Tag Archives: Travel

The First Commemorative Euro Banknote Dedicated to Georgia: A Tribute to the Country’s Cultural and Historical Heritage

In the world of numismatics, the introduction of new collectible banknotes is always a highly anticipated event, especially when it celebrates a nation’s heritage. This is the case with the new 8000-euro commemorative banknote, the first of its kind for Georgia, officially presented in the Dutch city of Maastricht, renowned as the birthplace of the euro. This masterpiece is the result of a meticulous six-month effort, involving some of the world’s top banknote designers, led by the famous Georgian artist Gia Japaridze and the master of Georgian calligraphy, Davit Maisuradze.

The banknote, issued in a limited edition of only 5000 pieces, was developed and funded by the company TRESURIUM, with the approval of the European Central Bank. This marks a significant milestone not only for Georgia but also for the numismatic world.

What makes this banknote unique is not just its monetary value, but also its profound cultural and historical significance. Every detail was designed to embody Georgia’s millennia-old heritage. Among the featured symbols are monumental landmarks such as the Davit Gareji Monastery, the Alaverdi Cathedral, and the kvevri, a traditional clay vessel used in Georgian winemaking. Georgian calligraphy, recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, further enriches the design, giving the banknote unparalleled artistic and cultural value.

The decision to present the banknote in Maastricht, a city symbolic of the euro, is also meaningful. It was in this city, in 1992, that the Maastricht Treaty was signed, laying the foundation for the European single currency. Although Georgia is not a member of the European Union, this gesture highlights its symbolic connection and strengthens its cultural and economic ties with Europe.

The official presentation of the banknote took place on September 27 at the MECC Maastricht, during the opening of the MIF Events international money show, the largest global exhibition dedicated to money and numismatics. The ceremony saw the participation of both Georgian and Dutch delegations, underscoring the importance of this project as a symbol of international cooperation and cultural exchange.

For Georgia, the creation of this commemorative banknote represents a unique opportunity to promote its cultural heritage on a global scale. Through this initiative, the country emphasizes its active role on the international stage, celebrating its past while looking to the future with confidence.

The 8000-euro commemorative banknote dedicated to Georgia is not only a work of art but also a tangible symbol of the country’s rich historical and cultural past. A tribute that connects Georgian tradition with the present and future of Europe, and one that, due to its rarity and the beauty of its details, will undoubtedly become a sought-after piece among collectors worldwide.

 

Tbilisoba 2024: The Festival of Georgia’s Capital between Tradition and Modernity

On October 5th and 6th, 2024, Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, will transform into a vibrant celebration hub with the much-anticipated Tbilisoba festival. This annual event, honoring the city’s founding, is one of the most significant moments on Georgia’s cultural calendar. Blending ancient traditions with modern vitality, Tbilisoba attracts thousands of local and international visitors, eager to immerse themselves in the heart of Georgian culture, gastronomy, and arts.

History and Significance of Tbilisoba

Tbilisoba was first celebrated in 1979 during the Soviet era as a tribute to the founding of the city, which dates back to the 5th century when King Vakhtang I Gorgasali discovered the thermal waters of Tbilisi and established the current capital. Over the years, the festival has evolved, yet it continues to center around a deep pride in Georgian identity and Tbilisi’s history. Today, Tbilisoba is not only a historical celebration but also a platform to showcase local traditions, cultural innovations, and Georgian hospitality.


The Tbilisoba 2024 Program

This year, Tbilisoba 2024 promises an even richer and more diverse program. The celebrations will take place in various parts of the city, offering activities for all ages and tastes. Historic squares and streets, such as Rike Park, the Old Town, and Freedom Square, will be the main stages for artistic and cultural events, live music performances, folk dance shows, and colorful parades.

Culinary Events

One of the highlights of Tbilisoba is undoubtedly the celebration of Georgian cuisine. Throughout the festival, numerous stalls will offer local delicacies such as khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), khinkali (meat dumplings), and Georgian wine. Visitors can participate in wine tastings, discovering the famous wines of the Kakheti region and other wine-producing areas. Georgia’s wine production, which boasts a history of over 8,000 years, will be proudly celebrated with demonstrations of traditional winemaking in qvevri, the large, buried clay vessels.

Performances and Traditions

During Tbilisoba, visitors will enjoy a succession of traditional music and dance performances, featuring local artists. There will also be sports competitions, art and craft exhibitions, and demonstrations of ancient trades. Georgian dance performances, with their breathtaking acrobatics and elegant choreography, will undoubtedly be one of the most anticipated moments of the festival.

