, the Pantheon of Writers and Public Figures on the slopes of Mount Mtatsminda holds a special place. No visitor to the city or resident of Tbilisi leaves without admiring the beauty of this sacred mountain and visiting the Pantheon, where the best representatives of the Georgian people are laid to rest.The history of Mtatsminda goes back centuries. Officially, Christianity was adopted in Georgia in the first half of the 4th century, but there is reason to believe that a pagan temple was located on the summit before that. This theory is indirectly supported by the fact that one of the holy fathers, David (later known as David Gareja), settled here in the 6th century. He built a cell and a chapel, as early Christian churches were often constructed on the sites of ancient sanctuaries where people had already developed a tradition of worship.Although St. David soon moved to the Gareji Desert, the mountain was remembered by the people as "Mamdaviti" (Father David's Mountain). The church built later in his honor was considered miraculous, believed to have the power to help with marriage and cure infertility. The spring near the church was also believed to have similar properties, and on Thursdays and feast days, women would flock to the church, praying for a family and children.The current building of St. David's Church was constructed in the 19th century on the site of several destroyed predecessor churches. Its silhouette creates a unique mountainous atmosphere.Mtatsminda rises 727 meters above sea level. Since 1905, a 501-meter-long funicular (with an inclination of 28-33°) has been providing access to the slopes. The lower station is located at an altitude of 486 m, the upper one at 720 m, and the Pantheon itself at 591 m.For a long time, the slopes were treeless, but since 1936, active landscaping has begun. Soon, a beautiful park was laid out here, becoming a favorite place for recreation of citizens and tourists.Mtatsminda has always attracted special attention. Poems were dedicated to it by N. Baratashvili, A. Tsereteli, G. Tabidze and other poets. A. S. Griboyedov called the mountain "a poetic attribute of Tiflis." Even in the feudal era, prominent people were buried here. In 1829, according to his will, Alexander Griboyedov was buried here. In 1929, on the centenary of his death, the cemetery was officially designated as the Pantheon of Georgian Writers and Public Figures.This guidebook provides brief information about the lives and works of the prominent individuals who found their final resting place here.