Travel in Abkhazia
Gergeti Trinity Church or Holy Trinity Church
The church is now an active establishment of the Georgian Orthodox and Apostolic Church
The church is a popular waypoint for trekkers in the area, and can be reached by a steep 3 hour climb up the mountain, or around 30 minutes by jeep up a rough mountain trail.
The Mount Kazbek found the climb to Gergeti Trinity Church spectacular but challenging. The dormant stratovolcano is a mountaineers delight with a prominence of 7,720 feet that is relatively easy to access, making Georgia’s third-highest mountain the perfect pairing of accessible and challenging among the legendarily rugged Caucasus range.
In the face of such astounding beauty, Gergeti Trinity’s modest exterior suddenly becomes all the more breathtaking for its simplicity, made all the more so for the benevolence of its residents taking in those sometimes strident folk who seem hellbent on following in the footsteps of castigated heroes they’ve long-since cast aside.
Near the village of Gergeti, outside the town of Stephantsminda, in Georgia, lies the isolated Gergeti Trinity Church.
Also called the Holy Trinity Church, it sits on top of a mountain near Mount Kazbegi, one of the highest and most beautiful peaks of Caucasus. But for the long times it had served as a popular waypoint for travelers on the road connecting Russia and Georgia.
Gergeti Trinity Church is above Stepantsminda and thus it seems an impossible experience to climb up to it, but in fact ascent goes quite easy taking only an hour walk up the serpentine road and a thorny forest. Those who prefer not to walk can rent a car with a driver who will ride you up there in 10 minutes. Very often it happens that alpinists conquering the peak spend the night near the church to become acclimatized to new conditions.
The architecture in the Gergeti Trinity Church is a traditional one for Georgia, although it is the only cupola church in the northern part of Georgia. A small bell tower is situated near the church, decorated with few bas-reliefs. The church itself is quite simple: only bas-reliefs and ordinary patterns decorate the massive stone blocs and the windows almost don’t let any light creating mysterious twilight. Unfortunately, it is not allowed to take photographs of the church interior.
Jvari Monastery
Jvari Monastery stands on the rocky mountaintop at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, overlooking the town of Mtskheta, which was formerly the capital of the Kingdom of Iberia.
Jvari was listed together with other monuments of Mtskheta in 1994 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
However, over the centuries the structures suffered damage from rain and wind erosion and inadequate maintenance. Jvari was listed in the 2004 World Monuments Watch list by the World Monuments Fund.
Greatly deteriorated from centuries of water damage, violent regional conflicts, and inadequate maintenance, Jvari Monastery was included on the 2006 World Monuments Watch. Missing its roof, the interior mosaics and frescoes of the small church have been largely destroyed by the elements. Heavy pressure from the upper walls and dome threaten the Great Church’s structural stability, while acid rain and strong winds had eroded the exterior bas-reliefs. In the late 1980s, restoration works on the small church were halted for fear of endangering the authenticity of the church.
Located on the hill top near the town Mtskheta.The harmonious relationship between the landscape, architectural forms and divisions, the well-thought-out disposition of decorative elements and splendid relieves carved on big slabs of a stone give the south and east walls special expressiveness. Among the reliefs of the east wall are found the portraits of the kings who built the church. Included in UNESCO world heritage sights, the monument is still used for major celebrations.
Driving distance from Tbilisi is 19 km (20 min).
The Jvari Monastery, or Monastery of the Cross, is one of the oldest in the Caucasus. It is believed to have been built on the spot where St. Nino established the area’s first mission, setting up a cross big enough so that the whole town could see it. The current monastery dates back to around 600 AD, but the original building wasn’t much older. The architecture of the monastery’s church is an almost fortress-like design that borrowed from the Byzantine style and which later served as a prototype for many of the churches and monasteries of the Caucasus. Although the church is still standing, much of the outer monasterial compound is now a ruin.
Uplistsikhe
Uplistsikhe is an ancient rock-hewn town in eastern Georgia, some 10 kilometers east of the town of Gori, Shida Kartli. Built on a high rocky left bank of the Mtkvari River. The Uplistsikhe complex can tentatively be divided into three parts: south (lower), middle (central) and north (upper) covering an area of approximately 8 hectares. The middle part is the largest, contains a bulk of the Uplistsikhe rock-cut structures, and is connected to the southern part via a narrow rock-cut pass and a tunnel. Narrow alleys and sometimes staircases radiate from the central "street" to the different structures.
The majority of the caves are devoid of any decorations, although some of the larger structures have coffered tunnel-vaulted ceilings, with the stone carved in imitation of logs. Some of the larger structures also have niches in the back or sides, which may have been used for ceremonial purposes.
This fascinating and once enormous cave city sits 10km east of Gori above the north side of the Mtkvari River, with expansive views along the Mtkvari valley.
