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Queen Darejan Palace: A Royal Fortress Overlooking Tbilisi

Explore Tbilisi's Queen Darejan Palace: A historic fortress with stunning views and unique Georgian architecture.

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Queen Darejan Palace, also known as Sachino, is an 18th-century palace built for Queen Darejan, wife of King Erekle II. Perched atop a rocky cliff in Tbilisi's Avlabari district, it offers stunning views and a glimpse into Georgia's royal past. Its unique architecture blends Georgian and European styles, making it a prominent landmark in the city.

A brief summary to Queen Darejan Palace

  • 7 ურბნისის ქუჩა, Tbilisi, Old Tbilisi, GE
  • Monday 10 am-2 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-2 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-2 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-2 pm
  • Friday 10 am-2 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-2 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-2 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the approach to the palace involves some walking uphill and stairs.
  • Visit during the day to fully appreciate the panoramic views of Tbilisi from the balcony.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby attractions such as Metekhi Church and Rike Park.
  • Note the opening hours, as the palace closes in the afternoon.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Avlabari Metro Station (M1 line), walk approximately 10 minutes to the palace. Exit the station and head towards Europe Square. From there, follow Urbnisi Street uphill to the palace. The metro fare is 1 GEL, and the same ticket can be used on buses and cable cars within 90 minutes.

  • Walking

    From Freedom Square, walk down Baratashvili Street towards Metekhi Bridge. Cross the bridge and ascend the Metekhi ascent. Stairs will lead directly to the palace. The walk is approximately 20-30 minutes, offering scenic views of the city.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Tbilisi. Use a ride-hailing app like Bolt or Yandex for transparent pricing. A taxi ride from Freedom Square to Queen Darejan Palace typically costs between 3.3 GEL and 10 GEL, depending on the distance and traffic. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver or check the app before starting your journey.

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Discover more about Queen Darejan Palace

Queen Darejan Palace, or Sachino, stands as a testament to Georgia's rich history and architectural heritage. Constructed in 1776 for Queen Darejan, the wife of King Erekle II, the palace is built on the site of a medieval fortress, incorporating the remains of its strong walls. This strategic location on a rocky cliff in the Avlabari district provided a commanding view of Tbilisi and the Mtkvari River. The palace's architecture is a blend of Georgian, Persian, and European styles. The main structural elements, including towers, buttresses, and walls, are constructed from river stones and Georgian bricks. A notable feature is the round, light blue wooden balcony, which was originally designed for defensive purposes but now serves as an observation terrace offering panoramic views of the city. The palace complex also includes a church, which was initially dedicated to St. Irakli and St. Daria but later transformed into the Transfiguration Monastery. Over the centuries, Queen Darejan Palace has served various functions. After Queen Darejan's exile to St. Petersburg, the palace was purchased by the Russian exarch Theophilact, who established a theological seminary and parish schools there. During the Soviet era, the complex was used as a museum, a warehouse, and even a one-actor theater. In 1991, the church was returned to the Georgian Patriarchate, and today, the palace is part of a functioning monastery that also includes a hospice and a house of charity. Visitors can explore the palace and its observation deck free of charge, though access to some interior rooms is restricted.

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