Puris Moedani, one of the most distinctive spots in Tbilisi’s Old Quarter, located in the Lower Kala district, is now thriving with renewed purpose. Originally built in the mid-19th century as a residential building on the northeastern corner of Puris Moedani (Bread Square), it has been transformed into a boutique hotel as part of a project by Landmarker Group.
The restoration aimed to preserve the building’s architectural and urban identity as faithfully as possible, while adapting it to meet the standards of modern hospitality.
Restoration Approach
The restoration work prioritized the preservation of the building’s original architectural elements. The core structure was left intact — including the wooden clover-arched balcony, ornate columns, and inner courtyard balconies. All interventions were carried out using historically accurate materials and layouts to maintain the building’s authenticity and cultural value.
Special attention was given to details characteristic of 19th-century Tbilisi architecture. For example, the balconies and enclosed verandas (shushabandi) were restored using techniques and materials closely aligned with the original, including moucharaby-style details.
The Importance of Historical Context
Puris Moedani is an organic part of Tbilisi’s urban fabric, forming a continuous chain with other key historical squares such as Abas-Abadi (now Gudiashvili), Jerusalem, and Gorgasali Squares. These areas emerged in the 19th century as important trade and transportation hubs, while Puris Moedani itself served as a center for bread and flour trade — a function that gives the square its name.
The square’s significance lies in both its urban layout and the architectural value of the surrounding buildings. In this context, the structures registered as Buildings No. 1 and No. 2 are exemplary models of Old Tbilisi’s residential architecture. Rather than being replaced, they required careful adaptation to meet modern needs — all while preserving their cultural identity.
Integration with Modern Use
As a result of the restoration, the building was carefully adapted to function as a hotel without altering its original scale or disrupting its proportions within the square. Modern engineering and communication systems were installed with minimal interference in the historic structure. The interior layout was designed for guest comfort, while preserving the architectural rhythm, original window arrangement, and the structure of the wooden balconies facing the courtyard.
The interior spaces not only follow the historical structure but also reflect the cultural diversity of 19th-century Tbilisi. European elements, Eastern details, and Georgian architectural features blend naturally, creating a unique fusion — a contemporary space rooted in heritage and identity.
Landmarker Group’s approach is grounded in a responsible vision for the preservation and revitalization of architectural heritage. The Puris Moedani Hotel project goes far beyond the modernization of a single building — it contributes to restoring the square’s overall urban identity and supporting the sustainable tourism development of the entire area.