The name Uplistsike means "the fortress of the Lord". It began its history in the Iron Age, second millennium BC. Back then, the complex was a very important cultural center for pagan worship in the Kartli (Iberia) region. Among the ruins, one can find the Hellenistic amphitheater, the pagan temple with an opening in the roof and smaller chambers that seem to have been homes. All the structures were carved out of sandstone rock. Not much is left nowadays from the grandeur of the place, but it's easy to imagine how magnificent and great it once must have been. On the top of the hill, above the ancient settlement, after the introduction of Christianity, a three-naval basilica was built in the ninth century AD. It is still open until this day. The decline of Uplistsikhe began in the twelfth century after Mongol invasions, although it was still functioning for the next few centuries to follow.
Mount Kazbek
Mount Kazbek is a dormant stratovolcano and one of the major mountains of the Caucasus located on the border of Georgia's Kazbegi District and Russia's Republic of North Ossetia–Alania.
Kazbek is located on the Khokh Range, a mountain range which runs north of the Greater Caucasus Range, and which is pierced by the gorges of the Ardon and the Terek. At its eastern foot runs the Georgian Military Road through the pass of Darial 2,378 meters
The region is highly active tectonically, with numerous small earthquakes occurring at regular intervals. An active geothermal/hot spring system also surrounds the mountain. Kazbek is a potentially active volcano, built up of trachyte and sheathed with lava, and has the shape of a double cone, whose base lies at an altitude of 1,770 meters (5,800 feet). Kazbek is the highest of the volcanic cones of the Kazbegi volcanic group which also includes Mount Khabarjina
Mt. Kazbek is situated in the East of the main Caucaus range. It is the dormant volcano, last explosion occurred in 650 B.C.
There are two routes leading to the summit of Kazbek: from the Russian and from the Georgian side. We organize climbing expeditions from the Georgian side since this route is easier to access and gives chance to climb even for the novices without previous mountaineering experience. The only requirement to the participants is to be in the good shape. Your guide will teach you how to use an ice-axe, crampons and the rope.
Tbilisi Open Air Museum of Ethnography
Georgian National Museum Giorgi Chitaia Open Air Museum of Ethnography invites you on the presentation of revived Kakhetian House. Visitors of Ethnographic Museum will have opportunity to learn more about 19th century Megrelian "Sajalabo House", during demonstration of traditional lifestyle.Open Air Museum of Ethnography presents photo exhibition "Multicultural Georgia".is an open-air museum in Tbilisi, Georgia, displaying the examples of folk architecture and craftwork from various regions of the country.
Krubera Cave
is the deepest-known cave on Earth. It is located in the Arabika Massif of the Gagra Range of the Western Caucasus, in the Gagra district of Abkhazia, a breakaway region of Georgia. The Arabika Massif, the home of Krubera (Voronya) Cave, is one of the largest high-mountain limestone karst massifs in the Western Caucasus. It is composed of Lower Cretaceous and Upper Jurassic limestones that dip continuously southwest to the Black Sea and plunge below the modern sea level.Krubera Cave is located at 2,256 m above sea level in the Ortobalagan Valley, a perfectly shaped, relatively shallow, glacial trough of the sub-Caucasian stretch, which holds the advanced position in the Arabika's central sector relative to the seashore.
Cutting a jagged path through the limestone of the Arabika massif on the edge of the Black Sea, the “trail” to Krubera Cave drops down a chain of pitches, cascades, and pits—some more than 100 meters (328 feet) deep—connected by narrow rift passages called meanders. The cave, located in the separatist region of Abkhazia, was named after Russian geologist Alexander Kruber. In 1960 researchers from the Republic of Georgia explored it to a depth of 90 meters (295 feet). Two decades later, I organized a series of expeditions to investigate new deep caves, using dye traces in cave streams to probe Arabika’s potential depth. In 2001 a team led by Ukrainian Yuri Kasjan set a world record in the cave of 1,710 meters (5,610 feet). Last July a Moscow-based team extended that to 1,775 meters. Our hope was to find a path past 2,000 meters (6,562 feet).
Gonio Fortress
Gonio fortress is a Roman fortification in Adjara, Georgia, on the Black Sea, 15 km south of Batumi, at the mouth of the Chorokhi river. The village sits 4 km north of the Turkish border.The name derives from one of the characters of the myth of the Argonauts (Apsaros = brother of Medea). The earliest archeological layers date back to the 8th and 7th century BC. A cemetery of the 5th century BC, south of the castle, was established by the Colchic kingdom (one of the Georgian kingdoms). Plinius II was the first to mention Apsirtus in the 1st century AD. In the second half of the 1st AD, the high walls were built. Gonio became a center of roman culture and imperial power (with up to 1500 soldiers) until the 4th century, featuring a theater and a hippodrome. In the mid 6th century, Gonio became a byzantine stronghold, in the 12th century a part of the Georgian kingdom. In the 16th century, an ottoman garrison was stationed in Gonio. After the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-78 Gonio became Georgian again. The total length of the fortress walls is 900 meters. Gonio fortress is a well preserved Roman fortification in Ajara, on the Black sea coast. Located on the left bank of the River Chorokhi the fortress is 12 km south of Batumi and just 4 km from the border with Turkey. The site is believed to hold the tomb of the Apostle Mathew – one of Christ’s disciples – but has yet to be fully excavated. The fortress is rectangular (195/245 meters) with a gate on each side but only the western gate is open. There are a total of 18 towers along the walls, including 4 main towers at each corner of the fortress. The site is closely connected to the myth of the Argonauts. According to legend, this is the place where king Ayet, the owner of the Golden Fleece, buried his son Apsaros, whose body was dismembered and thrown into the sea by Jason. The fortress is located in Gonio village, Khelvachauri municipality, in Ajara. Distance from Batumi – 12 km; Distance from Tbilisi – 380 km.