Family-Friendly Events

Tbilisoba is a family-friendly event, with a variety of activities designed for children. Puppet shows, art workshops, and traditional games will be organized, offering the little ones a chance to have fun and learn simultaneously.

Tbilisi: A Bridge between East and West

Tbilisoba is not only a celebration of the city but also an opportunity to reflect on Tbilisi’s role as a bridge between East and West. Located along the ancient Silk Road, Tbilisi has historically united different cultures, and this cosmopolitan character is still reflected today in its architecture, cuisine, and the spirit of the festival. During Tbilisoba, visitors will have the chance to explore the city’s historical richness, visiting iconic landmarks like the Sioni Cathedral, Narikala Fortress, and the charming cobbled streets of the Old Town.

An Unforgettable Experience

Tbilisoba 2024 will offer a unique experience, allowing participants to discover the true soul of Tbilisi. Through a blend of art, history, gastronomy, and performance, the festival is a perfect opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in Georgian culture and experience the legendary hospitality of the Georgian people. Whether dancing to traditional music or savoring a glass of local wine, Tbilisoba will leave a lasting impression on every attendee.

Tbilisi awaits you on October 5th and 6th to celebrate two days of festivity and discovery!

When Wedding and Ceremonies will be reopening in Tbilisi

In Georgia the State of Emergency has been lifted  (24th May) but many restrictions will be on duty before to come back at a normal life.

Regarding what affected to a normal activity of the related bureaucracy procedure before, during and after the wedding ceremony we interviewed the local authority  to clear the actual information released from the Government and all fake news in the social network.

Notary services and affiliated official translators bureau are not ALL on duty.  All the activities must have an online booking to be accepted.

Wedding houses are not ALL open and they cannot accept any new request or re-booking of the services without an advance online booking request. Only some wedding house will be open but for restricted number of person, no more than 10 people are allowed in the hall during the civil rite and everybody must wear the mask [update on 06th June, 2020]. Everything has to stand-by monitoring as the light reopening can effect to the spread of the virus. Any wedding full ceremony is not allowed till further date. Any event organization and event agency are not allowed to operate at the moment. Only Georgian citizens or people resident actually in Georgia can apply for this request if their need could be consider urgent by authority decision. At the reopening, following the actual roles, maximum 10 persons including the celebration official authority and the photographer will be allowed in the hall wearing mask and keeping social distance.

The international flights and related Tourism services will be starting from the 1st of SEPTEMBER 2020 [updated 22nd July].At the moment to create a safe corridor authorities are thinking about safety roles. It is not yet confirmed but Tourist entering Georgia may have to prove they’ve tested negative for coronavirus in the past 72 hours.

On Governament decision Georgia open boearders unconditionally to 5 countries, Germany, France , Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia. The citizens/residents of the 5 countries above can only use direct flights to Georgia for any type of visit. Before crossing Georgia’s border, they must fill in a special e-form and list their travel history in the course of the previous 14 days, as well as the location of their stay in Georgia, contact information.

All people from the other countries will be under 14 days quarantine at their expences. (Update 24th July 2020).

Georgian National Centre for Disease Control states Tourists may have to abide by several conditions when entering and moving about in the country, and may be monitored by a ‘tracking app’. This is not approved at the moment but it is on the desk of the Gov to be discussed. Being these last statements still working in progress, it is clear Georgia Gov will be monitoring the situation and going to add or remove restrictions on the way. It makes more difficult to plan something till a clear and  final official statement will be release.

Wishing to keep a safe way to work for all our clients, considering this situation does not allow us to plan and to work as normal and to be able to give a date for restart till now, we took the decision to postpone  the reopening of our activities at later date. We wish and will monitor how the opening of the Tourism can affect to the spread of the Covid-19, waiting for the full reopening of the wedding houses and the official Notary and Translator bureau in town.

Do not exitate to contact us for any update you should need.

To get married in Tbilisi during the Coronavirus Covid-19 2020

Dear guests, As we go through these difficult times, we would like to update you on what’s been happening in Tbilisi. We have sadly had to suspend all our photography and wedding management services until the 20th of August 2020 (updated) due to the ongoing situation and measures taken against COVID-19.

