Bridge of Peace

The Bridge of Peace in Tbilisi links Erekle II Street with Rike Park like a light wave above the Kura River. Commissioned under Mikheil Saakashvili and opened on May 6, 2010, it became a symbol of the modern city. Italian architect Michele De Lucchi designed the bridge, and French designer Philippe Martinaud created the lighting system. It is 156 meters long and five meters wide. The deck contains 3,600 glass panels, the steel supports carry letters of the Georgian alphabet, and the structure is engineered for earthquakes and strong winds. At night, 30,000 LED lights transmit messages in Morse code based on the periodic table, a symbol of science. Views extend toward Metekhi Church and the monument to King Vakhtang Gorgasali on one side, and Rike Park and the Narikala cable car on the other. Depending on the angle, the bridge resembles a wave or an arrow, reflecting light across the water in Tbilisi's historic center.

The bridge is said to possess special magic: a wish for future travel made while crossing it will come true. Another legend interprets it as a symbol of unity because all people are made from the same elements. It is also seen as a bridge between Georgia's past and future.