Georgia does not end at Tbilisi or Batumi beaches. The country is compact but very diverse. Mountains, deserts, caves, lakes, volcanoes, temples, wine and traditions - you truly have a choice. How to plan a vacation in Georgia? How not to miss the most interesting sights for you?
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Old town of Tbilisi
The old district of Tbilisi, located at the foot of Mount Mtatsminda, is famous for its ancient temples and squares, built in the ancient traditions of Georgian architecture. Local residents are trying to preserve the old city in the form in which its ancestors left it from the time when it was still called Tiflis. This is where the excursion into the past begins. Tiny Georgian courtyards, narrow winding streets, carved balconies hanging over the streets, quaint facades of houses filled with the spirit of antiquity, numerous squares and shady parks - all this will open to the curious gaze of a tourist in the very heart of the capital.
Batumi
Another large city in Georgia is the capital of Adjara, Batumi. Just 20 kilometers from this settlement is the border of Georgia and Turkey, so it smells of the sea and Turkish coffee.
Every now and then you can see girls in burqas on the streets, and five times a day the whole city is literally covered by a wave of melodies coming from mosques.
To feel the ancient spirit of Batumi, we recommend taking a look at the “Old Town”. When you walk, you get the impression that you are not in Georgia, but in Portugal.
The so-called “New” Batumi has several must-see attractions.
- Batumi Piazza. Main square of Batumi.
- Sculpture of Ali and Nino. A world-famous sculpture of a man and a woman who sometimes separate and sometimes meet, creating a single whole.
- New Batumi Boulevard. The best way to observe the transformation of Batumi from a Soviet resort into a luxurious modern city is to walk along the sea along New Batumi Boulevard.
- Tower of the Georgian alphabet. At night, bright and even somewhat inappropriate lighting is turned on here, so the building looks better during the day. The sphere located at the top of the tower houses a restaurant with panoramic views.
- Orta Jame Mosque. Regardless of your religion, you really should go inside to appreciate the interior.
- Museum of Archeology of Adjara.
- Batumi Botanical Garden. The garden’s territory is huge; you definitely won’t have time to explore everything in a day, but it’s worth a try.
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.
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.
Vakhtang Gorgasali Square – Georgia
Vakhtang Gorgasali (founder of Tbilisi) Square, now Meydani Square.
The oldest shopping square in Tbilisi is known since the 17th century, from which you can see such sights as: the Metekhi Church, the facade of which is decorated with decorations concentrated mainly around the windows; In front of the temple, a bronze statue of the city’s founder, Vakhtang Gorgasali, proudly stands; Narikala Fortress - located on a steep hill, between the Sulfur Bath and the exquisite Tbilisi Botanical Garden.
Bodbe Monastery
The unique shrine houses within its walls the relics of Equal-to-the-Apostles Nina, the woman who brought Christianity to Georgia. The place of death of the enlightener was the small settlement of Bodbe, which is located in the modern Georgian city of Kakheti. By order of King Mirian III, the Church of St. George was built over the saint’s grave, and a monastery complex appeared next to it. The relics of Equal-to-the-Apostles Nina survived the terrible Georgian wars, and now thousands of people come to venerate them.
Mtskheta
Mtskheta is the ancient capital of Georgia and perhaps the holiest place for Georgians. In a tiny town 20 km from the center of the modern capital, there are three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Getting to Mtskheta is convenient by minibus or taxi.
The main attractions of Mtskheta are the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, the St. Nino Monastery and the tiny picturesque Jvari Monastery on a high cliff at the confluence of the Kura and Aragvi.
On your way back to Tbilisi, be sure to stop by the Salobie restaurant, famous for its khinkali and lobio since Soviet times.
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When to go to Georgia
The ideal time to travel to Georgia is May–June and September–October.
Spring means greenery everywhere and flowers in the fields and gardens. Autumn is the season of persimmons, grapes, figs and, of course, new wine. In July-August in Georgia, especially in the east, it can be very hot, up to +40 °C. You can swim in the Black Sea in Georgia from about the beginning of June, when the water has already warmed up to +19-21 °C. In July–August the water temperature usually fluctuates around +25 °C, in September - around +23 °C.
