Dry Bridge in Tbilisi
Dry Bridge in Tbilisi is one of the places that tourists love to visit. There is a flea market on the bridge where collectors of antique items can find something interesting for their collection. The market emerged in the early 1990s after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The tradition of selling unwanted household items has been preserved to this day.
History of the Dry Bridge
The bridge was built in 1851 according to the design by Giovanni Scudieri. The bridge spanned a branch of the Kura River, which was later drained in 1933. Nowadays, a busy road passes under the bridge.
Initially, the bridge was called the Vorontsov Bridge or the Small Mikhailovsky Bridge. In the early 20th century, it was renamed the Nikolayevsky Bridge, and during the Soviet period, it was known as the Small Karl Marx Bridge.
After the drainage of the river branch, the bridge gained the nickname "Dry Bridge," which has stuck for many years.
What can be purchased at the flea market
At the flea market on Dry Bridge, you can find a wide variety of items. Sellers usually display their goods right on the ground, using a tarp or a blanket as a makeshift display area.
Among the clutter, you can uncover real treasures such as valuable paintings, antique cameras, and more. The market is known to attract experts in paintings, cold weapons, and other items.
Collectors of antique items can find:
musical instruments;
vintage cameras;
cold weapons (knives, daggers, etc.);
sheet music (including antique ones);
household items (pitchers, cups, teapots, samovars, etc.);
various copper products (cups, candle holders, plates), crystal items (from vases and glasses to chandelier shades);
national souvenirs (Swan hats and Caucasian wine horns);
ancient coins, medals, paintings, and much more.
The prices of the goods vary greatly. The cost of some items may be inflated, but you might unexpectedly find what you need at a low price.
Additionally, you can also sell antique items at the flea market, but you need to be careful as not every seller will offer you a fair price.
Working Hours
The flea market operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Sellers are present every day. On weekends (especially closer to 11:00 AM), there is usually a larger selection of goods, and you may be able to negotiate a slightly lower price as sellers aim to sell their items quickly.
How to Get There
You can reach the Dry Bridge flea market by:
Taxi (this option is more expensive but faster and more convenient);
Bus (buses number 20, 23, and 95 go to the market);
Metro (You can take the metro to the "Rustaveli" or "Freedom Square" stations and walk to the bridge).
