Located at the intersection of Europe and Asia, Georgia is a country defined by the scope of its history and the dramatic diversity of its landscapes. This is where the Caucasus Mountains meet subtropical Black Sea coastlines and where ancient stone fortresses stand alongside vibrant modern architecture.
Today, Google Street View for Georgia is live on Google Maps and Google Earth in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia and the Innovation and Technology Agency.
Documentation of 13,000 kilometers of living heritage
Capturing Georgia’s unique geography required navigating complex mountain passes, modern coastal hubs and historic urban centers. Working closely with local authorities, we brought some of Georgia’s most unique cultural and geographic landmarks to Google Maps, including:
- Cradle of wine: Georgia is home to an 8,000-year-old winemaking tradition. The new images show Telavi, the historic heart of the Kakheti region, where vineyards still use traditional clay pots called qvevriwhich is buried underground to ferment wine.
- The guarded peaks of the Caucasus (Mestia and Svaneti): Travel virtually into the Svaneti region, one of Europe’s highest inhabited areas. Here, the unique medieval stone towers of Ushguli stand against a dramatic backdrop of jagged, snow-capped peaks. Built between the 9th and 13th centuries, these towers are a testament to the robust mountaineer culture that preserved its identity for centuries in near isolation.
- Mtskheta’s spiritual architecture: See the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mtskheta, Georgia’s ancient capital and spiritual heart. Located at the scenic confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, it is home to historic medieval churches, including the Jvari Monastery, the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, and the Samtavro Church and Monastery.
- Layers of urban development (Tbilisi and Kutaisi): Walk the winding cobbled streets of Old Tbilisi to see its colorful wooden balconies, natural sulfur baths and the ancient Narikala Fortress. Cross the Peace Bridge, which connects the historic old town with the modern Rike Park. Explore Kutaisi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, which served as a cultural bridge between the Byzantine Empire and the Silk Road; today it is Georgia’s technology hub.
- The coastal subtropics of Batumi: Consider the rugged mountain terrain contrasted with the striking hyper-modern and heritage architecture, lush botanical gardens and palm-lined boulevards along the Black Sea coast of Adjara.
- A scenic road trip through the highlands: Take the winding roads that cut through Georgia’s dramatic mountains, navigate the breathtaking drive over Goderdzi Pass or Jvari Pass and enjoy the panoramic views from more than 2,000 meters above sea level. As you trace these ancient routes at high altitude, stop to explore the Ananuri Fortress and the Khertvisi Fortress, which display a stunning mix of designs over the centuries.