Jvari
The Orthodox monastery rises above the ancient Georgian city of Mtskheta, at the confluence of two deep rivers - the Aragvi and the Kura. According to legend, it was here that Equal-to-the-Apostles Nina erected her cross after the baptism of Georgia. Part of the cross is included in the base of the religious landmark, which, being on a hill, protrudes into the rock, thereby symbolizing the difficult path to God. There is a version that this particular place was glorified by M. Yu. Lermontov, the great creator of the Russian word, in the poem “Mtsyri”.
Svetitskhoveli
This landmark of Georgia is of value to Orthodox Christians all over the world. The Patriarchal Church, located in the city of Mtskheta, was erected on the site of an old wooden church. According to legend, one of its foundations was a cedar that grew at the burial site of Christ's robe. In the second half of the 5th century, a basilica was erected on the site of the shrine. The religious complex acquired its modern appearance in the 11th century, when, at the insistence of Melkizedek I, the head of the Georgian Orthodox Church, the Temple of the Twelve Apostles was built.
Gori
The city in the picturesque region of Georgia is famous for the fact that until 2010, on one of its squares there was the only monument to Joseph Stalin in the post-Soviet space. It was then moved to the museum.
Among other attractions, it is worth noting the medieval fortress of Goristsikhe, which is a kind of Kremlin of the ancient Georgian city.
The first mention of the unique fortress dates back to the 13th century, but the first settlements on the site of modern Gori, as archaeological excavations have shown, appeared in the first centuries of the 1st millennium.
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Memorial "History of Georgia"
The monument is located on a hill and is located near the Tbilisi reservoir. This grandiose landmark, erected by the talented sculptor Zurab Tsereteli, amazes the imagination: 16 columns 35 meters high, forming the outline of a cross from a bird's eye view, tell the story of the glorious history of Georgia. Each column is conventionally divided into three parts: the upper one - illustrates everyday scenes of the Caucasian people; middle - talks about famous figures of Georgia; the bottom one contains biblical scenes.
Kazbek
Kazbek is an ancient extinct volcano, the last eruption of which occurred around 650 BC. The mountain, called the “invincible leader” by its ancestors, is the highest peak in the eastern part of the hot Caucasus. This natural landmark of Georgia is famous not only for the enchanting view opening from its snow-capped peak, but also for the Gergeti Trinity Church, located at the very foot of Kazbek. According to legend, it was to this mountain that the brave titan Prometheus, the protector of people and their heavenly patron, was chained.
Route options
If you are planning a trip to Georgia for the first time, tourism brings you pleasure and you want not only to lie on a pebble beach, but also to see the most interesting and beautiful corners of the country, experience new emotions, get acquainted with the customs of the local population, plunge into ancient history, travel route for seven days can be composed as follows:
- spend the first few days in Tbilisi, walking along the narrow streets, exploring the main attractions;
- spend the third day visiting ancient cities: walking around Mtskheta, Gori and Uplistsikhe;
- on the fourth day he will go towards the Georgian military road to see the majestic Kazbek;
- fifth-sixth day to taste the best wines of Kakheti, study the history and memorable places of the region;
- and leave the last day for yourself - buy souvenirs, leisurely enjoy the mountain views in silence, take photos of the sights of Georgia, finally go to a cafe and eat your favorite delicacies, pack your bags.
Another good option is suitable for those who are traveling to Georgia for a week in their own car:
- spend the first day in Stepantsminda (Kazbegi);
- the second - will go to see interesting places in Tbilisi and Mtskheta;
- spend the third day in Kutaisi;
- fourth - go to Kakheti;
- and the last two days will soak up the sunny embankment of Batumi.
You found out what to see in Georgia in a week, but if you only have three days, devote them to viewing the interesting things in Tbilisi.
When you come for four or five days, then you can combine a trip to Stepatsminda and the cave cities with Tbilisi, or go for a few days of wine tasting in Kakheti. Before your trip, read reviews from tourists, study travel websites, look at photos of travelers, booklets and advertisements - all this will help you decide which places to visit in Georgia and choose attractions that deserve attention. You also need to prepare in advance because some establishments require you to enter by appointment. For those who do not want to plan their own route, there are various excursion programs.
