Freedom Square, or Tavisuplebis Moedani, is the busy heart of central Tbilisi, where Rustaveli Avenue meets the streets leading towards the Old Town and Sololaki. At its centre, a gilded St George slays a dragon from atop a tall column, presiding over a near-constant flow of traffic.
Known as Lenin Square during the Soviet era, the square has changed names and symbols alongside Georgia’s political fortunes. The Freedom Monument, installed in 2006, replaced the Soviet-era figure of Lenin and reflects the country’s post-independence identity. City Hall and a mix of older and newer buildings around the plaza make it a useful starting point for understanding how central Tbilisi has evolved.
Come early for a quieter look at the monument, then walk up Rustaveli Avenue or towards the lanes of the Old Town. Freedom Square metro station makes the plaza easy to reach; use the pedestrian underpasses where available, as traffic around the central island is heavy.