Tbilisi

Founded in the 5th century AD by King Vakhtang Gorgasali, who discovered its warm sulfur springs, Tbilisi sits in a deep valley along the Kura River. Georgia's capital has been destroyed and rebuilt 29 times throughout its turbulent history at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Its sulfur baths, carved balconies, and ancient churches reflect Persian, Ottoman, and Russian influences layered over Georgian tradition.