Georgia is a small country with an ancient history that has left a special, unique imprint - unique architectural values that are harmoniously located among high, majestic mountains and hospitable people. In a week you can travel around the main, most beautiful and most remarkable places, take many bright photographs, enjoy pristine nature, breathe fresh mountain air, drink several bottles of delicious wine with national dishes. Every corner of the country is original and special in its own way. Temples, cathedrals, churches, former chambers of kings, protective fortress walls create an indelible impression, take you back many centuries and amaze with their scale. I hope it is now clear to you what to see in Georgia and what to pay special attention to, let the trip be unforgettable.
Trinity Church in Gergeti
The mesmerizing Church of the Holy Trinity, guarded by a veil of soaring clouds, is located at the foot of Kazbek at an altitude of 2170 meters above sea level. As legends say, the Mother of God herself indicated the place for the construction of the holy monastery. The religious landmark, which is the only cross-domed shrine in the Georgian region of Khevi, was erected in the 14th century. Not far from the monastery, a bell tower from the Middle Ages has been preserved. On July 16 of every year, ceremonies are held here on the occasion of Gergetob, the holiday of spiritual love.
Beautiful places in Georgia that are worth visiting
Cave city Uplistsikhe
This is a UNESCO protected site. The oldest cave city on the planet arose in 1-2 thousand BC. e. in the rocks of the Kvernaki ridge. The number of grottoes reached 700, but only 150 have survived to this day.
You can get to Uplistsikhe by the Borjomi-Tbilisi train or minibus, which departs from the Didube metro station. The cave is located 80 km from Tbilisi.
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Van Caves
What Georgia is famous for is its natural attractions, among which one of the leading places is occupied by the Vanis-Kvabebi men's monastery cave complex. Founded in the 8th century. The buildings are carved directly into the rock.
The caves are located 2 km from the village of Tmogvi, 3 km from the cave city of Vardzia. Take a minibus to Vardzia, then walk.
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Beaches of Batumi
The list of places worth visiting in summer includes the popular seaside resort of Batumi. The length of all beaches is 7 km, width – 50-70 m. They are very clean, the water is clear. The only downsides are large pebbles, which are not comfortable to lie on a blanket, and great depth, almost right next to the shore.
The beach borders almost the entire city, so no matter what area you are in, you can walk to the water.
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Ushguli
The Svaneti region in northern Georgia is home to the highest mountain settlement in all of Europe. Ushguli is located at an altitude of 2.2 km above sea level. This is the farthest corner of Georgia, where every tourist should get to.
There's a lot to see here. In addition to picturesque landscapes, there are temples, monasteries, castles, and museums. You can only get there by personal car; from the village of Mestia it’s a 45 km drive. The length of the route from Tbilisi is 450 km.
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Mirveti Waterfall
In mountainous Adjara, in the Machakhela National Park, there is a miracle of nature - the 20-meter Mirveti waterfall. The path to it is a fabulous walk. The dense vegetation of the boxwood forest will not leave nature lovers indifferent.
Get to the waterfall by car or minibus No. 77, which stops in the village of Adjariskala. Then walk across the suspension bridge and into the forest.
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Lake Paravani
What a tourist should see in Georgia is the largest lake in the country - Paravani. It is located in the south, in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. Its area is 38 km, depth is 3 m.
It is better to plan a trip to the lake in the spring; it is very beautiful here at this time. Get there by personal car. The lake is located near the Tbilisi-Bogdanovka road.
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Abudelauri Lakes
These are 3 lakes that are called Tsvetnye. Each has its own special color: blue, green and white. They are located at a distance of 1.5 km from each other, on the southern slopes of the Caucasus Range, and are part of the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region. You can get there from the village of Roshka, which is 6-7 km from the settlement of Abudelauri.
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Kura River (Mtkvari)
This is the largest river in Georgia and the entire Transcaucasus, length - 1364 km, area - 188 thousand km². The largest tributaries are the Araks, Ksani, Aragvi, and Bolshaya Liakhvi.
It crosses the borders of three states: it begins in the mountains of northern Turkey, passes through the Samtskhe-Javakheti region in Georgia, then flows into the Caspian Sea in Azerbaijan. The Georgian cities of Tbilisi, Rustavi, Mtskheta, Gori, Khashuri and others were founded on its banks.
