The most beautiful cities in Georgia (TOP 15 Georgian cities + PHOTO)

Throughout the world, Georgia is famous for its wonderful balneological and ski resorts, gorgeous Black Sea beaches, exquisite wine and picturesque mountain landscapes. But the large cities of Georgia are not without their charm and flavor. We are going on a trip to Transcaucasia to get to know each other better, and most importantly, to find out which cities in Georgia are the most beautiful. All the cities of this beautiful country are somewhat similar to each other, but each has its own distinctive feature that makes the city unique and unique.

We present to you the 15 most beautiful cities in Georgia according to Topcafe.su

Tbilisi

One of the most beautiful and ancient cities of Georgia, Tbilisi was founded in the 5th century, and until 1936 it was called Tiflis.

The founding of the city is associated with the king of ancient Iberia Vakhtang Gorgasali, and the city received its name from the thermal springs located here, which in Georgian sounds like “tbili” - “warm”.

Tbilisi is full of attractions from various historical eras and has long become an important tourist center of the country. It is especially beautiful in the Old Town, where the narrow streets are filled with national flavor and imbued with the spirit of antiquity.

Abanotubani

Abanotubani is the central district of Tbilisi, famous since ancient times for its complex of sulfur baths. The architectural ensemble of buildings, into which water is supplied from underground sources, was rebuilt from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Thanks to them, the Georgian capital acquired its name: “Tbili” translates as “warm”. Since ancient times, sulfur baths, which are covered semi-basement buildings, have been valued for their medicinal properties.

Batumi

The resort towns of Georgia can offer not only a wonderful holiday with a lot of entertainment, but also an extensive cultural and educational program.

The port city of Batumi, mentioned by ancient Greek scientists in their works, is a real pearl of Georgia, and one of the most beautiful resorts in the world. Batumi beaches have all the infrastructure for a good rest, and the hotels are cozy and comfortable.

Tourists coming to ancient Batum are offered a variety of excursions including visits to a wine house, medieval fortresses, and majestic waterfalls on the mountain rivers of Georgia.

Gonio

Every piece of the coastal strip in the vicinity of Batumi is developing and changing every year. Modern hotel buildings are being erected, and the beach and entertainment infrastructure is expanding. At a distance of 10 km from the capital of Adjara, the Gonio resort is considered such a place. The main advantage of the location of the village is considered to be its distance from the Chorokhi River. Its waters carry a large amount of clay and pollute the shore where it flows into the Black Sea. Here the water is always clean.

The coastal strip is covered with large pebbles. It is recommended to walk on it in special shoes (aqua shoes). There is a gentle entrance to the sea in the southern part of the beach. There is no entrance fee, but sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented from the rental service. On the shore there are toilets, showers, cafes, and restaurants. All food establishments have thatched roofs, which have become the hallmark of the village.

There is a road running through the center of the village. Therefore, when choosing housing, be sure to check the address and look at the map. This circumstance requires special attention to the behavior of children. In the evening, it is useful to take a walk along the local promenade, which is a wide sidewalk decorated with palm tree alleys. Nearby there are children's playgrounds with a trampoline, scooters and bicycles for rent.

For entertainment, it is suggested to walk to the main attraction of Gonio - a fortress built during the Roman Empire. When choosing a place to stay in another city, you can come to the popular beach by public transport from a stop near the cable car station. On minibus taxis the inscription “Gonio / Sarpi” is clearly visible. Or by bus number 16 from Tbilisi Square.

Tbilisi hotels with swimming pool
Tbilisi hotels with beautiful views
Batumi hotels with private beach
Georgia hotels by the sea
Batumi hotels by the sea all inclusive

Kutaisi

And now we go to the main and most beautiful city of the western part of Georgia, founded at the turn of the 6th-5th centuries BC, and the name Kutaisi comes from the word “stone”.

Kutaisi is rightly called the city of roses and May, because every year, on May 2, the magnificent festival of Kutaisoba, or more commonly known as City Day, takes place on the streets and squares of the city.