Dadiani Palace
Is a Georgian national museum located in Zugdidi, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region, Georgia. The Dadiani Palaces History and Architecture Museum is considered to be one of the most eminent palaces in Caucasus.The museum complex includes: palaces of the Samegrelo queen Ekaterine Chavchavadze-Dadiani and Prince Niko Dadiani, court church, and the botanic garden. In 1850 Prince David Dadiani organized museum in the palace and displayed unique numismatic materials from the present day village Nokalakevi, the antique period town and Dadiani family collections of medieval European armor and weapons, ethnographic objects and fine art.
Zugdidi is located in Samegrelo region of Western Georgia 327km from Tbilisi. Tourists mostly pass it when traveling to Mestia or Abkhazia (Abkhazia can be legally reached only through village Rukhi -10km from Zugdidi). The name “Zugdidi” means “big/great hill” in Laz and Mingrelian. Main Architectural sight of this city is the Dadiani Palace museum, built in 19th century. There are also an old Botanical Garden (Queen’s garden/alley) near the Palace. Napoleon’s death mask is on display in the Dadiani Palace Museum in Zugdidi, but the main treasure of this museum is a Shroud of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Museum is open every day, except Monday 10:00AM-5:00 pm. Entrance fee – 2 GEL.
There is small black sea resort town Anaklia near Zugdidi which can be visited on the way from Svaneti. It’s located at the place where the Enguri River (Inguri) flows into the Black Sea, near the administrative border with Abkhazia. Anaklia as a resort was established recently: there was some construction projects, renovations, new hotels were built, etc. There are both budget homestays as well as expensive 4-star hotels. There are several overpriced restaurants but you can still find a place to eat some real spicy Megrelian food. Worth mentioning that Caucasus mountains can be seen perfectly in a clear weather directly from the sea coast. Music festival GemFest is held in Anaklia every summer.
You can get to Zugdidi via train. Also Minibuses (marshutka) leave from Tbilisi every hour. There is a minibus to Anaklia from Zugdidi also regularly too.
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
Is an Eastern Orthodox cathedral located in the historic town of Mtskheta, Georgia, to the northwest of the Georgian capital Tbilisi. A masterpiece of the Early Middle Ages, Svetitskhoveli is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It is currently the second largest church building in Georgia, after the Holy Trinity Cathedral.
In front of the altar there is the burial place of Georgian rulers including Vakhtang Gorgasali, the founder of Tbilisi; Irakli II, the king of Kahetia; the rulers of Bagrationi dynasty and others. Even in the Middle Ages Mitskheta was the heart of Georgian church. Since then traditionally all major church ceremonies including the enthronement of the Catholicos-Patriarch are held in Svetitskhoveli Temple. The historic churches of Mtskheta, former capital of Georgia, are outstanding examples of medieval religious architecture in the Caucasus. They show the high artistic and cultural level attained by this ancient kingdom.
Samtavro
Samtavro Transfiguration Orthodox Church and Nunnery of St. Nino in Mtskheta, Georgia, were built in the 4th century by King Mirian III of Iberia. The church was reconstructed in the 11th century by King George I and Catholicos-Patriarch Melkisedek. The famous Georgian monk Gabriel is buried in the yard of Samtavro Church. Driving distance from Tbilisi is 20 km (15 min). Located in the north-western corner of Mtskheta on Stalin Street, only a five-minute drive from Sveti-tskhoveli, the Samtavro complex comprises four edifices. The Samtavro nunnery stands on the site of Georgia's first church, which is now a royal residence and administrative centre.
Joseph Stalin Museum, Gori
Untouched since the fall of the Soviet Union, this amazing time capsule glorifies the life of Joseph Stalin. Joseph Stalin Museum is a museum in Gori, Georgia dedicated to the life of Joseph Stalin, the leader of the Soviet Union, who was born in Gori. The Museum retains its Soviet-era characteristics. For one I learned that the Stalin museum is possibly one of the strangest places I’ve been to! Not because the museum is dedicated to a man responsible for millions of deaths during his time of ruling, but because the museum doesn’t speak of that part of his life. At all.
Art Museum of Georgia
Shalva Amiranashvili Museum of Fine Arts, is one of the leading museums in the country of Georgia. Falling under the umbrella of the Georgian National Museum, AMG is located near Freedom Square, Tbilisi and possesses around 140,000 items of Georgian, Oriental, Russian, and other European art. The spacious rooms of the museum building house the permanent collection, consisting of sections of Georgian, Oriental, Russian, and European art.