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Martvili Canyon
Formed in the Mesozoic era, then it was inhabited by dinosaurs, mesosaurs and primitive people. Located in the Megrelia region, near the town of Martvili. The canyon is also called Gachedili in honor of the nearby village of Gachedili. Its length is 2.5 km, the height of the rocks is 30-40 m.
Admission is paid, visiting hours are 10:00-18:00. You can get there by minibus from Kutaisi.
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Mount Shkhara
Located on the border of Russia and Georgia. This is the highest point of the Main Caucasus Range, height - 5193.2 m. Together with other peaks, it forms the Bezengi Wall. Mount Shkhara is the third highest mountain in the Caucasus. The first and second places belong to Elbrus and Dykh-tau.
To get to the top, you need to drive to the Ushguli community, then to Mestia, or use public transport. Get on the minibus at the Tbilisi Railway Station stop.
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Mount Kazbek
Located on the border of Georgia and Russia, it is the largest peak in the Caucasus. The height of the mountain is 5033 m. The peaks are covered with eternal snow and glaciers.
Mount Kazbek is a dormant volcano. It was formed several million years ago due to regular eruptions of magma. At the foot of the mountain there are thermal springs, along the famous Georgian Military Road.
To get to the village of Stepantsminda from Tbilisi: st. Didube metro station or Okriba bus station.
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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.
Interesting places for tourists to visit in Georgia
Borjomi
A tourist should definitely visit the famous balneological resort of Borjomi, or Borjomi. Here, healing mineral water gushes out of the ground.
The city is located in the Borjomi Gorge along the Mtkvari River. You can get to it by minibus from Bakuriani or Tbilisi.
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Ski resort Bakuriani
Where to visit for ski lovers is the oldest ski resort in Georgia. Bakuriani was founded in the 19th century. Tourists come here all the time. They are attracted by the scenery, entertainment for every taste and price.
The ski resort is located 180 km from the capital of Georgia. Minibus No. 25 goes here, as well as specially organized transfers.
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Vardzia
Vardzia is a unique monastic complex carved into the tuff wall of Mount Erusheti. Construction of the monastery, which was conceived as a defensive fortress, began during the reign of King George III. The final work was carried out after the death of the monarch, when his daughter, the revered Queen Tamara, was on the throne. The cave rooms go almost 50 meters deep into the rock and 8 floors up. The interest of tourists is attracted by the temple built in honor of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary, located in the center of the monastery. The vaults of the monastery are decorated with fresco paintings, some of which are dedicated to the great king and his daughter.
Monastery on the territory of two countries - David Gareji
The David-Gareji monastery complex became famous as a tourist attraction for both Georgia and Azerbaijan. The fact is that the border between states divides it in half .
This monastery complex was founded in the 6th century by the Assyrian fathers - Christian pilgrims who arrived in Georgia from Syria. Today the complex has a total of more than 20 monasteries and over 100 cave cells . The most famous object is the Lavra of St. David . In it, as well as in other churches, ancient frescoes with portraits are well preserved. David Gareji is very interesting from a cultural and historical point of view. On its walls there are dozens of Georgian, Armenian, Greek, Arabic inscriptions, as well as a unique tetralingua - an inscription in four languages.
Uplistsikhe
Uplistsikhe, built at the end of the 2nd - beginning of the 1st millennium BC. e., is the first ancient city built on the territory of Georgia. The ancient settlement, carved into the rock, was inhabited until the end of the 19th century. Pagans who rejected Christianity lived here, as evidenced by the found temples and pagan temples. The complex, which is under the protection of UNESCO, contains 150 cave structures, of which there were more than 700 during the heyday of Uplistsikhe.
Telavi
Older people remember that the hero of the famous Soviet comedy “Mimino” was from Telavi. But this region is famous not only for this.
In the vicinity of Telavi there are numerous historical, architectural and archaeological monuments of various eras. Only here there is a fortress the size of a large city, built by King Quirike the Great.
The ancient church of Gvtaeb has also been preserved, and settlements of the first centuries AD have been explored in the area around it.
