Queen Darejan Palace: A Royal Fortress Overlooking Tbilisi

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.