The city is also famous for its attractions, because of the 4 monuments of Georgia that are included in the World Heritage List, 2 are located in Kutaisi. This is the famous Gelati Monastery and the majestic Bagrati Cathedral.

By the way, in the previous article we wrote about the most popular attractions in Georgia.

Vardzia

Vardzia is not so easy to get to, but this cave monastery from the time of Queen Tamara is much more interesting than Uplistsikhe and is definitely worth the long (by Georgian standards) journey. A nice bonus is the well-preserved Khertvisi fortress nearby. On the way from Tbilisi to Vardzia, you can drink straight from the well of real Borjomi mineral water in the city of the same name and stop in the picturesque village of Bakuriani, which in winter turns into a ski resort.

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Telavi

In the picturesque Alazani Valley are located the neighborhoods and streets of small Telavi, known to historians since the 1st century AD.

The city fits harmoniously into the beautiful places of the valley, and its narrow streets and small squares carefully preserve the atmosphere of traditional Georgia. Here you can see a 6th century fortress, and on one of the streets there is a plane tree, whose age has exceeded 800 years.

The town is also famous for the fact that the cult Soviet film “Mimino” was filmed here, and in 1909, Vissarion Dzhugashvili, the father of Joseph Stalin, was buried in the city cemetery.

Gastronomic tourism in Georgia

Each region of Georgia developed separately from the rest, so you will find a huge variety of dishes in this country.

Khinkali in Tbilisi

The most delicious ones are definitely in Tbilisi.

How to eat khinkali? It would seem like an elementary question. But in reality, many people do not know how to eat khinkali correctly.

You need to grab the tail, bite the dough and immediately drink the broth.
Then, also holding the tail, eat the minced meat with the dough, leaving the tail that you were holding on to. They are not eaten because, due to the large thickness, the dough is not cooked in this place, remaining raw.
There shouldn't be a single drop of broth left on your plate! Only the tails from the eaten khinkali.
Be careful when biting into the dough. It may seem that the khinkali has already cooled down, but the temperature inside is much higher.

Excellent khinkali are prepared in Dukhan Racha (Lermontova, 6). Price - 70 tetri (about 20 rubles) for one minimum order - 5 pieces. This is more than enough for one person. The spices used in the minced meat are specific, but the khinkali taste amazing.

Where to try the most delicious khinkali in Tbilisi? Restaurant Maspinzdelo near the sulfur baths! There are more than 5 types of khinkali (with minced meat, with minced meat and herbs, with mushrooms, with potatoes and with cheese). The price is practically no different from the Racha canteen.

Having eaten your fill of khinkali, go to other regions with peace of mind to try the local cuisine.

Khachapuri in Adjara, Imereti and Megrelia

There are several types of khachapuri. The most famous in Russia is Adjarian. It is a dough boat with cheese placed inside and an egg added at the very end. It should be liquid, not ready-made. If they brought you Adjarian-style khachapuri with baked egg whites, feel free to ask for it to be remade.

Where to try? In Adjara (Batumi) there is a really amazing khachapura. It's called "Laguna". Address - Zurab Gorgiladze, 18. The cafe is located in the basement of the house.

You can ask for less salty khachapuri, since a Russian person may find the richness of the taste of sulguni cheese excessive. Price - 8 lari for small and 12 lari for giant khachapuri. For two it is better to take the second one. And for one even a small one there can be a lot.

There are practically no seats in this cafe; there are always a lot of Georgians who come here with whole families and groups of friends. This fact already says a lot.

If you fail to find an empty seat in a cafe, you can safely go to any other khachapura place. There are no places in Batumi where they don’t know how to cook this dish.

Mtskheta

In a beautiful place where the Aragvi River merges with the Kura, lie the streets of the city of Mtskheta, considered the oldest settlement in Georgia, since it was founded back in the 5th century BC.

Kartlos' son Mtskhetos, according to legend, received this amazing corner of the earth after the death of his father, and founded a city here, calling it after himself. Located at the foot of the mountains, the town is divided by terraces, and the upper town is full of historical monuments from antiquity and the Middle Ages.