The most important of the museum’s collections is naturally that of Georgian art, illustrating the development of the national artistic culture over many centuries from ancient times to the present. The Oriental section comes next in its size and importance, and is one of the largest in the post-Soviet countries. Pieces of Persian fine arts, particularly Qajar art, is probably the most significant part of the Oriental collection. It includes several miniatures of Persian court artists – images of court beauties, and portraits of shahs and noblemen. he Simon Janashia Museum of Georgia presents the Exhibition "New Life to the Oriental Collections" exhibition will present masterpieces of oriental collection preserved at Sh. Amiranashvili Museum of Fine Arts of Georgian National Museum. Georgian National Museum and Korneli Kekelidze National Centre of Manuscripts invite you to the exhibition "Medieval Treasury" in the new exhibition space of Simon Janashia Museum of Georgia.
The Museum of Georgia, the Museum of Fine Arts and the National Gallery are located in the center of Tbilisi – on Shota Rustaveli avenue. All three museums are integrated in Georgia’s major museum network – the Georgian National Museum. The major museum of network is probably Museum of Georgia. The Museum of Georgia is located in Tbilisi city center – on the Shota Rustaveli Avenue. Museum is easily accessible by public transportation (bus or metro costs less than 1USD) or taxi (2USD from central districts, 5$ from suburbs).
The Museum of Fine Arts, situated in the heart of Tbilisi, is housed in the building of former theological seminary. The museum displays Georgia’s medieval history – collection of Christian Treasury is a must-see for those interested in Georgian arts and culture. The Museum is open daily from 10 am to 6:45 pm. Closed on Mondays. The entry costs 2$ and children under 6 enter for free. Guided tours are offered in English and Russian and cost 8-10$.
Visitors of the National Gallery can enjoy fascinating collections of Georgian paintings and sculpture; among them is the largest collection of Niko Pirosmani’ works, which is equally interesting and amusing for adults as well as for children. Guided tours are offered in Georgian, Russian and English languages.
Obviously, when you decide to travel to Tbilisi, you cannot avoid visiting its historical centre. Exactly there, in a pedestrian district of narrow medieval streets, is located the Tbilisi History Museum. This former caravansary building, which is surrounded by dozens of open-air cafes, is tourists’ favorite attraction: some find interesting the city history on display; others enjoy visiting small, fascinating studios and shops of local arts & crafts and souvenirs. Visitors can access museum by public transportation (city buses, which cost less than 1 USD) or by taxi.
Entry fee is 2 USD; free for children under 6.
Georgia is one of the countries along the historic Great Silk Road. Silk farming here has a long history since the ancient times. The State Silk Museum is unique among the Silk museums across the world, being one of the oldest ones and with its diversity of collections. The exceptional collection kept in the museum ranges from samples starting from mulberry seeds ending with the final silk products and covers the last two centuries. The museum is part of the former Caucasian Sericulture Station complex built in 1887-1891 by Polish architect Alexander Szymkiewicz, who also designed the furniture of the museum and its library, the museum building is on the list of the Cultural Heritage Monuments.
Mestia can be reached by regional buses from Zugdidi (10-15$) and Tbilisi (15-20$). Museum is on a walking distance from Mestia center (taxi available).
The Dadiani Palace is located in a small town Zugdidi, West Georgia (361km/224miles from Tbilis). It is the major attraction in Samegrelo province. The centuries-old building complex with its huge surrounding park and garden is the favourite rest-place for both locals and visitors. The museum, which is housed in the Dadiani Palace, displays private collections of Dadiani family; later in the 20th century, the collections of the museum were enriched with local archaeological findings. Visit to Dadiani Palace will be a nice, unforgettable trip for the whole family to mix indoor and outdoor activities in spring & summer months.
The site can be accessed by taxi from Zugdidi train station (5-7 USD); entry fee is 1 USD for adults, children need half-price ticket. Entry to the park and garden is free. Sighnaghi museum. The museum displays regional arts and crafts collections; most interesting of them are gatherings of wine-vessels of all sizes and scales. An eye-catching view of Alazani valley and Caucasus mountains opens from the museum terrace.
Tsinandali museum is located in a house of Georgian poet and nobleman Alexander Chavchavadze. The museum hosts various pieces of furniture, fine and decorative arts, books and manuscripts from Chavchavadze’s collections. The house-museum also has a marvelous 19th century garden and a wine cellar, built in 1835. Sighnaghi and Tsinandali can be reached by regional buses regional buses (5-15$ from Tbilisi) or taxi (40-50 USD from Tbilisi). Museums are on a walking distance from stations, though taxi ride is also an option (5 USD).
