“Anton’s Tower” in Garikula
Garikula is located in the Kaspi district of central Georgia, a place known for its remarkably beautiful landscapes. It is a well-known destination among artists and is frequently visited by students of the Tbilisi State Academy of Arts for practice and study.
The tower was built according to Anton’s architectural sketch, which is notable for the way it relates a small bridge, the slope, and the three-storey structure within a single composition. Its placement within the landscape is also distinctive; because of its silhouette, locals sometimes refer to it—half jokingly—as ‘Anton’s church’.
The concept was brought into reality by the builder Roland, an experienced local stone craftsman. He was the only one capable of turning a sketch like this into reality, given the budget conditions of that period. During the construction period, he and his daughter, the beautiful and kind Mari, often visited the site. Since both father and daughter have now passed into another world, we wish to remember these remarkable, dignified, and beloved individuals with heartfelt gratitude.
Roland, a builder, at work on the tower roof
An inset created by Anton Balanchivadze in the tower, carved into what is presumably a 1st-century Pompeian brick. A free interpretation of a fresco described by art historian Privalova, depicting a 10th-century figure from the church of Phavnisi, originally located on the western wall.
An arch bridge under construction, functioning as access to the tower’s second floor
A fragment of a ruined sculpture in Garikula, formerly standing in front of the tower
“A collaborative work by sculptor Irakli Tzuladze and Anton Balanchivadze.
The sculpture is based on an original sketch created specifically for this piece and cast in bronze.”
