Memorial of Glory (Gmirebi)

Set on the central axis of Vake Park, the Memorial of Glory, known locally as Gmirebi, honors Georgians who died in World War II. The complex combines Soviet modernist concrete forms, commemorative sculpture and an open plaza with views over the park, and it remains one of Tbilisi’s most recognizable 20th-century monuments.

Historical Context & Significance

Vake Park opened in 1946 on a former glider airfield and was called Victory Park from 1957 to 1992. The memorial ensemble was built in 1981 as the park’s ideological and spatial centre. Sculptor Giorgi Ochiauri worked with architects Vladimir Aleksi-Meskhishvili, Kiazо Nakhutsrishvili and Otar Litanishvili on a composition that included a cascade of fountains, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with an eternal flame, and a female figure symbolizing Victory. The site reflects the Soviet culture of remembrance and was a venue for official ceremonies on 9 May. Today it functions as a public space for quiet reflection and as a document of Tbilisi’s urban layering, set inside the city’s most popular recreational park.

The Central Ensemble and What Remains

Parts of the original sculptural group have been damaged or moved over time. What survives is the strong geometry of the terraces, the flame platform and several expressive reliefs. The contrast between the raw concrete and the park’s mature trees is intentional and is best read from the upper terrace looking back toward Chavchavadze Avenue.

Architecture & Hidden Details to Look For

• Sharp geometric volumes in poured concrete that change tone with the sun.
• Exaggerated, expressive faces and hands typical of late Soviet monumental art.
• Inscriptions and small carvings at the base of the steles that are easy to miss from a distance.
• The axial alignment with the park’s main stairway, which ties the memorial to the entrance and to the city below.

Visitor Information & How to Get There

The memorial sits at the top of Vake Park. Access is via the main park entrance from Ilia Chavchavadze Avenue. Roads inside the park are paved and suitable for a standard sedan. Parking is available near the lower entrance; from there it is a 10–15 minute uphill walk on wide, paved alleys with some steps. The final approach is on foot. No 4x4 is needed and the route is manageable for strollers with assistance.

Practical Travel Tips for Respectful Tourism

• Keep voices low; the site is a war memorial.
• Do not climb on sculptures or the flame platform.
• Early morning and late afternoon give softer light for photos and fewer crowds.
• Bring water in summer; the upper terrace is exposed.
• Combine the visit with a slow loop through the park’s pine alleys.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the eternal flame still lit?

The flame is lit on commemorative dates. On ordinary days the bronze burner remains a focal point of the composition.

Can you drive right up to the memorial?

No. Vehicles stop at the lower park area. The last section is pedestrian only, on paved paths with a gentle incline.

Is the site suitable for children?

Yes. The plaza is open and safe, but keep children away from the flame structure and the edges of the terraces.

What to See Nearby

• Vake Park playgrounds, open-air cinema and cafes.
• Turtle Lake and the cable car that links it with the park.
• Open Air Museum of Ethnography on the hill above the lake.