Entry fees vary between 3-8USD and all museums offer Russian and English guided tours. Children under 6 enter for free. A small, one-store house in Kakhetian village Mirzaani is a home to Georgias’ most beloved artist – Niko Pirosmani. Today his birthplace is transformed into a museum, which hosts artist’s second largest collection (after National Gallery in Tbilisi). Also, the yard of Pirosmani museum with its enormous trees is children’s favorite place to play hide-and-seek.
Mirzaani museum is accessible by taxi (15-20 USD) or by car (22 km from Sighnaghi). It is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm except Sundays and Mondays; free entry.
Vashlovani Protected Areas Administration
Vashlovani Protected Areas is located in the extreme eastern part of the Dedoflistskaro district. It includes Vashlovani Nature Reserve, National Park and 3 Natural Monuments – Eagle Gorge, Takhti-Tepa Mud Volcanoes and Kaklisyure Alazani floodplain forest. Its area includes Pantishara-Vashlovani massive, whose height is up to 300-600 meters above sea level. The name Vashlovani is derived from the natural similarity and disposition of pistachio and apple trees that leaves the association of the fruit garden. It total area amounts to 35053,7 ha. is a national park located in the eastern part of Georgia, and was established in 1935 to preserve its unique shallow forests. In April 2003 the Reserve's area was expanded to 84.80 km² and Vashlovani National Park (251.14 km²) was made. The area is characterized by its dry climate sitting only 150-50 meters above sea level.
Vashlovani State Reserve is notable for its unique, bad-land-like areas of desert and semi-desert steppe vegetation and arid and deciduous forests. It's also home to the great cliffs-of-the-canyons, known in the area as the "Sharp Walls", and the magnificent Alazani flood plains and forests.
Tusheti National Park
The Tusheti National Park in East Georgia is one of the eight new Protected Areas approved by Parliament. The park is set in the Tusheti Mountainous region in the north-eastern part of the country. It is 205 kilometres (127 mi) away from Tbilisi with the en route Alvani lying 120 kilometres (75 mi) away. Omalo-Alvani highway of 85 kilometres (53 mi) length is in a hilly terrain and is difficult to drive. The visitor center to the parks and reserves of Tusheti is located along the 85 kilometres (53 mi) of the main watershed ridge of Caucasus in lower Omalo. Its ecoregion is that of the Caucasus mixed forests.The park has an approved land area of 83,453 hectares (206,220 acres),[1] which lies within an elevation range of 900–4,800 metres (3,000–15,700 ft). The main functions of the park administration are to provide protection and conserve the flora and fauna of the park concurrently supporting the interests of the 50 nomadic communities, and achieving conservation of the linked historic monuments; and also to encourage eco-tourism.
Vardzia
Is a cave monastery site in southern Georgia, excavated from the slopes of the Erusheti Mountain on the left bank of the Kura River, thirty kilometres from Aspindza. The main period of construction was the second half of the twelfth century. The caves stretch along the cliff for some five hundred metres and in up to nineteen tiers. The 60km drive into the wilderness from Akhaltsikhe to the cave city of Vardzia is as dramatic as any in Georgia outside the Great Caucasus. The road follows the upper Mtkvari River, passing through narrow canyons and then veering south at Aspindza along a particularly beautiful valley cutting like a green ribbon between arid, rocky hillsides. There are several places of interest along the way: taxi drivers are often happy to stop at one or two of them for no extra charge. You can see Vardzia in a day trip from Akhaltsikhe or Borjomi, but the Vardzia area is a magical one, and an overnight (or longer) stay is well worthwhile.
Ananuri
Is a castle complex on the Aragvi River in Georgia, about 45 miles (72 kilometres) from Tbilisi.
Ananuri castle represents multifunctional architectural complex of the late feudal times in Georgia. Built on the right bank of Aragvi River in 16th-17th cc, it was the main seat of Aragvi Eristavi - Dukes dynasty since 13th c . The village Ananuri is located on the main trade rout leading to the North, to Russia and in past it was part of the Great Silk Road. Nowadays the road is called the Georgian Military Highway. The distance from Tbilisi is 74 km (1 h) - beautiful driving along the Zhinvali water reservoir damping clean and blue mountain river of Aragvi. The castle, the bell tower, three churches and beautifully carved walls are the highlites why the site is frequently visited.
Narikala
Is an ancient fortress overlooking Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, and the Kura River. The fortress consists of two walled sections on a steep hill between the sulphur baths and the botanical gardens of Tbilisi. The Holy Mountain Mtatsminda hosts the fragments of ancient Narikala fortress. It is the most known and ancient monument of Tbilisi 's antiquity; the townspeople call it “the heart and soul of the city”. The date of construction of the fortress is the 4 th century AD, i.e. it has been there from the city's beginning. Later the fortress was extended and expanded several times. In the 7 th - 8 th centuries it was done by Arabs. By the way, the citadel in its modern condition is a vivid example of an Arabian fortification. In the 11 th – 12 th centuries it was the Mongols' turn. By the way, the initial name of the fortress was Shuris-Tsihe (the Enviable Fortress). And from the time of Mongolian invasion the fortress got the name Naryn Kala (from Turkic “naryn” - "small" and “kala” - "fortress"). Historians assert that Narikala standing on the Silk Road was the most fortified and impregnable of all in Tbilisi .
