Mtatsminda (მთაწმინდა / Мтацминда) – Mamia Chorgolashvili (1979)

Rare Quadrilingual Guide to Tbilisi's Historic Holy Mountain

Discover one of the most iconic landmarks of Georgia through this beautifully produced Soviet-era publication. Mtatsminda by Mamia Chorgolashvili, published in Tbilisi in 1979 by Khelovneba, is a richly illustrated historical guide dedicated to Mtatsminda ("Holy Mountain"), one of the cultural and spiritual symbols of the Georgian capital.

Issued in a quadrilingual edition (Georgian, Russian, English, and German), the book was created for both local readers and international visitors, making it an outstanding reference for historians, travelers, collectors, and anyone interested in Georgian heritage.

Highlights

• Complete text presented in four languages: Georgian, Russian, English, and German.
• Detailed history of Mtatsminda, one of Tbilisi's most famous landmarks.
• Explores the history of St. David's (Mamadaviti) Church, one of the city's oldest religious sites.
• Extensive section devoted to the Mtatsminda Pantheon, the national cemetery where many of Georgia's greatest writers, artists, scientists, and public figures are buried.
• Includes historical notes on prominent personalities such as Ilia Chavchavadze, Akaki Tsereteli, Vazha-Pshavela, Alexandre Griboedov, and many others.
• Illustrated with numerous black-and-white photographs documenting monuments, architecture, memorials, churches, and panoramic views of Tbilisi.
• Attractive Soviet graphic design with multilingual title pages and elegant typography.
• Published in a limited edition of 10,000 copies.

Book Details

• Title: Mtatsminda (მთაწმინდა / Мтацминდა)
• Author: Mamia Chorgolashvili
• Publisher: Khelovneba, Tbilisi
• Year: 1979
• Language: Georgian, Russian, English & German
• Format: Hardcover
• Edition: 10,000 copies
• Country: USSR (Georgian SSR)

Condition

Very good vintage condition.

The hardcover binding remains strong and secure with light shelf wear consistent with age. Interior pages are clean, complete, and firmly bound, showing only natural age toning typical of late Soviet publications. Text and photographs remain clear and well preserved. Please refer to the photographs for the exact condition of this copy.

A wonderful collectible for enthusiasts of Georgian history, Tbilisi architecture, Soviet travel books, Caucasian culture, multilingual publications, and vintage illustrated guides.