In the heart of Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, stands the fascinating Dry Bridge, known locally as Mshrali Khidi. This iconic place is much more than a simple structure: it hosts Tbilisi's most famous antiques market. The Dry Bridge is a silent witness to the city's history and a vibrant meeting point that unites past and present through its age-old treasures.
Located just a short walk from Rustaveli Avenue, the Tbilisi Dry Bridge stands out for its distinctive antiques market and the unique atmosphere that captivates locals and tourists alike. It is a place where memories come to life, where every antique object holds a story and where the spirit of old Tbilisi keeps pulsating in the midst of a city in constant evolution.
History of the Tbilisi Dry Bridge
The history of the Dry Bridge dates back to the mid-19th century. Built between 1847 and 1851 under the project of Italian architect Giovanni Scudieri, this structure originally spanned a branch of the Mtkvari River. Over time it transformed into the epicentre of antiques in Tbilisi and an unmissable destination for lovers of historic objects.
Initially known as the 'Small Bridge of Mikhail' and later as the 'Bridge of Nikoloz', it acquired its current name, Dry Bridge, in the 1930s, when the watercourse beneath it was drained.
The Dry Bridge market: a unique flea market in Tbilisi
The transformation of the Dry Bridge into an antiques market began spontaneously in the 1950s. What started with a handful of vendors quickly became Tbilisi's most famous market. Today, this open-air market is a paradise for antique hunters and offers a shopping experience unlike anything else in Georgia.
The Dry Bridge market is a kaleidoscope of history and culture. Here you can find antiques of every kind: from World War II medals and Soviet-era pieces to silver jewellery, antique crockery, radios and musical instruments. More than a simple shopping venue, it is a living space where the collective memory of Tbilisi and Georgia is preserved.
The Dry Bridge: a cultural treasure of Tbilisi
The Tbilisi Dry Bridge is much more than a market: it is a cultural treasure of the Georgian capital. Different eras coexist here, creating a unique synthesis between the old and the contemporary. Alongside the antiques vendors, local artists display their works and craftspeople showcase creations inspired by traditional motifs.
The evolution of the Dry Bridge: from urban structure to antiques market
Origins and construction
In the 1830s, Tbilisi was experiencing rapid growth. There was a need to connect the new neighbourhoods on the left bank of the Mtkvari River (Chughureti, Kukia and the German settlement) with the city centre. That need gave rise to the bridge we know today.
Construction began in 1847 under the supervision of Viceroy Mikhail Vorontsov. The project was entrusted to Italian architect Giovanni Scudieri, who designed an imposing and functional structure. Work continued until 1851, resulting in a carved-stone bridge with an impressive arch of 32 metres — one of the largest in the Russian Empire at the time.
From active bridge to 'Dry Bridge'
The turning point came in the 1930s, when, as part of urban changes, the branch of the river running beneath the bridge was drained. This alteration left the structure 'dry', giving rise to its current name: Mshrali Khidi.
Giovanni Scudieri: the architect behind the Dry Bridge
The genius behind the original design was Italian architect Giovanni Scudieri. He arrived in Georgia in the 1840s and soon became a key figure in Tbilisi's architectural development. Sadly, he died in 1851 during the construction of a church. After his death, Norwegian engineer Otto Jacob Simonsen completed the works. Today, a commemorative plaque honours his contribution.
Discover the Dry Bridge market: a unique experience
A universe of treasures
Every day, more than a hundred vendors display a wide variety of items at the Dry Bridge market. Among the treasures you can discover are World War II medals, Soviet-era objects, handcrafted silver jewellery, antique porcelain, vintage radios, traditional musical instruments and countless historical curiosities.
During the Christmas season, the market fills with handmade vintage decorations that are true works of art.
The market today: an immersive cultural experience
Today, the Dry Bridge market is far more than a simple place to buy and sell: it is an immersive cultural experience. The vendors, many of them experts in local history, share fascinating anecdotes about their pieces and about Tbilisi's past. Visiting this market is like travelling back in time.
The architectural setting of Georgia's most famous market
Features of the Dry Bridge
The Tbilisi Dry Bridge is an architectural masterpiece in its own right. Built in carved stone, it features an impressive arch of 32 metres in length and an 11-metre-wide roadway.
Historic buildings surrounding the Dry Bridge
At each end of the bridge stand two landmark buildings: the former 'Grand-Hotel' and 'London' hotels. These structures, with their classicist elements and charming wooden and iron balconies, provide the perfect backdrop for the market.
Adjacent parks and green spaces
Next to the bridge lie the Dedaena and 9 April gardens, two urban oases that complement the experience and offer a space to relax after exploring the market.
The Dry Bridge as a focal point of the urban landscape
Just steps from Rustaveli Avenue, the bridge serves as a connection between modern Tbilisi and its historical past. The short street linking it to the Alexander Garden was renamed 'Italy Street' in 2006, in honour of architect Scudieri's Italian roots.
The Dry Bridge in Tbilisi's culture
A meeting point for locals and tourists
The Tbilisi Dry Bridge has become a true cultural meeting point. Young Tbilisians discover pieces of their history here, while older residents share their memories with visitors, turning the market into an informal ambassador of Tbilisi and Georgian culture.
Stories and anecdotes of the Dry Bridge
One of the most intriguing anecdotes concerns the former London Hotel: it is said that Norwegian writer and translator Dagny Juel, muse of painter Edvard Munch, was murdered in one of its rooms. Another popular story among vendors speaks of hidden treasures and unexpected finds: objects of great historical value discovered among seemingly ordinary antiques.
The Dry Bridge in art and photography
Painters, photographers and writers have immortalised the vibrant, nostalgic atmosphere of the market. The colourful scenes of the flea market are a recurring theme in contemporary Georgian art, and photographs of the Dry Bridge often go viral on social media.
Symbol of Tbilisi's identity
Over time, the Dry Bridge and its antiques market have become a symbol of Tbilisi's identity. They represent the city's capacity to preserve its history while adapting to modern times. Families commonly stroll through the market at weekends, teaching new generations about Georgia's history through the objects on display.
How to visit the Dry Bridge
Admission to the Tbilisi Dry Bridge is free. The market operates every day, though the best times to visit are Saturday and Sunday mornings, when it is in full swing. If you wish to discover it with its full historical context, at Iberogeorgia we organise Spanish-language guided tours of Tbilisi's most iconic spots.