Sameba, Tsminda Sameba Cathedral
Is the main cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church located in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. Constructed between 1995 and 2004, it is the third-tallest Eastern Orthodox cathedral in the world and one of the largest religious buildings in the world by total area. Sameba is a synthesis of traditional styles dominating the Georgian church architecture at various stages in history and has some Byzantine undertones.
Rustaveli Avenue
The avenue starts at Freedom Square and extends for about 1.5 km in length, before it turns into an extension of Kostava Street. Rustaveli is often considered the main thoroughfare of Tbilisi due to a large number of governmental, public, cultural, and business buildings that are located along or near the avenue.
Rustaveli Avenue, formerly known as Golovin Street, is the central avenue in Tbilisi named after the medieval Georgian poet, Shota Rustaveli.
The avenue starts at Freedom Square and extends for about 1.5 km in length, before it turns into an extension of Kostava Street. Rustaveli is often considered the main thoroughfare of Tbilisi due to a large number of governmental, public, cultural, and business buildings that are located along or near the avenue. The former Parliament of Georgia building, the Georgian National Opera Theater, the Rustaveli State Academic Theater, the Georgian Academy of Sciences, Kashveti Church, Simon Janashia Museum of Georgia, and Biltmore Hotel Tbilisi among others, are all located on Rustaveli.
Bridge of Peace
Is a bow-shaped pedestrian bridge, a steel and glass construction illuminated with numerous LEDs, over the Kura River in downtown Tbilisi, capital of Georgia. The roof is fitted with 1,208 custom LED fixtures designed and installed by the Dutch Primo Exposures and RENA Electronica companies, using 6,040 high-power LUXEON Rebel LEDs with 4,200K color temperature, supplied by Future Lighting Solutions. The handrail glass panels which run along the whole length of the walkway are equipped with embedded linear low-power LED arrays, a product called powerglass, supplied by Glas-Platz from Germany. The lighting is switched on 90 minutes before sunset illuminating Kura River below and buildings on both banks of the river.
Anchiskhati Basilica
Is a medieval Georgian encaustic icon, traditionally considered to be the Keramidion, a "holy tile" imprinted with the face of Jesus Christ miraculously transferred by contact with the Image of Edessa (Mandylion). Dated to the 6th-7th century, it was covered with a chased silver riza and partly repainted in the following centuries. The icon derives its name from the Georgian monastery of Ancha in what is now Turkey, whence it was brought to Tbilisi in 1664.
Tbilisi Botanical Garden
Is located in Tbilisi, capital of Georgia, and lie in the Tsavkisis-Tskali Gorge on the southern foothills of the Sololaki Range (a spur of the Trialeti Range). It occupies the area of 161 hectares and possesses a collection of over 4,500 taxonomic groups. Tbilisi Botanical garden is located at the foothills of the Narikala fortress in the city center of Tbilisi. The National Botanical Garden of Georgia occupies the area of 161 hectares and possesses a collection of over 4,500 taxonomic groups.
At present the garden collections include over 4,500 species and infraspecific taxa of the flora of the Caucasus and other regions of the world. Apart from the above, the garden supports rich collections of ornamental cultivars.
Fragments of the natural vegetation characteristic to East Georgia are preserved in the NBGG.
A number of historical monuments and landmarks still survive on the territory and in the neighborhood of Tbilisi Botanical Garden such as Narikala fortress, remnants of ancient water pipelines, Queen Tamar’s bridge, etc. Thus, the garden represents a significant site of cultural heritage.
Freedom Square, Tbilisi
Freedom Square in the center of Tbilisi has undergone several name changes in its 200 year history. Built in the early 19th century in a neo-classical style with Moorish architectural elements, it was originally named Pashkevich-Erivanskaya Square in honor of Ivan Paskevich, a Ukrainian general of the Russian Imperial Army who had conquered Erivan (present-day Yerevan in Armenia) for the Russian Empire.
Plan your visit to the Courtyard Tbilisi. Our hotel boasts an unbeatable location near the Freedom Square Subway Station, as well as Tbilisi Airport.
Batumi Botanical Gardens
Is a 108 hectare area of land 9 km north of the city of Batumi, capital of Autonomous Republic of Adjara, Georgia. Located at the place called Mtsvane Kontskhi ("The Green Cape") on the Black Sea shore. The Batumi Botanical Garden overlooks the Black Sea and is one the largest and richest botanical gardens in the world. Located 9km north of Batumi at Mtsvane Kontskhi (Green Cape) it contains thousands of beautiful species of plants.The Garden covers an area of 111 hectares and is divided into sections displaying flora from different parts of the world. How to get there? The Garden is situated at Mtsvane Kontskhi, Makhinjauri, Batumi. No. 150 and No. 31 buses operate between Batumi and the Botanical Garden (20-30 minute journey). The Garden is open from 08:00 to 21:00.