In the vicinity of Mtskheta there is the ancient monastery temple of Jvari, rising on a high cliff above the city.

Natural attractions

Mount Kazbek

GPS coordinates: 41.981835, 44.111781 Address: Stepantsminda village How to get there: from Tbilisi to the foot of Kazbek - 150 km along the Georgian Military Road, minibuses run from the Tbilisi bus station to Stepantsminda village, travel time - 2 hours 30 minutes.

The last eruption of an extinct volcano was recorded in 650 BC. e. Kazbek was discovered in 1868 by English climbers. At the top of the ridge, traces of volcanic activity have been preserved: layers of gray and black magma.

The height of the mountain reaches 5033 meters. The eastern part of Kazbek is covered with winding paths and is intended for experienced climbers. You can also climb to the top along a specially paved road in a jeep; car rental is organized in the village of Stepantsminda.

According to legend, Prometheus was chained on the peak of Kazbek.

Gveleti waterfall

GPS coordinates: 42.495895, 42.550244 Address: Stepantsminda village How to get there: from Tbilisi to the Gveleti waterfall - 160 km along the E117 highway. By public transport - from the Tbilisi bus station to the village of Stepantsminda, then by minibus to the abandoned village of Gveleti, the place is indicated by a sign. Travel time takes 2 hours 53 minutes.

At the slope of Kazbek there is a waterfall 25 m high.

You can get to the natural attraction only on foot - 1.5 km along the gorge. The path to the waterfall is smooth, the journey does not require special skills.

At the top, the width of the waterfall is 2 m, at the bottom the stream expands to 4 m. In the river flowing under the waterfall, the powerful streams of Gveleti have knocked out a natural pool.

Okatse Canyon

GPS coordinates: 42.455591, 42.528066 Address: s. Zeda-Gordi Telephone: 63 Opening hours: 10.00-18.00 Tue-Sun, Mon - day off Cost: 15 GEL How to get there: from Kutaisi to the Okatse Canyon - 50 km along the highway through Khoni-Matkhodzhi. There is a direct minibus from the Kutaisi bus station to the village. Zeda-Gordi, travel time - 1 hour.

In 2011, Okatse was given the status of a National Park and opened to the public in 2014.

The complex unites two canyons, the distance between which is 4 km: Upper and Lower. The length of Okatse is 16 km, depth is 50 m.

Tickets for the visit are sold at the information center located at the entrance to the village. In winter and autumn admission is free.

You can begin your walk through the canyon via a staircase of 544 steps. A more popular option among tourists is to walk along a cableway installed at an altitude of 140 m. The path leads directly to the observation deck.

Martvili Canyon

GPS coordinates: 42.457600, 42.377115 Address: Martvili Phone: 42 Website: https://martvilicanyon.ge/ Opening hours: 10.00-18.00 Tue-Sun, Mon - day off Cost: 15 GEL How to get there: from Kutaisi to the Martvili Canyon - 50 km towards the town of Khoni. There is a minibus from the Kutaisi bus station with a final stop at Martvili. Travel time is 1 hour.

Two canyons are separated by a stepped waterfall 12 m high. Martvili is 2400 m long and 40 m deep.

The area has high humidity - vines and mosses grow on the surface of the canyon. Already in the 21st century, researchers found here the remains of dinosaurs and traces of cavemen.

River rides on rubber boats are allowed along the upper canyon; the service costs 10 GEL.

A cascade of waterfalls is located at the lower canyon. Not far from the natural attraction stands the Martvili Monastery of the 6th century.

Prometheus Cave and Sataplia

GPS coordinates: 42.376383, 42.600557 Address: Kutaisi Opening hours: 10.00-17.00 Tue-Sun, Mon - day off Cost: 35 GEL How to get there: 15 km from Kutaisi along the S16 highway. From the Kutaisi bus station there is a minibus No. 30 to the village of Tskaltubo, from the village to the reserve and the cave there are 5 km, minibuses go. Travel time is 30 minutes.

