Tbilisi: The Architectural Flourish of the Left Bank. The Art Nouveau Era

The architecture of Tbilisi's left bank is radically different from the old town. You could say that the left bank is like another part of the world. While the historic center is a typical example of the East, here you'll find clear layouts, straight streets, and picturesque facades—everything that reminds of European capitals. This is due to the particularities of the settlement and development of this area in the 19th century.

Wealthy citizens commissioned mansions from the fashionable architects of the time, both local and foreign. These architects, educated in St. Petersburg and abroad, sought to give the city a modern look and were eager to experiment with the Art Nouveau style. On the Caucasus, however, Art Nouveau absorbed local features that intertwined with classical canons.