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Borjomi
The central Georgian resort of Borjomi, protected by the Caucasus Mountains, is characterized by a mild and favorable climate. This natural landmark of Georgia is famous for its healing water springs, which were used for medicinal purposes long before our era. The imperial couple of the Romanovs came here, and the people's leader I.V. Stalin rested here. Borjomi is famous not only for its crystal clear waters, but also for its gorge, rich in flora and fauna, a city recreation park, and architectural complexes, including the palace of the Romanov Tsars and the house of Mirza Riza Khan.
Rustaveli Avenue
The avenue is not only the main street of the capital, but also its “face”. Here are located government buildings, residences, ministries and other institutions that play an important role in the political life of the country. In addition, hotels, cafes and shops are open here.
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.
Dadiani Palace
The magnificent castle, located in the Georgian city of Zugdidi, the capital of the Megrelian principality, was built in the 19th century as the residence of Princess Catherine Dadiani. The architecture of the palace will not leave anyone indifferent: arched openings, graceful turrets, lancet windows, graceful stucco moldings, medieval ornaments - in all this one can feel the interweaving of strict English style and national Georgian features. On the territory of the palace complex there is a museum storing both ancient artifacts and exhibits of the 19th century. Around the palace there is a botanical garden consisting of rare representatives of the flora.
City of love Sighnaghi
This small pretty town was built in the 18th century in the very heart of Georgian Kakheti - the region of Georgian grapes and wine. As a result of a large-scale restoration carried out in 2007, Sighnaghi acquired the charm of a European medieval town and began to be called Georgian Italy .
It is pleasant to stroll along its narrow streets at any time of the city. The town has many cozy cafes, family hotels and wine cellars. The old city is surrounded by a fortress wall with 28 watchtowers, along which you can walk and look at the beautiful Alazani Valley .
During an excursion tour of Kakheti, we recommend that you definitely take a look at the Sighnahi Museum of Local Lore, which is one of the five best museums in Georgia.
Sighnaghi is also called the city of love . He won this title thanks to the artist’s love story for the actress, about whom Alla Pugacheva in her song “A Million Scarlet Roses . By the way, this artist was Georgian Niko Pirosmani . His house-museum is also located a few kilometers from here - in the village of Mirzaani. Justifying its title as the city of love, Sighnaghi invites all lovers to a wedding ceremony at the local registry office, which is open 24 hours a day .
Temple of Bagrat
The shrine of the historical city of Kutaisi was erected during the reign of Bagrat III, the first ruler of a united Georgia. It became the main cathedral of the united Georgian kingdom and was consecrated in 1003 in honor of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. The architectural style of the temple did not correspond to the previous Caucasian traditions of architecture: frescoes, mosaics, carvings - all this became a breakthrough in the canons of the Middle Ages. The altar of this religious landmark witnessed the coronation of David IV the Builder, king from the great Bagration dynasty.
Cable cars of Chiatura
Chiatura is an industrial city in Georgia that specialized in manganese mining in the USSR. After the collapse of the mighty union, the city was empty, but recently a flurry of tourists has not bypassed it. After all, it was here in 1954 that the first cable car capable of carrying passengers was built. This unusual type of transport brought residents to hard-to-reach mountain areas and helped in the transportation of minerals. The cable car cabins and stations have not been changed since their construction. Such a journey will seem extreme to many: the slope reaches 48 degrees.
Bridge of Peace in Tbilisi
This unusual landmark of Georgia, built in 2010, connects two wide banks of the Kura River. The pedestrian bridge amazes with its beauty and splendor. Creative architectural solutions symbolize modernity and novelty. Two famous creators put all their strength into the construction - the Italian Michele De Lucchi and the Frenchman Philippe Martino. The opening of the bridge took place on May 6, 2010 on the feast of St. George the Victorious.
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.
Alaverdi Cathedral and Monastery
The Cathedral of St. George and the monastery complex are located in the Georgian village of Alaverdi, near the city of Telavi. The shrine, built at the beginning of the 11th century by order of Kvirike III the Great, king of Kakheti, was exposed to many dangers: raids, earthquakes, destruction. It has gone through many reconstructions. Despite this, the walls of the complex have preserved paintings dating back to the 15th century. On the territory of the monastery you can see the museum of grapes, where more than 500 varieties are grown, many of which were once lost.
