9 April Park

9 April Park, formerly known as Alexanders Garden, is the oldest public park in Tbilisi, offering a quiet green space right in the center of the capital. Situated along Rustaveli Avenue, this historic park serves as a peaceful escape where giant old trees, winding paths, and stone fountains create a calm atmosphere away from the busy city streets. It is a place where locals come to read, play chess, and reflect on the major historical events that have unfolded along its borders.

The Royal History and Design

Before becoming a public space, this area was a large open field known as Kabakhi, used for military exercises and horse-racing tournaments. In 1859, the prominent architect Albert Salzmann designed the territory into Georgia's first European-style public garden. It officially opened to the public in 1865 and was named Alexander's Garden in honor of Russian Tsar Alexander II. The layout followed a classic symmetrical design, decorated with unique plants, elegant pavilions, and central fountains that remain key features of the park today.

A Symbol of Freedom and Remembrance

In modern history, the park is deeply connected to Georgia's struggle for independence. On April 9, 1989, Soviet troops brutally dispersed a peaceful anti-Soviet demonstration just outside the park, next to the Parliament building. This tragic event resulted in the deaths of 21 innocent people and injured hundreds. Exactly two years later, on April 9, 1991, Georgia declared its independence from the Soviet Union. To honor the victims and celebrate this turning point, the garden was officially renamed 9 April Park. Today, several monuments and a dedicated memorial stone stand inside the park to preserve the memory of those who fought for the nation's freedom.