In 1934, not far from the village, a local resident discovered dinosaur tracks; 5 years later, the Sataplia nature reserve was opened here. Huge tracks are located in 2 layers; they belong to the marks of predatory and herbivorous animals.

The reserve contains an ancient Colchis forest, a karst cave, the skeleton of a real dinosaur, full-length animal figures, and an observation deck.

Near Sataplia there is the Prometheus Cave. The attraction can only be visited as part of a guided tour. For a group of tourists entering, LED lighting is turned on and classical music is played.

German designers were involved in the design of the 1.5 km long trail. Stalactites and stalagmites of various shapes grow along the entire path; during excursions they are illuminated in different colors. An underground river flows in the cave leading to the lake. You can go boating here.

The air in the cave is saturated with oxygen; visiting the place is useful for people with lung diseases.

Gori

The settlement founded by David the Builder in 1809 received the status of a city, although it is considered one of the oldest settlements in Georgia.

Gori is famous throughout the world for the fact that Joseph Stalin was born here, and on the street stands, perhaps, the only remaining monument to the “father of nations” in the world. There is also a Stalin Museum, which contains unique personal belongings of the leader of the USSR.

The ruins of the ancient Goristsikhe fortress rise above the city. Not far from Gori, Saakashvili ordered in 2006 the construction of a military base similar to the one in the town of Vaziani, near Tbilisi.

Makhinjauri

At a distance of 6 km from the center of Batumi there is a small resort village of Makhinjauri. This is another beautiful, green holiday destination, bordered by the sea and mountain peaks. One of them (Mtirala or “Weeping Mountain”) hangs directly above the village. According to meteorologists, this zone is considered the rainiest in Europe. But living in Makhinajuri has its positive aspects.

Being located near the capital of Adjara (now the village is part of Batumi), you can find a profitable place to live. These are hotels, guest houses, apartments, and private sector offers. At the same time, the attractions, beaches, and entertainment of a large resort are very close. All the necessary infrastructure elements are organized on the wide coastal strip of Makhinjauri.

The gentle entrance to the water ensures the safety of children. Fun sea activities available. Healing air and sulfur baths help improve health and improve the condition of diseases of the respiratory system, heart, and blood vessels.

Borjomi

If there is heaven on Earth, then it is probably located in the most beautiful region of Samtskhe-Javakheti, where the famous resort city of Borjomi is located.

Borjomi became famous for its unique mineral water, which has healing properties and clean mountain air. The surroundings of Borjomi are simply mesmerizing, and not a single tourist will leave here without taking beautiful photos of the enchanting area.

The city is located at an altitude of 850 m above sea level, and in the Borjomi Gorge itself there are more than 200 historical and architectural monuments.

By the way, on our website topcafe.su you can find an article about the most beautiful cities in the world!

Wine tourism in Georgia

More than 450 grape varieties are grown in Georgia.
There is no wine in Svaneti.
The grapes ripen around the beginning of October, at the same time Rtveli takes place - a colorful holiday dedicated to the beginning of the harvest.
Young wine from early grapes appears in mid-September. It is not inferior in taste to the October one, but it has less sweetness.

Where to go for wine in Georgia?

First of all, to Kakheti.

In any home you will find real Georgian hospitality and, probably, a feast. If you are not ready to drink until you go crazy, it is better not to visit the locals at all. Georgians will be very offended if you do not allow them to show all their talents and give you water and food with everything that is in the house.

It makes no sense to list all the wineries of Kakheti, since there are thousands of them. The most popular among tourists are Crandle of wine Marany Winery and Kindzmarauli Corporation Wine House. Both are world class. An excursion to Marany Winery with tasting of 4 types of wine costs 800 rubles (33 GEL) per person, the minimum number of guests is 4 people. Going to Kindzmarauli Corporation and trying 5 types of wine costs only 200 rubles (8 GEL). Excursions at both enterprises are extremely interesting.