We’re so much looking forward to the days when we can happily welcome you again and be a part of your story again.  We would like you to know that as Tbilisilovesyou.com  we continue to work determinedly to solve the issues we collectively face and to provide accurate and up to date information regularly by email to our clients that already subscribed for information or already confirmed their booking and it has been postponed.

We are sorry to all our guests who couldn’t travel due to cancelled flights during this unprecedented time.

We miss sharing your excitement as you travel to your love great date, and getting your images of your greatest moments in the life.

May and June are extremely optimistic time to think everything will restart as usual. Due to the consequences of the spread of the COVID-19 virus, in compliance with the provisions of the Georgian Government regarding safety and prevention of contagion, the Ministry of Justice suspended all the official Wedding Houses activities until a later date. And now a day (May, 19th), still wedding houses does not have a date of reopening till at least 1st July.
It is has been set a provisional 11th of May (already posponed from previous 21st April) as light restart from lockdown but as you know, in all the world, daily updates born since some monthes.
Update : State of emergency has been postponed till the 22nd May Included and it will be note extend (updated 19th may 2020).
All flights in and out of Georgia have been suspended till 1st July 2020 (updated on the 19th May 2020.)  The Prime Minister declare from 1st July Georgia will be ready to attend the foreign tourism. We are still missing information how and what the tourist need to arrive in Georgia following a safe protocol belong the path  of the Ministry of health coordinated with the Airports and Airline Companies of the different countries.
By the way all official wedding services are not allowed till  July ( at the moment we are writing (19th May 2020).
Curfew is mandatory from 21:00 till 06:00 am till the 22nd of May.
All transport inside Tbilisi  including taxi and private cars are banned through the 27th April included (Updated).
All transport in and out the main cities are banned till the 22th of May (Updated). Only private cars can travel out Tbilisi from the 11th of May.
This is the provisional plan of reopening (updated on the 7th May 2020 at 20:30 Tbilisi time):

Second phase of reoping will start around May 5th:
– Building
– Construction supervision
– Companies that manufacture building materials
– Automotive services including car repair and auto-service facilities

around May 11th
– Computers, daily repairs and other services
– Recreational areas

Third phase, May 11th:
-Retail and wholesale stores (except shopping centers, clothing and shoes shops) with entrances separated from the streets
– All types of outdoor markets
– All types of production
– Publishing services

Fourth phase, around June 8th:
-Shopping centers
-Restaurants with outdoor spaces
-All types of financial services
-Beauty salons and aesthetic medicine services

Fifth stage, around June 15th:
– Closed markets
– All types of restaurant business

– Tourism inside Georgia (only local tourism)

Sixth phase, approximately July 1st:

-Entertainment services, sports and leisure, art
-Games and casinos
Hotels and Tourism from foreign countries
-Educational institutions
All other types of activities (including Wedding houses and wedding ceremonies).

The opening dates of the various stages may be subject to change, depending on the epidemiological developments in the country. Some restrictions could be reintroduced.

Roles to get in the Georgia boarder could be applied. Updates will be coming soon about protocol of entrance.

People will be required to observe distance rules at all times during the six phases.

We will keep you update as this emergency will be over adding you in our stand-by list if you wish. Just email us with your planned programme and auctomactically we will add you to our stand-by list.
 

Saburtalo new apartment for rent in Tbilisi 65mq

This is a brand new apartment located in Saburtalo district and part of M2 Nutsubidze complex , one of the best in Town for quality and design, convenient location, fine-tuned infrastructure.  The building has just been finished in October 2015.

Please note: THIS APARTMENT IS AVAILABLE FROM 11TH SEPTEMBER 2023 – reservations are accepted.

The apartment is fully furnished and fully equipped. 65mq design for living a quality life. It features 1 matrimonial bedroom, mattress 180×200  with a really spacious built-in wardrobe and 1 matrimonial sofa bed 270×190 in the living,  Modern kitchen with 4 fires and hoven, big new Indesit fridge. 24 hours security service, main door with private code. 4th floor with elevator. Beautifull and modern common parts, really difficult to find in the city. Baby entertaiment in the private yard of the complex.

Here the photos and description of the apartment n.1 at 4thfloor. You can see the link to the page of the other apartment scrolling down.

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Apartment is located on Nutsubidze street, 200 meters from the metro of Vasha-Pshavela from where you can get anywhere in few minutes. 24 hours Supermarket, fitness center, 24 hours pharmacy, cafè and restaurant just nearby.

