Cobbled Climbs

Wine Rise is one of Tbilisi’s most iconic cobbled climbs, connecting Europe Square and Rike Park with Avlabari Metro Station. Located in the heart of the Old Town, it lies only a few hundred metres from Abanotubani, Narikala Fortress and Kote Abkhazi Street to the south, and the Holy Trinity Cathedral to the north. Although it is less than 200 metres long, its steep gradient and extremely uneven cobbled surface make it exceptionally demanding to ride. 

A very short but brutal climb. It begins near Rustaveli metro station and rises steadily towards the Goethe-Institut, with the gradient remaining above 13% for most of the cobbled section. The mapped segment ends where the cobblestones finish, but the climb itself is not quite over: a final steep asphalt ramp continues beyond this point.

The road passes between old buildings of historic Tbilisi, including atmospheric red-brick houses that give the climb a distinctive character. As the street rises above Rustaveli metro station, it also offers attractive views over the city.

Despite its limited length, the combination of steep gradients and uneven cobbles makes Zandukeli Street a sharp and memorable urban challenge.

Metekhi Rise is a scenic alternative to Wine Rise, climbing from Europe Square and Rike Park towards the historic district of Avlabari.

There is, however, an important restriction: the street is one-way in the opposite direction, with vehicles travelling downhill, so cycling uphill is prohibited under the current traffic arrangement. Riders should attempt it only when the road is officially closed to traffic or the restrictions change.

The street is also narrow, with cars frequently parked along its sides. Meeting a descending vehicle while climbing would therefore be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous.

Despite these limitations, it is one of the most atmospheric cobbled streets in the area. Metekhi Church rises to the right, while the route passes between the historic buildings of Old Tbilisi before reaching Avlabari. The combination of steep cobbles, traditional architecture and views across the old city makes it an exceptionally beautiful urban climb.

Shio Chitadze Street is one of the longest cobbled sectors in Tbilisi, at least among the city’s cobbled climbs. As with several similar streets, however, it is one-way in the opposite direction and should therefore be ridden uphill only when access is permitted and conditions are completely safe.

The cobbles are rough and uneven in places, adding considerably to the difficulty of the ascent. The gradient remains demanding throughout and becomes particularly challenging near the top, where it reaches approximately 12%.

The climb begins above the Parliament building, near the junction of Ingorokva Street and 9 April Street. The latter provides the approach from Rustaveli Avenue but is also one-way in the opposite direction, creating the same restriction for cyclists approaching uphill. Shio Chitadze Street eventually leads to Chonkadze Street, from where riders can reach the lower station of the funicular to Mtatsminda Park.

Despite the access restrictions, this is one of the most atmospheric cobbled streets in central Tbilisi. Riding between its historic buildings offers a vivid sense of the architecture and character of the old city.