Meliton Kantaria Monument

The bust of Meliton Kantaria stands in Kikvidze Park in northern Tbilisi, honoring the Georgian sergeant who raised the Victory Banner over the Reichstag in May 1945. Set among walkways and memorials, it is a modest Soviet-era tribute that invites reflection on World War II and Georgia’s 20th-century memory.

Historical Context & Significance

Kantaria was born in Jvari in 1920 and served in the 150th Rifle Division. Together with Mikhail Yegorov and Alexei Berest he is credited with hoisting the Soviet flag over Berlin at the war’s end. After demobilization he lived in Abkhazia, later became a deputy of the Supreme Soviet of the Georgian SSR, and died in Moscow in 1993.

In Georgia his legacy was rehabilitated after independence. The school in Jvari where he is buried now bears his name, and in 2016 a bust was unveiled in Kikvidze Park on the initiative of the veterans’ organization Heirs of Victory. The site is part of a wider memorial zone dedicated to soldiers who fought in World War II and later conflicts.

Architecture & Hidden Details to Look For

The bust is cast in bronze and placed on a stone pedestal with inscriptions in Georgian. Look for:

• The uniform details and the calm, realistic portrait style typical of late Soviet memorial sculpture.
• The small plaque noting the date of unveiling and the veterans’ group behind it.
• The surrounding alley of memorials, including the large Memorial to the Fallen Fighters for Georgia’s Territorial Integrity, which dominates the park’s upper terrace.

Visitor Information & How to Get There

Kikvidze Park lies in the Didube district, off Giorgi Chkondideli Street. Access is by paved city roads suitable for any sedan. Street parking is available along Chkondideli and adjacent side streets, with more space on weekdays in the morning.

The bust stands on a flat, paved walkway inside the park. The approach from the main entrance is a short, level walk of about 3–5 minutes. Paths are well maintained and accessible for strollers and wheelchairs in dry weather.

Practical Travel Tips for Respectful Tourism

• The park is a place of remembrance. Keep noise low near memorials and avoid climbing on pedestals.
• Best light for photos is in the morning or late afternoon. Free entry at all times.
• Combine the stop with a quiet walk through the park’s pine alleys and the veterans’ memorial complex.
• Bring water in summer; shade is limited around the open plaza.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entrance fee?

No. Kikvidze Park is public and open 24/7. No tickets are required.

Can I see other war memorials nearby?

Yes. The same park holds the tall memorial to fallen Georgian soldiers and several smaller plaques. They are all within a 5–10 minute walk of Kantaria’s bust.

Is photography allowed?

Yes. Photography for personal use is fine. Be respectful if ceremonies or families are present.

What to See Nearby

• Memorial to the Fallen Fighters for Georgia’s Territorial Integrity – the park’s central monument.
• Didube Pantheon – a short drive away, with graves of notable Georgian cultural figures.
• Tbilisi Sea and Chronicle of Georgia – about 15 minutes by car north of the park, with panoramic views.