How much does it cost? Adult ticket price 6 GEL. No charge for children under 10. Guided tour 30 GEL.
Kartlis Deda
Is a monument in Georgia’s capital Tbilisi. This 20m-tall aluminium symbol of Tbilisi holds a sword in one hand and a cup of wine in the other – a classic metaphor for the Georgian character, warmly welcoming guests and passionately fighting off enemies. Kartlis Deda (Mother of a Georgian) is a statue of a woman overlooking Tbilisi from Sololaki Hill. It was erected in 1958 to mark the 1500-year-anniverary of Tbilisi. The statue is about 20 meters high and shows a woman in traditional Georgian national dress. She symbolizes the Georgian character. In her left hand she holds a bowl of wine for all those who come as friends. I could enjoy this sense of Georgian hospitality myself! In her other hand, she holds a sword to fight off all those who come as enemies.
Kus Tba
A small lake at the outskirts of Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, so named due to the perceived abundance of turtles living in these places. The other, less frequently used name of this lake is K'ork'i. The Turtle Lake area is designed as a recreational zone and is frequented by the Tbilisians on weekends. It is also a place where festivals and concerts are held. It can be reached either via a road or an aerial tramway leading from Tbilisi’s Vake Municipality - this began operating once more in October 2016, is open from 8:00 until 22:00 and costs 1 lari in each direction. Turtle Lake is a direct English translation of Kus Tba, a small lake at the outskirts of Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, so named due to the perceived abundance of turtles living in these places. The other, less frequently used name of this lake is K'ork'i.
Turtle Lake is located on the wooded northern slope of Mtatsminda Mount at elevation of 686.7 m above sea level and fed by a small river Varazis-Khevi, a tributary to the Mtkvari. The area of surface is 0.034 km², while the catchment area is 0.4 km². Maximal depth is 2.6 m.
The Turtle Lake area is designed as a recreational zone and is freuented by the Tbilisians on weekends. It is also a place where festivals and concerts are held.
Nekresi
Is a historic town in Kakheti, Georgia, in modern day Kvareli Municipality, near the village of Shilda. The town was established by king Pharnajom. The church was recently restored, stone masonry repaired, roof rebuilt, windows put in place. Nekresi’s early Georgian architecture and the views across the Alazani valley from its hillside-woodland site are marvellous. The monastery is 4km off the Kvareli road from a turning 10km past Gremi (Kvareli-bound marshrutky will drop you at the turn-off). Vehicles must park 1.5km before the monastery; from there marshrutky (1 GEL return trip) shuttle up and down the hill from about 9am to 5pm, approximately mid-April to mid-December.
Mtatsminda Pantheon
Is a necropolis in Tbilisi, Georgia, where some of the most prominent writers, artists, scholars, and national heroes of Georgia are buried.Even if you are not into history very much, it's a very beautiful and peaceful place: at least, another point to admire Tbilisi from above. You can go up with funicular (costs 2 lari), and go down on foot. Taking taxi is also possible. There is also a stairway from Mtatsminda park.
Khertvisi
Is one of the oldest fortresses in Georgia and was functional throughout the Georgian feudal period. It is situated in Southern Georgia, in Meskheti region. The fortress was first build in the 2nd century BC. The church was built in 985, and the present walls build in 1354. As the legend says, Khertvisi was destroyed by Alexander the Great.Khertvisi fortress (Georgian: ხერთვისის ციხე) is situated in the Meskheti region of southern Georgia. Its strategic location guards the road connecting the towns of Akhalkalaki and Akhaltsikhe. A fortification was first built on the site in the 2nd century BC but was reputedly destroyed by Alexander the Great. The present fortress dates from the fourteenth century.Situated on a high rocky outcrop the fortress overlooks the village of Khertvisi at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Paravani Rivers.At more than 150 meters along and more than 30 meters wide Khertvisi is one of the biggest fortresses in Georgia. Its 1.5 meter thick walls stretch up to 20 meters high.
Vake Park
Is a public park in Tbilisi. The park was opened in 1946 and is located in the Vake district of Tbilisi at the western end of Chavchavadze Avenue
Shio-Mgvime monastery
Is a medieval monastic complex in Georgia, near the town of Mtskheta. It is located in a narrow limestone canyon on the northern bank of the Kura River, some 30 km from Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital.
Kashveti Church
Is a Georgian Orthodox Church in central Tbilisi, located across from the Parliament building on Rustaveli Avenue.
Metekhi Church in Tbilisi, Georgia
Is a historic neighborhood of Tbilisi, Georgia, located on the elevated cliff that overlooks the Mtkvari river. The neighborhood is home to the eponymous Metekhi Church of Assumption.
The landmark Metekhi Church, and the 1960s equestrian statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali beside it, occupy the strategic rocky outcrop above the Metekhi Bridge. This is where Vakhtang Gorgasali built his palace, and the site’s first church, when he made Tbilisi his capital in the 5th century. The existing church was built by King Demetre Tavdadebuli (the Self-Sacrificing) between 1278 and 1289, and has been reconstructed many times since.
