Secret Underground Printing House 17 Meters Below in Tbilisi

Around 2 PM, I visited the Underground Printing House Museum in the Avlabari district of Tbilisi by myself, and it truly felt like discovering a hidden gem! From the outside, it looks like an ordinary old house, but it turns out to be a historic site where young Stalin and his comrades carried out revolutionary activities between 1903 and 1906. It gave me chills!

🏠 Highlights of the Secret Printing House: A Complete Guide

Meeting Grandpa Soso: The museum caretaker, Grandpa Soso, is quite a character! He passionately explains everything in a mix of Russian and English, exuding a strong communist vibe. He even proudly showed me a 1987 edition of a Chinese textbook, which left a lasting impression.

The Mystery of the Well Entrance: The most fascinating part was that you can only descend underground through what looks like a regular well! There’s an empty bucket hanging from the edge, and the warm lighting creates an incredible atmosphere.

The 17-Meter-Deep Printing Press: As I descended the spiral staircase, I found an Augsburg printing press from 1893 standing proudly, albeit rusting. It’s amazing to think that this machine was used to secretly print revolutionary leaflets in Georgian, Russian, and Armenian!

💡 Tips for Visiting Around Lunchtime

Visiting at 2 PM is ideal as there are fewer tourists, and Grandpa Soso has more time to share personal stories. Especially if you visit alone, he provides more detailed explanations and allows you to take photos freely. You can even see original propaganda materials preserved in plastic sleeves, which really bring the historical atmosphere to life.

Recommended Exploration Order: Check out the well at the main house → Move to the underground printing room → Experience the lifestyle of the time in the wooden house → Chat with Grandpa Soso!

📸 Photo Spots: The underground printing room has soft lighting, perfect for atmospheric photos. Don’t miss the mysterious vibe of the well entrance either!

🚇 Practical Information

Admission Fee: 10 GEL (cash only, sometimes free!)

Opening Hours: 10 AM-6 PM (closed on weekends, visiting between 11 AM-4 PM is recommended)

Location: A 10-minute walk from 300 Aragveli Metro Station

Grandpa Soso’s contact information is posted on the door, so give him a call if he’s not around 😊