What to see in Georgia

What to see in Georgia

Amidst the rugged terrain and vibrant cultures of Asia, there lies a land of ancient mysteries and modern marvels. Georgia, the crossroads of East and West, is a jewel nestled between the Caucasus Mountains and the Black Sea. From the stunning architecture of Tbilisi to the world-renowned wine regions of Kakheti, Georgia beckons with a siren’s call to those who seek adventure, intrigue, and the allure of the unknown. Whether you come for the hospitality of its people, the richness of its cuisine, or the enchantment of its landscapes, Georgia will leave you spellbound and yearning for more.

Gergeti Monastery

Gergeti Trinity Church is a remarkable religious landmark located in Georgia, nestled high in the Caucasus Mountains at an altitude of 2,170 meters above sea level. The church is perched on a hilltop overlooking the picturesque village of Kazbegi and boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including the snow-capped Mount Kazbek. The church dates back to the 14th century and is renowned for its unique architecture, which combines elements of Georgian Orthodox and Armenian styles.

The exact date of the church’s construction is unknown, but it is believed to have been built in the 14th century during the reign of King Demetrius II. The church is built in the traditional Georgian style, with a cross-dome plan and a bell tower added later in the 18th century.

During the Soviet era, the church was closed and fell into disrepair. In the 1980s, a restoration project was initiated, and the church was fully renovated and reopened to the public in 1989, after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Visitors can reach the church by trekking up a steep trail, which adds to the adventure and excitement of the experience. The Gergeti Trinity Church is an important cultural and historical site in Georgia and is a must-visit for anyone traveling to the region.

Vardzia

Vardzia is a historic cave monastery site in southern Georgia, near the Turkish border. It was built in the 12th century and served as an important centre of Christian worship and culture. The monastery complex was carved into the side of a cliff overlooking the Kura River and comprised of over 6,000 rooms, including chapels, living quarters, storerooms, and even a complex irrigation system.

The complex was designed to provide protection from invading armies and natural disasters and was strategically located on a trade route connecting eastern and western regions. Its construction and expansion were carried out over several decades, and it was one of the most significant architectural achievements of medieval Georgia.

Vardzia was also the site of important historical events, including the birth of Queen Tamar, who is considered one of the greatest rulers in Georgian history. The monastery was also a major centre for the development of Georgian art and culture, and many of its frescoes and architectural features are still preserved to this day.

Today, Vardzia is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an amazing sight to see in Georgia. Visitors can explore the cave complex, admire the stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and learn about the history and culture of Georgia.

Georgian Wine

Georgia is considered to be one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world, with a history of winemaking that dates back over 8,000 years. The country is home to several wine regions, each with its own unique grape varieties, winemaking techniques, and flavor profiles. Some of the main Georgian wine regions to see in Georgia include:

• Kakheti – Located in the eastern part of Georgia, Kakheti is the country’s most famous wine region. It is known for producing a wide range of red, white, and rosé wines using traditional winemaking techniques, such as fermentation in clay vessels called qvevri. Some of the popular grape varieties in Kakheti include Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, and Kisi. The main city in this region is Telavi.
• Kartli – This region is situated in central Georgia and is known for producing high-quality white wines made from the Mtsvane grape variety. The region also produces red wines from the Saperavi grape.
• Imereti – Located in western Georgia, Imereti is known for its unique winemaking style, which involves aging wines in oak barrels. The region produces both red and white wines, with the Tsolikouri and Tsitska grape varieties being the most popular

• Racha-Lechkhumi – This mountainous region is situated in northwestern Georgia and is known for producing red wines from the Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grape varieties.
• Samegrelo – Located in western Georgia, Samegrelo is known for producing a sweet white wine called “Ojaleshi,” which is made from the Ojaleshi grape variety.

Wine in Georgia is made in traditional ‘Kvevri’ vessels. Kvevri wine making is a method of wine making that has been used in the country of Georgia for thousands of years. The word “kvevri” refers to large clay vessels that are used to ferment and store wine. These vessels are buried in the ground, which provides a natural temperature control and insulation during the fermentation process. You can see kvevri wine making at many wineries in Georgia and of course taste the fabulous wine produced by this ancient method.

Chiatura Cable Cars

Chiatura is a small town located in the Imereti region of Georgia, known for its unique cable car system. The Chiatura cable cars were built in the 1950s to transport miners from their homes to the manganese mines, which were located on the cliffs above the town. The cable cars were an innovative solution to the problem of transporting workers to the mines, which were difficult to access by other means.

The Chiatura cable cars are a network of around 20 individual cable cars that run throughout the town and up into the surrounding hills. Each cable car consists of a small cabin that can hold up to 25 people, suspended from a steel cable. The cable cars are operated by a system of pulleys and electric motors, and they travel at a speed of around 6 meters per second.

The mostly derelict cable cars have become one of the most popular things to see in Georgia, as they offer a unique perspective on the small town and its surroundings. The system is also an important part of the town’s history and culture, and is considered a symbol of the town’s resilience and ingenuity.

Despite their age, a few of the Chiatura cable cars are still in use today, although they have undergone some upgrades and renovations over the years. They continue to be an important means of transportation for local residents, as well as a popular tourist attraction.

Gori

“Gori” is a city located in Georgia, the country that was once part of the Soviet Union. Joseph Stalin, who was one of the most prominent figures of the Soviet Union, was born in Gori on December 18, 1878.

Stalin was the leader of the Soviet Union from the mid-1920s until his death in 1953. During his reign, he transformed the Soviet Union from a backward agricultural society into an industrial superpower. However, his regime was also characterized by widespread repression, purges, and political violence, which led to the deaths of millions of people.

