Friendship Monument
A striking circular monument built in 1983, offering breathtaking views of the Caucasus Mountains along the Georgian Military Highway.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Friendship Monument
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A striking circular monument built in 1983, offering breathtaking views of the Caucasus Mountains along the Georgian Military Highway.
"The monument offers breathtaking views of the Caucasus Mountains, a must-see on the Georgian Military Highway."
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The mountain scenery is incredible, especially with drone shots.
🚗 Road Trip Essential
Located on the Georgian Military Highway, it's a perfect stop for road trips.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Monument's Architecture
Main structure
A striking circular structure with colorful murals depicting Georgian and Russian history, built in 1983.
Breathtaking Mountain Vistas
Observation points
Offers panoramic views of the Caucasus Mountains, especially stunning when blanketed in snow.
FPV Drone Cinematic Views
Surrounding airspace
Experience the monument and landscape from a unique aerial perspective, often captured in stunning drone footage.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Georgian Military Highway Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The mountain scenery is incredible, especially with drone shots. 
🚗 Road Trip Essential
Located on the Georgian Military Highway, it's a perfect stop for road trips.
❄️ Winter Wonderland
Snowy landscapes make for a magical experience, but check road conditions.
🤝 Symbol of Friendship
Learn about its history celebrating Soviet Georgia and Soviet Russia.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The mountain scenery is incredible, especially with drone shots.
🚗 Road Trip Essential
Located on the Georgian Military Highway, it's a perfect stop for road trips.
❄️ Winter Wonderland
Snowy landscapes make for a magical experience, but check road conditions.
🤝 Symbol of Friendship
Learn about its history celebrating Soviet Georgia and Soviet Russia.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Friendship Monument for its striking architecture and the absolutely breathtaking panoramic views of the Caucasus Mountains it offers. It's considered a must-stop on the Georgian Military Highway, providing a unique historical and visual experience. Some minor issues can arise with accessibility or services, but the overall impression is overwhelmingly positive.
"The Soviet-Egyptian Friendship Monument.
Standing proudly near the Aswan High Dam, the Soviet-Egyptian Friendship Monument is a striking symbol of cooperation between Egypt and the former Soviet Union. Built in 1970 to commemorate the partnership that made the construction of the Aswan High Dam possible, the monument represents a historic alliance that transformed Egypt’s economy and infrastructure.
The monument rises 70 meters high and is shaped like a lotus flower, a design that holds deep cultural significance in Egypt as a symbol of rebirth and prosperity. Its five massive petals represent the five stages of friendship and development between the two nations. Inside the structure, visitors can climb to an observation deck offering panoramic views of the Nile, Lake Nasser, and the surrounding desert landscape.
The interior also features exhibits and murals that tell the story of the Aswan High Dam project, highlighting the engineering achievements and the human effort behind this monumental work. It serves as both an educational experience and a cultural reminder of a pivotal era in modern Egyptian history.
Today, the Soviet-Egyptian Friendship Monument is not only an architectural landmark but also a testament to the enduring impact of international cooperation in shaping Egypt’s future. It remains a must-visit site for travelers exploring Aswan."
Lefteris Stamatelatos
"Visiting the high dam without visiting this monument is a waste of time, in my opinion.
The Monument is a piece of Egyptian architecture. It carries the history of Egyptian and Soviet friendship and the history of the Cold War, for an additional ticket you can take an elevator to go to the top of the monument, the view there is magnificent, it is worth the visit, you can take a better look on the dam.
An experience I will never forget!
In my opinion, the best time to visit this place is in the summer BEFORE noon, as the weather is not that hard and there is literally no one there in the summer, in addition if you're going to Abu Simbel by car I suggest you to pass by on your way back, you won't regret it!"
Кarim Kibakin
"Maybe my experience wasn't so good.
Everything was fine on arrival, I took the ticket
Upon entering, I found a lot of students on a school trip, and to avoid the wait and the difficulty of standing in the sun to take the elevator up.
I went to the cafeteria, to rest and have a coffee, after the student delegation left, I went out and went straight to the place and took some pictures under the
I went to the elevator and it was closed. I went back to the office and they told me the technician was gone.
I asked if it was not right time for me to come, I was told no.
The technician in charge of opening the elevators has to be there until the end of his working hours, which he didn't do, he left before the time."