All major wineries are located in various cities of Kakheti, but we recommend that you visit the Alazani Valley. By the way, in Russia this is often called a wine that has nothing in common with real Alazani wine.

You can find and taste real Alazani wine only here, since Georgian wine is practically not supplied to Russian stores. After the tasting, you can order a box of wine for delivery to any part of the world. We do not recommend bringing it across the border yourself - exporting more than three liters of alcohol from Georgia is punishable by law. By the way, the situation is the same with Borjomi mineral water. The Georgian authorities are fighting smuggling in this way.

If you do not have the opportunity to visit Kakheti, buy homemade wine from the locals in any region. In a country where winemaking has been going on for several thousand years, the likelihood that you will come across a bad drink is negligible.

Kobuleti

The town of Kobuleti, whose population does not exceed 20 thousand inhabitants, is famous for its magnificent beaches, as well as the amazingly beautiful mountain trails of the Kintrishi River gorge.

Every tourist will be able to find something to their liking and age here. The beaches are equipped according to the latest world standards, and after relaxing and swimming you can touch history by visiting cultural, historical and architectural attractions.

To maintain the resort, the Georgian authorities decided to create a free tourist zone here, and the country's entrepreneurs invested huge amounts of money in infrastructure development.

Okatse Canyon

This picturesque and colorful landmark of the Khonii region will appeal to all lovers of extreme sports. There is a suspended trail above the canyon, which is 50 meters deep and 3 kilometers long, allowing you to see the fascinating wildlife with your own eyes. The emerald waters of the bubbling Okatse River flow below. The best time for such walks is sunny summer; it is better to avoid visits in the dark.

Poti

At the mouth of the Rioni River, near the very shore of the Black Sea, on the site of the modern Georgian city of Poti, in ancient times there was the city of Phasis, the oldest settlement of the East.

The holiday season here is open from May to October, and tourists are attracted not only by the sea, but also by the picturesque surroundings of the city. Nearby is the unique Lake Paliastomi, which is part of the Colchis Nature Reserve with amazing and rare flora and fauna.

Poti has many historical attractions, and the largest port of the eastern Black Sea region operates nearby.

Historical places

Vardzia

GPS coordinates: 41.381163,43.284173 Address: vil. Vardzia Phone: 29 Opening hours: 10.00-19.00 Mon-Sun Cost: 7 GEL

King George began building the fortress in the 12th century.

It is believed that the place received its name thanks to the ruler’s little daughter, the future queen Tamara. The girl ran around the fortress and shouted to her relative who had lost her: “Ak var, dzia!”, which translated means: “I’m here, uncle!”

Over time, the fortress was rebuilt as an underground monastery. A major earthquake in the 13th century almost destroyed the complex. They tried to repair the monastery many times, but the monastery started working again only in the 1980s.

A major reconstruction took place in 2004. The underground passages were cleaned and strengthened, and more than 500 rooms in the recesses were restored: libraries, refectories, cells. Ancient frescoes have been preserved on the walls of the monastery.

Ananuri Fortress

GPS coordinates: 42.163772, 44.701839 Address: s. Ananuri

Near the shore of Aragvi, on the Georgian Military Road, there is a fortress of the 17th century. They built a structure to protect against invaders. But in the 18th century, Ksani warriors took Ananuri by cunning, promising not to touch the inhabitants. Having broken into the fortification, the invaders killed the prisoners and destroyed the buildings.

By the 21st century, no one took up the restoration of the complex. Well preserved here:

7-storey Sheupovari tower;
Assumption Church with paintings inside;
pyramidal tower with a roof made in the form of steps;
Spassky Church in Romanesque style;
entrance tower with loopholes;
Mkuriali Church from Buta;
3-story north tower.

Svan Towers

GPS coordinates: 42.315407, 43.356892 Address: Mestia village

The towers are located in the Svaneti region - hence the name. Dozens of towers near Mestia date back to the 7th-13th centuries. Structures are divided into two types:

sentinel - intended for review;
clan - emphasized the status of the clan: the higher the tower was, the more noble the family was considered.

