Georgia
ASIA Edition
Chronicle of Georgia
The monument where Georgia turned its history into stone
On a hill overlooking Lake Tbilisi stands the Chronicle of Georgia, a gigantic monument made up of enormous stone columns that narrate some of the most important moments in the country's history. Built in 1985 by the Georgian artist Zurab Tsereteli, this monumental complex mixes religion, power and tradition in one of the most impressive works in Georgia.
The enormous columns are covered with carved reliefs depicting kings, national heroes and religious scenes linked to Orthodox Christianity, a fundamental part of Georgian identity for more than a thousand years. Among them, the figure of King David IV “the Builder” stands out, considered one of the most important rulers in the history of Georgia. During his reign, in the 12th century, he managed to unify the country, expel invaders and turn Georgia into one of the most important powers in the Caucasus during its golden age.
At the bottom of the columns there are biblical scenes and historical moments that show how religion and the country's history have always been deeply connected. As you walk among the massive stone structures, each detail seems to tell a different part of the Georgian story.
The place becomes especially impressive at sunset, when the golden light illuminates the reliefs and the enormous columns cast giant shadows on the hill in front of the lake.