Abdellah Messaoudi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Friendship Monument is located on the Georgian Military Highway, about 2 hours north of Tbilisi, near Gudauri. The most common ways to visit are by renting a car, hiring a private driver, or as part of a guided tour. Many travelers stop here en route to Kazbegi.
The Georgian Military Highway is generally open year-round, but can be affected by heavy snowfall in winter. It's advisable to check road conditions, especially if traveling during the colder months.
Many visitors opt for a day trip from Tbilisi. Hiring a driver or joining a tour group are popular choices, allowing you to enjoy the scenic drive without worrying about navigation or road conditions.
Direct public transport to the monument is limited. Marshrutkas (minibuses) travel along the Georgian Military Highway, but you might need to arrange a local taxi for the final stretch or walk from a nearby stop.
The drive from Tbilisi to the Friendship Monument typically takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Friendship Monument itself is generally free. You can walk around the exterior and enjoy the views without purchasing a ticket.
While the monument is free to access, some visitors mention optional fees for specific activities or if you're part of a tour package. Parking is usually free.
The monument is an outdoor landmark and is accessible at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience and views.
Unlike some monuments, there isn't typically an option to climb to the top of the Friendship Monument in Georgia for panoramic views. The primary draw is the exterior architecture and the surrounding landscape.
There is no observation deck to climb at the Friendship Monument in Georgia. The views are enjoyed from the ground level and the surrounding viewpoints.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
The best photo spots are from the viewpoints surrounding the monument, offering wide shots of the structure against the mountain backdrop. Drone footage also captures unique perspectives.
Yes, the open space and stunning mountain scenery make it an excellent location for drone photography, capturing the monument and its surroundings from above.
You can expect breathtaking panoramic views of the Caucasus Mountains, the Gudauri ski resort area, and the winding Georgian Military Highway.
Absolutely! Many visitors highlight the spectacular mountain vistas as a major reason to stop at the monument, even if they are not particularly interested in its history.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the dramatic mountain scenery is always impressive.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main activities include admiring the monument's architecture, taking photos, and soaking in the stunning panoramic views of the Caucasus Mountains. It's a great stop for a short break during a road trip.
Most visitors spend between 30 minutes to an hour at the monument, primarily for photos and to enjoy the scenery. It's often a stop along a longer journey.
There are usually some basic facilities available near the monument, including small cafes or snack stands, especially during peak tourist seasons. Restrooms might be available at these spots.
The main viewing areas are generally accessible from the road. However, the terrain can be uneven, and there are no specific accessibility features like ramps or elevators for climbing.
The monument was built in 1983 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Treaty of Georgievsk and the enduring friendship between Soviet Georgia and Soviet Russia.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that the weather can change quickly in the mountains, so dress children in layers. The monument is an outdoor site, so ensure everyone has comfortable shoes for walking on potentially uneven ground. It's a good spot for a memorable family photo with a stunning natural backdrop.
🚗 Road Trippers & Photographers
+1Many travelers recommend using this stop for drone photography to capture the monument and its expansive surroundings from a unique perspective. The views are particularly stunning during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Even without a drone, the panoramic vistas provide ample material for memorable shots. It's an ideal place to stretch your legs, grab a quick snack, and capture some iconic Georgian scenery.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Symbol of Soviet History
+1Visually, the monument is a striking circular structure adorned with colorful murals. These artworks depict scenes from Georgian and Russian history, reflecting the narrative of shared heritage and cooperation promoted by the Soviet Union. The monument's location on a cliff along the Georgian Military Highway adds to its dramatic presence, offering a unique vantage point for both the structure and the surrounding landscape.
While its historical context is rooted in Soviet ideology, today the monument stands as a significant landmark on a popular tourist route, drawing visitors for its unique architecture and the spectacular mountain scenery it overlooks. It serves as a visual reminder of a complex historical relationship and a testament to the enduring appeal of the Caucasus region.
+1The Scenic Georgian Military Highway
+1Traveling this route provides a journey through Georgia's rich history and diverse landscapes. Along the way, you'll encounter other notable sites such as the Zhinvali Reservoir, Ananuri Fortress, and the ski resort town of Gudauri. The highway is an engineering marvel, built in the 19th century, and it continues to be a vital artery connecting Georgia with its northern neighbor.
For travelers, the Georgian Military Highway is more than just a way to get from point A to point B; it's an adventure in itself. The Friendship Monument serves as a perfect midpoint or a destination highlight, offering a moment to pause, appreciate the scale of the mountains, and reflect on the historical narratives embedded in the landscape.
+1
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