There is now a museum in Gori which was established in 1957, four years after Stalin’s death. The museum’s main attraction is the house where Stalin was born, which was preserved and converted into a museum after his death. The house contains various exhibits, including personal belongings of Stalin, photographs, and documents related to his life and career. Visitors can also see the bedroom where Stalin was born and the room where his mother used to cook. Stalin’s private rail car can also be found outside the museum.

Ananuri

Ananuri is a historic fortress complex located in the region of Georgia, approximately 70 kilometres north of the capital city of Tbilisi. The site is situated on the shores of the Zhinvali Reservoir, which was created in the mid-20th century by damming the Aragvi River.

The fortress of Ananuri was originally built in the 13th century by the Dukes of Aragvi, a feudal dynasty that ruled over the region during the medieval period. Over the centuries, the complex was expanded and fortified, and it played an important role in the defence of the area against invading armies.

Today, Ananuri is a popular tourist destination in Georgia, attracting visitors with its beautiful architecture, stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lake, and rich history. The complex includes two churches, a bell tower, and several other buildings, all of which feature intricate carvings, frescoes, and other decorative elements.

In addition to exploring the fortress complex itself, visitors can also take part in a variety of activities in the surrounding area, including hiking, boating, fishing, and more. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or outdoor recreation, Ananuri is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Georgia.

Tbilisi

Georgia’s capital is a city with a rich history and culture, dating back to ancient times. Explore historic sites, such as the Narikala Fortress, Sioni Cathedral, and the Old Town, and learn about the city’s fascinating past. Tbilisi is known for its unique and beautiful architecture, which blends elements of traditional Georgian style with more modern influences. Visitors can see this architecture throughout the city, including in the colourful balconies of the Old Town, the modern Peace Bridge, and the futuristic Bank of Georgia headquarters.

Restaurants in Tbilisi are famous for serving up some of the best cuisine in the region. Georgian cuisine is known for its bold flavors, unique spices, and hearty dishes. Tbilisi is home to many excellent restaurants and cafes where visitors can try local dishes like khachapuri, khinkali, and shashlik. Tbilisi is a city that is famous for its wine culture (as is the rest of Georgia), with a rich history of winemaking that dates back thousands of years. As a result, there are many excellent wine bars in Tbilisi where visitors can sample some of the best local wines and enjoy the city’s lively atmosphere.

The Estate of Duke Alexander Chavchavadz

Duke Alexander Chavchavadze was a nobleman and statesman who lived in the 19th century in the country of Georgia. One of Duke Alexander Chavchavadze’s most significant accomplishments was the development of his estate, Tsinandali, located in the Kakheti region of Georgia. Tsinandali was a large estate that included a vineyard, winery, and park, as well as several buildings, including a palace and a library. The estate was a centre of cultural activity and intellectual life, and Duke Alexander Chavchavadze hosted many famous artists, writers, and thinkers there, including Alexander Pushkin, who visited the estate in 1829.

Duke Alexander Chavchavadze was also an important figure in Georgian cultural and political life. He was a patron of the arts and literature and is considered one of the founders of modern Georgian literature. He was also involved in politics and served as the head of the Georgian nobility, as well as a member of the Georgian Parliament.

After Duke Alexander Chavchavadze’s death in 1846, Tsinandali remained in the family until the Soviet takeover of Georgia in 1921. The estate was nationalized and used as a museum and cultural center. Today, the estate remains a popular tourist destination and cultural centre, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to see its beautiful architecture, gardens, and historical artifacts.

Motsameta Monastery

Motsameta Monastery is a medieval Orthodox Christian monastery located near the city of Kutaisi in the western region of Imereti in Georgia. The monastery is known for its two domed churches that stand on a cliff overlooking the Tskhaltsitela River.

Legend has it that two Christian brothers, David and Konstantin Mkheidze, were martyred at the site in the 8th century during the Arab invasion of Georgia. According to the story, the brothers were tortured and then thrown from the cliff into the river, but their bodies miraculously floated upstream to the location of the current monastery. The name “Motsameta” means “place of martyrs” in Georgian, and the monastery was built at the site of their martyrdom in the 11th century.

The main church of the monastery, the Church of the Martyrs, was built in the 11th century and is known for its decorative stone carvings and frescoes. The second church, the Church of St. David, was built in the 13th century and is located on the lower level of the cliff. Both churches are still in use today and are popular pilgrimage sites for Georgian Orthodox Christians.

In addition to its religious significance, Motsameta Monastery is also known for its beautiful natural setting, with views of the river and surrounding forested hills. It is a popular destination for tourists visiting Georgia and is easily accessible from Kutaisi by car or public transportation.

Mtskheta

Mtskheta is the old capital of Georgia, located approximately 20 kilometers northwest ofTbilisi. It is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and has a rich history and cultural significance.

Mtskheta served as the capital of the early Georgian Kingdom of Iberia from the 3rd century BC until the 5th century AD, when the capital was moved to Tbilisi. The city was an important centre of trade and commerce on the ancient Silk Road, connecting the East and the West.

Today, Mtskheta is known for its historic landmarks and religious significance. The city is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, which is considered one of the most important spiritual centres of the Georgian Orthodox Church. The Jvari Monastery, perched on a hill overlooking the city, is another iconic landmark and a popular tourist destination.

Mtskheta is also known for its lively street markets, where visitors can find traditional Georgian handicrafts, textiles, and local cuisine. The city’s picturesque setting, nestled in the valley of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers, surrounded by lush green hills, makes it a popular destination for outdoor activities like hiking, rafting, and horseback riding.

For more information or to book our tour ‘Backroads of the Caucuses‘ which includes all of these amazing things to see in Georgia give us a call on +61 2 7229 1926 or drop us a line at info@invertedatlas.com