These are not all the sights of Georgia, but the ones listed above will allow you to enjoy the atmosphere of this wonderful country.
Kakheti
Alazani Valley
The Alazani River valley has a mild climate. The land here is fertile soil that is perfect for growing vineyards. It is in these places that the world famous wines “Tsinandali”, “Akhasheni” and “Kindzmarauli” are produced.
The Alazani Valley has dimensions of 20x200 kilometers. It can take two or three days to explore its main attractions. As a rule, the beginning of tourist routes is the city of Telavi and its suburb, the village of Tsinandali, where the Chavchavadze princes settled. The Russian classic Alexander Griboedov took as his wife a girl from this famous family, Nina. When he died, his wife returned to her native place. At the estate of Princes Chavchavadze you can visit the museum. Near the estate in the 19th century, wine began to be produced at a factory built by the owner of the estate, which is still in operation.
The Alazani Valley is known for the oldest Kakheti monastery, Ikalto. It was created in the 8th century. Its founders were the first Georgian righteous people, the so-called “Assyrian fathers”. Near Ikalto you can visit the Alaverdi Monastery, which is surrounded by powerful walls. On its territory there is an ancient church of the same name.
Tourists should visit Gremi Castle - this is the main attraction of the northern region of the valley. In the 16th century, this territory was the location of a large trade center through which the Great Silk Road passed. The castle houses the Church of the Archangels. Majolica was used to cover its dome. Also in the valley you can have a great time in small restaurants and wine cellars.
Bodbe Monastery
Two kilometers from the small Kakheti town of Sighnaghi, it is worth visiting the ancient Bodbe Monastery. He is closely connected with the name of St. Nino. When King Mirian accepted the Christian faith, he had a vision in the form of four stars that scattered across the four Georgian mountains. Fate sent one of them to Bodbe, where Nino decided to go. A righteous woman wanted to install a cross there. In Bodbe she led a modest life from approximately 342 to 347.
Her home was a small tent, in which the heart of the righteous woman stopped beating. Local Christians decided to bury her here, but King Mirian did not like this idea. His men placed Nino's body on a cart drawn by oxen, but the animals did not take a single step, as if some unearthly force was holding them in place. As a result, the righteous woman was buried in Bodbe, and then a church was built, which has not survived to this day. Later, a monastic monastery arose around it. The coronations of the kings of Kakheti took place in this temple.
Now here you can visit the Church of St. George, in which to the right of the altar is the tomb of St. Nino. There are always a lot of pilgrims here, and next to the temple there is a spring with healing water, named after the righteous woman.
On the eastern side of the cathedral there is an observation deck, from where the Alazani Valley is perfectly visible in all its glory. You can reach the source of St. Nino via the stairs located next to the observation deck. It is located in a small brick building with the church of Zebulun and Sosana (father and mother of the righteous woman) above, and a pool where pilgrims plunge, below. The pool occupies a small room that can accommodate 5 people. You must wear a white shirt before entering the water. Some pilgrims bring it with them, others buy it at the monastery or use shirts folded in baskets near the source. Some pilgrims do not wring out their shirt after leaving the pool, but carefully remove it and take it with them. The water from the source is considered healing.
Nekresi Monastery
This monastery is a unique place from where Christianity began to spread throughout Georgia. Here you can visit the oldest Georgian temple - the Church of John the Baptist, built in the 4th century. It was built from rough unhewn stone. There is nothing inside the church except a modest candlestick and a few icons.
Nekresi is an active monastery. Tourists are allowed into all churches here. The place where the monks live is located at some distance. It is impossible to go there without special permission. The monastery is located near the Church of St. Virgin Mary of the 8th century. In its appearance, it is a basilica with painted walls and stasidia - special wooden chairs, such as are found only in Bulgarian, Cypriot and Greek Orthodox churches. Here you can see a tower of the 16th century and the so-called “Square Temple” of the 9th century, as well as visit the bishop’s palace in the form of a kind of exhibition hall, which houses icons and numerous paintings on biblical themes.
The monastery is equipped with its own wine storage (marani). It is an open gallery. The floor has recesses in which jugs are placed.
