A brief history: This city is in the running for both oldest and newest in Georgia as perplexing as that may sound. Believed to date back to the 4th century, Leonti Mroveli, 11th century chronicler, included Rustavi within his “Georgian Chronicles.” Unfortunately the ancient city was mangled into ruins by Turco-Mongol conqueror Timur during his invasion of Georgia in the late 14th century. Re-development of Rustavi recently occurred, courtesy of the Stalin industrialization process. With its metallurgical plant stealing the show, the city was of great import that is until the fall of the Soviet regime and therefore economy. Rustavi rusted away in unemployment and factory shutdowns.
Currently this is a commuter city tied to Tbilisi. Marshrutkas run throughout the day from Didube station in Tbilisi and will have you there in just an hour for < 5 GEL.
Captivated by Soviet architecture? Cement this appreciation with a visit to Rustavi, a city half composed of towering, yet colorful, 7 storied, concrete housing blocks on the new (Akhali) side. Whereas the old (Dzveli) side, lying just across the Mtkari River, completely contradicts the Khrushchyovka style housing blocks showcasing instead ornate Stalinist architecture.
A Thought on Food
Duman Cafe
This Turkish cafe is probably decent enough, but I’d recommend you try elsewhere.
I did experience a comedic ordering process as no one spoke English. Instead I spoke dreadful German to a man from the streets who then translated to Georgian. I applaud their dedication to ensure appropriate translation. I successfully ordered a Georgian salad which came out looking anything but fresh and garnished with a hair. As a shedder, the tomato quality was of bigger issue to me. On the upside, they were saintly for moving me next to the only fan as that Georgian heat is deadly.
Rustavi appears to have quite a lot of options, so go fish.
A Place to Drink in Rustavi
Cafune
Craving a cold one? Aren’t we all. A not so secret garden awaits you. Grab a beer from the friendly staff and swing yourself into serenity on one of the hammocks. Earthy art displays cover the walls and the air is filled with popular pop notes.
Things to do in Rustavi
It pays off to have a plan in this city as the walk between Old and New Rustavi is about 4.4 km (2.5 miles). Offering museums, parks, the main square and plant, Old Rustavi is your tourist trap. I’d recommend starting there and ending in New Rustavi where you can catch a marshrutka back to Tbilisi. If you’re still recovering from leg day, flag down a #1 or #14 marshrutka which run between the two areas for 50 tetri.
Metallurgical Plant
The first fully integrated metallurgical complex within the Caucasus came to life in 1948. Rustavi was selected due to the presence of raw material as well as proximity to existing oil fields. Location, location location! 1999 was not so fine, ending in factory closure. With an ongoing fix, starting in 2006, the factory was privately purchased and is working towards modernization.
Unfortunately, visitors are unable to tour the premises, but the building’s exterior mosaics are worth a peek.
Historic Museum
The city’s own archaeological treasure box filled with objects ranging from XVIII c. BC to XVIII AD.
- Open 1000 – 1800; Closed Monday
- 1 GEL for adults & 50 tetri for students
- Free for kids under 7, people with disabilities as well as refugees.
Park of Culture and Rest
Take a slow stroll around the lake and visit the Rustavi fortress, the sole survivor of Timur’s invasion.
Metallurg Stadium
Walk along these stadium walls and feast your eyes on an array of street art.
