Tbilisi is a city of contrasts, with its mix of old and new architecture, vibrant street art, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. One of the most intriguing aspects of Tbilisi is its abandoned places, which offer a glimpse into the city's past and present. For photographers, these abandoned places provide unique and fascinating subjects to capture. Here are some of the best abandoned places to photograph in Tbilisi.
1. Tskneti Soviet Sanatorium
Located in the outskirts of Tbilisi, the Tskneti Soviet Sanatorium was once a popular destination for Soviet officials and their families. Today, the abandoned sanatorium is a hauntingly beautiful place to photograph. The crumbling buildings, overgrown gardens, and eerie silence make for a truly unique experience. The sanatorium is accessible by car or taxi, and it's best to visit during the day as the area can be unsafe at night.
The Tskneti Soviet Sanatorium was built in the 1930s, and it was one of the most luxurious sanatoriums in the Soviet Union. It was designed to provide rest and relaxation to Soviet officials and their families, and it was equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. However, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the sanatorium fell into disrepair and was eventually abandoned.
Today, the Tskneti Soviet Sanatorium is a popular destination for photographers and urban explorers. The crumbling buildings, overgrown gardens, and eerie silence make for a truly unique experience. The sanatorium is full of interesting details, such as old medical equipment, faded murals, and broken furniture. It's a great place to capture hauntingly beautiful images.
2. Tbilisi Sea Cable Car
The Tbilisi Sea Cable Car was built in the 1960s to transport people from the city center to the Tbilisi Sea. However, after a tragic accident in 1990, the cable car was shut down and left to decay. Today, the cable car station and cabins are still standing, and they make for a great photography subject. The best time to visit is during sunset, as the light creates a beautiful atmosphere.
The Tbilisi Sea Cable Car was once a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike. It provided a unique and exciting way to travel from the city center to the Tbilisi Sea. However, after the tragic accident in 1990, the cable car was shut down and left to decay. Today, the cable car station and cabins are still standing, and they make for a great photography subject.
The cable car station is located in the Avlabari district, and it's accessible by car or taxi. The station is surrounded by a fence, but it's easy to find a way in. Once inside, you'll be greeted by the abandoned cabins and station, which provide a unique and fascinating subject to capture. It's best to visit during sunset, as the light creates a beautiful atmosphere.
3. Tbilisi Hippodrome
The Tbilisi Hippodrome was once a popular destination for horse racing enthusiasts. However, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the hippodrome fell into disrepair and was eventually abandoned. Today, the hippodrome is a fascinating place to explore and photograph. The grandstand, stables, and track are all still standing, and they provide a glimpse into the hippodrome's past. It's best to visit during the day, as the area can be unsafe at night.
The Tbilisi Hippodrome was built in the 19th century, and it was one of the most popular destinations for horse racing enthusiasts in the Soviet Union. The hippodrome was equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, and it hosted many important races. However, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the hippodrome fell into disrepair and was eventually abandoned.
Today, the Tbilisi Hippodrome is a popular destination for photographers and urban explorers. The grandstand, stables, and track are all still standing, and they provide a glimpse into the hippodrome's past. The hippodrome is full of interesting details, such as old trophies, broken fences, and abandoned stables. It's a great place to capture unique and fascinating images.
4. Tbilisi Circus
The Tbilisi Circus was once a popular destination for families and tourists. However, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the circus fell into disrepair and was eventually abandoned. Today, the circus is a fascinating place to explore and photograph. The main building, with its colorful facade and grand entrance, is still standing, and it provides a glimpse into the circus's past. It's best to visit during the day, as the area can be unsafe at night.
The Tbilisi Circus was built in the 1930s, and it was one of the most popular destinations for families and tourists in the Soviet Union. The circus was equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, and it hosted many important performances. However, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the circus fell into disrepair and was eventually abandoned.
Today, the Tbilisi Circus is a popular destination for photographers and urban explorers. The main building, with its colorful facade and grand entrance, is still standing, and it provides a glimpse into the circus's past. The circus is full of interesting details, such as old posters, broken seats, and abandoned dressing rooms. It's a great place to capture unique and fascinating images.
5. Tbilisi Silk Factory
The Tbilisi Silk Factory was once a thriving business, producing silk products for the Soviet Union. However, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the factory fell into disrepair and was eventually abandoned. Today, the factory is a fascinating place to explore and photograph. The abandoned machinery, silk cocoons, and colorful walls make for a great photography subject. It's best to visit during the day, as the area can be unsafe at night.
The Tbilisi Silk Factory was built in the 19th century, and it was one of the most important silk factories in the Soviet Union. The factory produced silk products for the Soviet Union, and it was equipped with state-of-the-art machinery. However, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the factory fell into disrepair and was eventually abandoned.
Today, the Tbilisi Silk Factory is a popular destination for photographers and urban explorers. The abandoned machinery, silk cocoons, and colorful walls make for a great photography subject. The factory is full of interesting details, such as old labels, broken machines, and abandoned offices. It's a great place to capture unique and fascinating images.
Tips for Photographing Abandoned Places in Tbilisi
-
Always be aware of your surroundings and stay safe. Some of these places can be dangerous, especially at night.
-
Bring a tripod and a wide-angle lens. Abandoned places can be dark and cramped, so a wide-angle lens will help you capture the entire scene.
-
Look for interesting details. Abandoned places are full of interesting textures, patterns, and colors. Don't be afraid to get up close and capture the details.
-
Experiment with different angles. Try shooting from different perspectives to create unique and interesting compositions.
-
Be respectful of the places you're photographing. Don't damage or disturb anything, and always leave the place as you found it.
Conclusion
Tbilisi's abandoned places offer a unique and fascinating glimpse into the city's past and present. From the Tskneti Soviet Sanatorium to the Tbilisi Silk Factory, these abandoned places provide photographers with endless opportunities to capture hauntingly beautiful images. Just remember to stay safe, bring the right gear, and be respectful of the places you're photographing. Happy shooting!