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Apartment specific: Accommodation avaiable for max 2 adults – Rooms: 2+ – Bedrooms: 1 – Bathrooms: 1 – Balcony: 1 -Floor Level: 4

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Apartment rates:

Long Term Lease minimum 1 year at EURO 900 monthy (Utilities not included) 1 month in advance + euro 900 security deposit

Monthly rent 1000euro (Utilities not included) month to be paied in advance + 1000usd security deposit

Daily rent not available – Weekly 450usd (utilities included)– Short stayng 450usd deposit plus the total price in advance.

Note: Minimum stayng 1 week – check in – check out belong your flight arrival/departure – No pets/animal allowed – ask for further info.  Daily Staing not available till further notice.

Apartment-for-rent-Tbilisi-M2-Nutsubidzei-IMG_0946

Apartment features: New Prestige Building – Elevator  -Private Yard – 24h Security -Street Parking -Wi-Fi on demand – TV -Washing Machine -Fridge -Individual (central) heating – Bed Linens(only short-term) – Towels(only short-term- daily)

Suitable for: Couples and Single Professionals

Close proximity : Vasha Pshavela Metro (250 mt.) – Entree cafeteria (downstairs) – Nikora Supermarket 200 mt. – City Mall Shopping Center 900mt. – Gpc 24 hours pharmacy – TBC / BOG Banks 250 mt. -71 Fitness Center & Swimming pool 250mt.- 24 hour market- Strada Restaurant – Luca Polare ice cream shop – Carrefour Market 2590 mt. – Nutsubidze Public garden

Apartment-for-rent-Tbilisi-M2-Nutsubidzei-IMG_0971

Please have a look to  all the photo gallery here

Appartment Location:

To reserve this flat or to ask further info please Contact me!

Please note: THIS APARTMENT IS AVAILABLE FROM 1st October 2024 . Reservation available.

How to get married in Sighnaghi Georgia

How to get Married in Sighnaghi Georgia !
Have you read the guideline “how to get married in Tbilisi”? If yes, go on , if not, take a look at this page.
I just ask you the pleasure to not copy and paste the following news without to report the source,  tbilisilovesyou.com , in your blog, email, profile , facebook , others social networks. It helps to enhance my job and to promote it. For any questions please email me .


Believing that you have a general idea as you red ” how to get married in Tbilisi ” , in Georgia there is a tiny little village but so, so, romantic called Sighnaghi .
As in all fairy tales, lies on the slopes of a mountain to the height of 790 meters in the ancient region of Khakheti famous for its wines that are truly exceptional in Georgia as well as from a centuries-old history and thousands of legends. The village is overlooking the valley of Alazani with a breathtaking view.
To get there it takes about two hours by road from the center of Tbilisi or an hour and a half from the airport.
Documents to be submitted are the same as for Tbilisi , until the ceremony , the only issue is the fact that you have to plan a whole day in Tbilisi for the translation of the wedding certificate in english or another languare available and the related apostille to access at the legal transcription of your marriage in your country.

Than there are 2 situations:
– You’re about to get married with Georgian citizen and stay in Tbilisi?
No problem, you have plenty of time to go ahead and submit the transcript request to your Embassy in Tbilisi .
– You are coming from different contries, both with non- Georgian passport ?
You should plan after your stay at Sighnaghi one or two days in Tbilisi for all the paperworks , which are carried out from Monday to Friday.
Problems? No one, if you ask for our help ….


Even for the marriage in Sighnaghi you can ask me my  “no issues easy wedding package” and you have to think only to enjoy your time.
Therefore, this is an example of wedding program in Sighnaghi : Arrival on Friday (usually early in the morning) , wedding on Friday or Saturday , relax in Sighnaghi on Sunday , Monday transfer to Tbilisi in the early morning to present the documentation of marriage at the opening. All paperworks will be ready (usually) from 1 to 3 working days belong your both countries needs.
Anyway you can have the possibility to visit Tbilisi and as soon as  the documents are ready you receive an sms from us and we will go to pick them up or yoou can even delegate us for that .
Surely more days you have more you will enjoy Georgia!
In this way, over a period of 4-5 days everything will be done!
Of course even in the Sighnaghi wedding program I can organize the photo service!
All this can be done easily with my help , please email me
Waiting for you,
Greetings ,
Alex
PHOTOTBILISI BY ALEX WED , Tbilisi, (by appointment only)  – www.phototbilisi.com