The height of the stone buildings reaches 28 m, most of the structures are open. Svan towers are included in the UNESCO heritage list.

Gremi Castle

GPS coordinates: 42.00239, 45.65975 Address: Gremi village Opening hours: 11.00-18.00 Tue-Sun, Mon - day off Cost: 3 GEL

In the middle of the 15th century, the city of Gremi was the capital of the Kakheti kingdom. It is believed that the castle was built on the instructions of George III. The building stood untouched for more than 100 years - in 1615, the troops of Shah Abbas burned the city along with the castle.

In the 21st century, archaeological excavations are being carried out on the territory of the ancient capital, and the place has been opened to tourists. The Arkhangelsk cross-domed church, the grave of the Georgian ruler Levan, and the castle toilet have been preserved here.

The complex has a museum with archaeological finds and souvenir shops.

Akhaltsikhe

The name of the beautiful city “Akhali Tsikhe” in Georgian means “New Fortress”, and the city was founded at the beginning of the 12th century.

The main attraction is the Akhaltsikhe fortress of Rabat, built in the 16th century, which took part in the most important historical events in southern Georgia.

Built at the crossroads of trade routes, Akhaltsikhe also became a crossroads of cultures and religions. Various architectural styles easily coexist here, and there is a mosque and an Orthodox church nearby.

Tsminda Sameba

The shrine, built with donations from ordinary people, was founded in 1995. It was erected in connection with the commemoration of the 2000th anniversary of Christianity and the celebration of the 1500th anniversary of the autocephaly of the Georgian Church. The temple was consecrated in 2004, after which the chair of the Catholicos of Georgia, the primate of the Georgian Orthodox Church, was moved here. The cathedral is interesting for its huge area, more than 68 meters high, for its wealth of decorations, unique icons, a large handwritten Bible and the cross of St. Nino, kept in front of the altar.

Mestia

High in the mountains of Upper Svaneti, among the picturesque mountain peaks, a small town is lost, which is inhabited by the ancient Svan people.

The city is famous for the fact that traditional ancient stone dwellings are still preserved here, as well as monumental towers made of local stone. Within the city there are medieval churches that now welcome parishioners from the surrounding villages.

For many centuries, Mestia remains the main religious and cultural center of the region. In addition, it is also a huge center for mountaineering and high-mountain tourism, with the most difficult routes.

Sighnaghi

The Georgian city of love could not be left out of the list of the best places to visit. Sighnaghi is a small settlement in area, but it has become especially interesting to tourists after large-scale restoration at the initiative of the state. The neat appearance, cobbled streets, small houses with tiled roofs made the city very photogenic. In addition, the location in the heart of the Kakheti wine region has established Sighnaghi as the center of wine tourism; it is worth starting your acquaintance with Georgian wines here.

Tskhaltubo

In historical documents, a city with a beautiful name is mentioned back in the 7th century, but by the 12th century, Tskhaltubo was already the most important medical center.

The streets and squares of Tskhaltubo are located on the slopes of the Colchis lowland, in a place where healing springs flow and magnificent mountain air. The resort's mineral water cures many diseases and gives vital energy.

Among the attractions it is worth noting the magnificent architectural structures towering above the mineral water springs.

Narikala Fortress

The fortress, built much earlier than the glorious Georgian capital, was built at different times by Arabs and Mongols. For a long time, the fortification was of great strategic importance on the Great Silk Road: Narikala did not succumb to assault. In 1827, during the explosion of a gunpowder warehouse, part of the fortress was destroyed. In the 1990s. The building underwent reconstruction, thanks to which the Church of St. Nicholas, an Orthodox shrine of the 12th century, was rebuilt.

Chiatura

The small town, comfortably located among the mountain slopes of the historical region of Imereti, has been known since the beginning of the 19th century. It was previously known as the Kvirila, the river of the same name that flows through the city.

In 1921, with the advent of Soviet power, Chiatura received city status. Like most cities in Georgia, the town is famous for its medieval fortress located on the outskirts.