Ushba
Is one of the most notable peaks of the Caucasus Mountains. It is located in the Svaneti region of Georgia, just south of the border with the Kabardino-Balkaria region of Russia. Although it does not rank in the 10 highest peaks of the range, Ushba is known as the "Matterhorn of the Caucasus" for its picturesque, spire-shaped double summit. Due to its steep profile and unstable weather[citation needed], Ushba is considered by many climbers as the most difficult ascent in the Caucasus. If the place of birth of the technical mountain climbing is Matterhorn in the Alps, so concerning Russia it can be said without doubts that technical mountain climbing got its beginning on Mount Ushba in Caucasus. The majestic outline of this mountain fascinates, rivets your sight. The geometric accuracy of the forms and tremendous proportions of this world wide famous Caucasian mountain do not leave any place for doubt - here She is, The Queen of Caucasus, majestic, inaccessible, wilful and proud mountain - Ushba.
Katskhi pillar
Is a natural limestone monolith located at the village of Katskhi in western Georgian region of Imereti, near the town of Chiatura. It is approximately 40 metres (130 ft) high, and overlooks the small river valley of Katskhura, a right affluent of the Q'virila.
Mount Mtatsminda (Tbilisi)
Mount Mtatsminda (the name is translated as “Holy Mountain”) is located in the center of Tbilisi, on the right bank of the Kura River. It is one of the most popular sights of the capital, a kind of symbol of the city. This place is interesting both from the point of view of history and culture, as a natural phenomenon and as an excellent place for entertainment and recreation. So, are you planning to visit Tbilisi? Make sure to include this attraction in your cultural program, in our turn we will provide you with some useful information about Mtatsminda: You can get to mount Mtatsminda in several ways. You can get to the park by bus (N90 and N124) from the metro station Rustaveli, however, tourists rarely choose this way.
More popular way to get to the top is by funicular (2 GEL/0.74 €). The line was opened several years ago, the trains are new and modern. The climbing is not extreme, but from the height there opens a beautiful view of the city center.The funicular has three stops: the first stop is the Lower station at the center of Tbilisi, the second stop is the pantheon and the third is the Mtatsminda mountain. The funicular is open every day from 09:00 am to 04:00 am. At night, the fare is 3 GEL/1.11 €.
The lovers of hiking can also climb the mountain on foot: a footpath leads from the Chonkadze street, the climbing will take no more than an hour.From the very first moment, the park attracts with its bright colors and impressive sculptures. At the entrance, you are offered to purchase a card (the price for card is 1 GEL/0.37 €, the cost of one attraction is 1-5 GEL/0.37-1.84 €). The card can be recharged in any amount that will be spent on the attractions in the park. Since you can not return the money remaining on the card, no need to charge it in a large amount. Plus, once you buy a magnetic card, you can use it anytime.
Ikalto
Is a village about 10 km west of the town Telavi in the Kakheti region of Eastern Georgia. It is mostly known for its monastery complex and the Ikalto Academy.
Darial Gorge
Is a river gorge on the border between Russia and Georgia. It is at the east base of Mount Kazbek, south of present-day Vladikavkaz. The gorge was carved by the river Terek, and is approximately 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) long. The steep granite walls of the gorge can be as much as 1,800 metres (5,900 ft) tall in some places.
Shkhara
Is the highest point in the nation of Georgia. Located in the Svaneti region along the Russian frontier, Shkhara lies 88 kilometres (55 mi) north of the city of Kutaisi, Georgia's second largest city. The summit lies in the central part of the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range, to the south-east of Mount Elbrus, Europe's highest mountain. Shkhara is the third highest peak in the Caucasus, just behind Dykh-Tau.
Shkhara is the high point and the eastern anchor of a massif known as the Bezingi (or Bezengi) Wall, a 12 kilometres (7 mi) long ridge. It is a large, steep peak in a heavily glaciated region, and presents serious challenges to mountaineers. Its north face (on the Russian side) is 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) high and contains several classic difficult routes. The significant subsummit Shkhara West, 5,068 m (16,627 ft), is a climbing objective in its own right, and a traverse of the entire Bezingi Wall is considered "Europe's longest, most arduous, and most committing expedition.
Makhuntseti Waterfall
Makhuntseti waterfall is located near the town of Keda, at 335 meters above sea level. Near the waterfall several picnic sites are available for visitors. While visiting the waterfall it is also possible to visit nearby tourist attractions, including the ancient arched stone Makhuntseti Bridge, Adjarian wine houses, and private wine cellars scattered throughout Keda Municipality.
Mountainous Ajara is full of beautiful and historic sites. Makhuntseti waterfall is located in the municipality of Keda 30 km from Batumi and is considered as one of most beautiful waterfalls of Georgia. The waterfall can be reached through the famous bridge of the Queen Tamara, who is also called the bridge Makhuntseti. This is one of the largest arch bridges in Ajara, its length is about 20 meters, height – 6 meters.
Comentarii
Trimiteți un comentariu