Orbeliani Palace, Presidential residence in central Tbilisi, Georgia
The Orbeliani Palace is a late 19th-century building in central Tbilisi that now serves as Georgia's official presidential residence. The estate contains multiple reception halls with distinct architectural features, each used for different formal purposes.
The building dates from the late 1800s and was originally home to prominent members of the Orbeliani family. In the 1990s it served as the United States Embassy before being transformed into the presidential residence.
The Orbeliani family shaped intellectual life in Georgia across several generations, and their presence still marks the building today. Diplomatic guests who visit see the rooms arranged in ways that echo this family's role in the country's cultural world.
The palace underwent a major renovation in the 2010s and is now arranged for official visits and events. Visitors should check in advance about access, as the building is not open for everyday tours due to its active use as a working government residence.
One striking aspect is the connection to Georgia's first female academic intellectual, who had a dedicated room in the palace. This space today stands as a symbol of an important moment in the country's education history.
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