Tourists come here to taste delicious national cuisine, as well as visit the amazing Jarbeli caves. In addition, in the small Chiatura there is a local history museum and an opera house.

Sighnaghi - a popular romantic town

A small town on the slope of a cliff, surrounded by stone fortress walls. Previously, trade routes passed through Sighnaghi, which contributed to the development of crafts and trade. The city attracts with its beauty, narrow cobbled streets, colorful houses with red tiles.

There is a beautiful Wedding Palace here, which is open 24 hours a day. The main attraction is the Sighnahi Fortress. It surrounds the entire city, it was built by King Irakli II to protect local residents from marauders and the enemy. The fortress with its walls has been preserved almost in its original form. There are 28 watchtowers along the perimeter of the wall. Tourists can climb them using special stairs. From the height of the fortress there is a stunning view of the Alazani Valley, where the best grape varieties grow. The best Georgian wines, known throughout the world, are produced here.

Other historical sites of Sighnaghi worthy of attention:

Bodbe Monastery;
Sighnahi Museum of Local Lore;
Park "9 April";
Wine cellar "Tears of a Pheasant".

Ozurgeti

The town in western Georgia was called Makharadze until 1989, named after the Georgian revolutionary Philip Makharadze.

The city was founded in the 19th century on the picturesque banks of the Natanebi River. During the Soviet period, people came here to visit the unique Institute of Tea and Other Exotic Plants of the Subtropical Zone.

Tourists note that the southern outskirts of the city are especially beautiful - the Anaseuli region, surrounded by majestic mountain peaks.

Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory

This scientific landmark of Georgia was founded in 1932 and became the first high-mountain observatory of the USSR. A visit to the observatory, located on the Caucasian Mount Kanobili, is available to anyone: you can get here using a cable car or car. Here the cosmic luminaries are clearly visible - the mountain climate is characterized by a stable and transparent atmosphere. The observatory also offers night excursions, where you can view celestial objects through a telescope.

Stepantsminda

We will end the trip not exactly in the city, but in an urban village, comfortably located at the very foot of Kazbek.

From 1921 to 2007, the town was called Kazbegi, and the original and current name of the village is associated with the monk Stepan, who saved local residents during an avalanche. Here is the reporting point for climbing Kazbek, and history buffs can visit the local history museum, as well as the old Church of the Holy Trinity.

The excellent climate of this mountainous area contributed to the creation of a climatic and balneological resort area here, and thousands of tourists from all over the world come here to improve their health and enjoy the views of mountainous Georgia.

Churches, cathedrals and temples

Gergeti Trinity Church

GPS coordinates: 42.66265, 44.62057 Address: Gergeti village Telephone: 98 Opening hours: 07.00-20.00 Mon-Sun Cost: free

Church of the 14th century stands on a hill at the foot of Kazbek. The temple, located in a secluded place, was not destroyed by raids, and the Bolsheviks did not touch the building. During the Soviet era, the church was closed and returned to believers in 1988.

The interior decoration of the temple is modest: there are no paintings, gilding or even plaster. The outside of the building is decorated with bas-reliefs.

At the observation deck next to the temple there is a spring with mountain holy water.

Gelati Monastery

GPS coordinates: 42.282041, 42.759229 Address: Kutaisi Telephone: 85 Opening hours: 10.00-18.00 Fri-Fri, Sat, Sun - days off Cost: 3 GEL

The monastery on the hill was built in 1106 by order of King David. In the 14th century, the building was destroyed by the Mongols and the complex was restored by decree of George VI.

On the territory of the 21st century monastery there are preserved:

the ashes of King David and Queen Tamara;
frescoes depicting the Mother of God from the 12th to 18th centuries;
ancient Georgian manuscripts.

The complex consists of a refectory, an Academy, a belfry, and three churches: the main one, St. Great Martyr George, and St. Nicholas.

