Freedom Square, Tbilisi

Freedom Square, also known as Liberty Square, is a central location in Tbilisi, situated at the eastern end of Rustaveli Avenue. Originally named after Ivan Paskevich, a Ukrainian general in the Russian Imperial Army who conquered Erivan (now Yerevan) for the Russian Empire, the square underwent two name changes during the Soviet era, first becoming "Beria Square" and then "Lenin Square." However, it was given its current name in 1918 when the First Georgian Republic was established after the collapse of the Russian Empire.

Over the years, Freedom Square has witnessed numerous significant events and large-scale protests, including those advocating for Georgia's independence and the Rose Revolution. In 2005, it was the venue for a momentous gathering of approximately 100,000 people, where U.S. President George W. Bush and Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili addressed the crowd, commemorating the 60th anniversary of World War II's conclusion.

Adjacent to the northern side of Freedom Square is a small open space featuring a fountain and a bust of Alexander Pushkin. The area also held the burial site of the renowned communist figure Kamo (Simon Ter-Petrossian) until his remains were relocated to an undisclosed location.

Prominent structures surrounding the square include the Tbilisi City Assembly, the former headquarters of the Bank of Georgia, and the Courtyard by Marriott Tbilisi. During the Soviet era, a towering statue of Vladimir Lenin was erected in the square in 1956 but was symbolically dismantled in August 1991. Subsequently, on November 23, 2006, the Liberty Monument portraying St. George slaying the dragon, designed by renowned architect Zurab Tsereteli, was unveiled in the same location.