also known as Nutsubidze Skybridge or Tbilisi Skybridge

location: 41.72619366155297, 44.71904171616492

architects: Otar Kalandarishvili, Gaioz Potskhishvili

date: 1974–1984

In the mid-1970s, alongside the general development and reconstruction plans for Georgian cities, urban planners began designing unique residential areas, especially on challenging terrains. One of the most remarkable examples of this was the construction on the steep slopes of Nutsubidze Street. Architects Otar Kalandarishvili and Gizo Potskhishvili, known for their innovative approach to Tbilisi’s complex topography, designed a striking residential complex consisting of three prefabricated buildings, ascending in height along the slope of the Nutsubidze Plateau. The 14-story lower building serves as a hub, equipped with elevators, and connects to two 15-story structures above via elevated walkways supported by metal arms. A light serpentine road allows car access between the buildings.

The complex is also referred to as ‘Shatili,’ likely due to the architects’ inspiration from the medieval stone towers of the village of Shatili in Khevsureti, which are similarly connected by bridges. The buildings are framed by lodges in the shape of inverted arches; in the two upper buildings, they are concrete, while in the lower one, they are wooden. Some consider this a nod to the traditional wooden balconies of Old Tbilisi. Today, many of these arched lodges have been altered by the residents: some have been bricked up entirely, while others have had windows installed.

The backside of the lowest building is also noteworthy, featuring concrete panels perforated with quatrefoil patterns. With these decorative elements and the unique bridge design, the architects aimed to infuse a sense of national identity and individuality into what was otherwise a typical residential construction.

There was originally a plan to build additional residential complexes connected by walkways, known as the Nutsubidze Plateau 1 Apartment Complex, but the project was never completed. Nevertheless, the existing structures, along with the later public works by Kalandarishvili and Potskhishvili—such as Republic Square—demonstrate their ability to combine bold architectural solutions with practical functionality, leaving a lasting impact on the city’s urban landscape.

In late 2024, restoration work was carried out on the site, although it was limited to the replacement of materials in the through bridge. The old surface material was replaced with tiles, and the railings were also replaced.

Access Today

To reach the skybridge, you can take the elevator located in the back right corner of the ground floor of the 14-story lower building (this is the public access elevator; residents have a separate one). To use the elevator, you must insert a 20-tetri coin per person into the coin slot (each trip requires 20 tetri, both up and down, and the elevator only accepts this denomination). If you don’t have the correct coin, you can ask for change from the attendant, who operates the elevator and can provide coins. Alternatively, you can access the bridge from its upper end via the serpentine road, where no fee is required.

Further Reading

For a closer look into the life of Nutsubidze Skybridge residents, explore Alex Schoelcher’s photo project here.

text and photos by Elena Lisitsyna