Nekresi Monastery Complex

GPS coordinates: 41.972136, 45.767713 Address: Kvareli Opening hours: 10.00-19.00 Mon-Sun Cost: free

The oldest Christian church in Georgia appeared in the 4th century. The complex, located above the Alazani Valley, consists of 5 parts:

Temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary with paintings in ancient Georgian;
basilica with altar and icons;
the bishop's palace with icons and paintings on a religious theme;
wine cellar "Marani";
three-church basilica with a circular gallery.

There is a shop with local wine at the monastery.

David-Gareji monastery complex

GPS coordinates: 41.447375, 45.376384 Address: Rustavi-Jandari-David-Gareji Operating hours: around the clock Cost: free

The complex stretches for 25 km in the desert along the border with Azerbaijan. The first monastery was founded by Saint David of Gareji. Gradually, new monasteries appeared in the area; by the 21st century, 20 of them had survived.

The ensemble is divided into 4 territories:

Tetri-Udabno Monastery;
Lavra of David;
Natlismtsebeli Monastery;
Dodo-Rka cave.

The main shrines of the complex: the relics of David of Gareji, ancient frescoes depicting Queen Tamara and St. George the Builder.

Kazbegi

Mountain trails lead tourists to the small town of Kazbegi, located among magnificent peaks in the valley of the famous Terek River.

Dense forests and flowering meadows of mountain valleys will not leave true connoisseurs of pristine nature indifferent. In good weather, you can see through the clouds the highest glacier in the Caucasus, Mount Kazbek, towering 5,047 meters above its natural splendor.

This region is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful, and, as experts note, it has wonderful healing properties.

Mountain landscapes of Racha

Getting acquainted with the nature of Georgia must begin with the mountain range located in the historical part of the country at the headwaters of the Rioni River.

Admiring these landscapes and breathing in the purest mountain air, here you can take a break from the bustle of the city and enjoy the splendor of nature. Hospitable Georgians will offer to taste national Georgian dishes while sipping “Khvanchkara”.

Antique lovers can admire the stone carvings and frescoes of the Church of St. Nicholas, built in a mountain valley in the 11th century, or visit the synagogue, built in the classical Moorish style.

Gudauri

Gudauri is located on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus Range. The city is considered a worthy ski resort in Georgia. Many people who come here get the opportunity to enjoy picturesque scenery and active recreation. It is important to note that there are a small number of slopes offered here, but beginners and experienced skiers can find interesting options for themselves. In Gudari there are schools where you can learn alpine skiing, snowboarding, freeride, snowkiting, and speedriding.

If you wish, you can paraglid with an instructor or arrive at the tops of the mountains by helicopter. In general, extreme sports are guaranteed.

Truso

Let's imagine another beautiful mountainous region of Georgia, where the Terek River has its source, and many mineral springs stretch along its banks.

In the valley you can feel the magnificent color contrast of green meadows with snow-white peaks against the backdrop of the deep Georgian sky. It is quiet and peaceful here, with only occasional small mountain villages.

Mountaineering lovers especially note the unique Trusovskoye Gorge, which is called the “Valley of Narzans” in many guidebooks. In addition to natural beauty, there are also historical monuments.

Vardzia

There is also a unique cave monastery complex of the 12th-13th centuries in Georgia, which is located in the mountain range of the historical part of Samtskhe-Javakheti.

Only here you can feel the unique and original spirit of antiquity, complemented by amazing creations of human hands. How much effort and labor had to be spent to carve magnificent palaces, steps and underground passages into the rocks.

The length of the complex is more than 900 meters, and experts say that at one time there were about 3 thousand buildings on its territory.

Prometheus Cave

There are many legends associated with Georgia, one of which says that it was among the Caucasus Mountains that Zeus ordered Prometheus to be chained to a rock. An amazingly beautiful karst cave, which is called Prometheus, is located near Tskaltubo.

It contains everything that can surprise and leave a vivid impression - branched passages with enchanting arches, huge halls with bizarre karst deposits, wonderful waterfalls, underground rivers.

For ease of visiting, pedestrian bridges have been made in the natural monument, and the halls and passages are illuminated. In the dungeon, in the "Zade of Love" you can hold a wedding ceremony.