This 14th-century church m above Stepantsminda has become almost a symbol of Georgia for its incomparably photogenic hilltop setting with mighty Mt Kazbek rising behind it, and for the fierce determination involved in building it on such a lofty, isolated perch.
The views back over Stepantsminda are incredible. This extraordinary and for its time, enormous building dates from the 11th century, early in the golden age of Georgian church architecture.
It has an elongated cross plan and is adorned with beautiful stone carving outside and in. This magnificent agglomeration of koshkebi defensive watchtowers and atmospheric slate houses packed tightly together on a steep hillside to create one sprawling fortress is an incredible sight. Most of the houses are abandoned and are slowly collapsing, but you can still clamber around them easily enough, and most of the time you'll be totally alone here.
This once enormous cave city sits 10km east of Gori above the north side of the Mtkvari River. Between the 6th century BC and 1st century AD, Uplistsikhe developed into one of the chief political and religious centres of pre-Christian Kartli, with temples dedicated principally to the sun goddess.
After the Arabs occupied Tbilisi in AD , Uplistsikhe became the residence of the Christian kings of Kartli and an important trade centre on a main caravan road from Asia to Europe. This impressively designed museum makes no serious attempt to present a balanced account of Stalin's career or deeds.
It remains, much as when it opened in , a reverent homage to the Gori boy who became a key figure of 20th-century history — although displays do now at least refer to the purges, the Gulag and his pact with Hitler. The Dzhugashvili family's wood-and-mud-brick house where Stalin lived for the first four years of his life is reverentially preserved outside.
Prince Alexander Chavchavadze — was one of the most colourful and influential characters in Georgian history, and the palace and gardens he created at Tsinandali are a don't-miss stop on any Kakheti tour. You'll also find our content online, and in mobile apps, videos, 14 languages, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more, enabling you to explore every day.
It's on everyone's bookshelves; it's in every traveller's hands. This travel guide suggests visiting the Seychelles for the beaches, Reunion for the mountains and the alpine scenery, and Mauritius for the people and culture, and includes advice and information on all. Clamber down to the snake pit once occupied by St Gregory the Illuminator. Watch the clouds lift above Xinaliq to reveal degree views of the Caucasus mountains. Discover why you should never toast a Georgian with beer.
The cathedral features wonderful carvings and its surrounding chapels make for terrific exploring. Located 32km south of Yerevan at the foot of Mt Ararat, Khor Virap has been repeatedly rebuilt since the 5th century.
These days, pilgrims climb down a metal ladder into the well where the saint was incarcerated. To join them, wear sturdy shoes and head to the small church in the compound's southwestern corner the well is right of the altar. The Great Caucasus The vast mountain range forming a natural border between the South Caucasus and Russia, the Great Caucasus runs from the Black Sea to the Caspian and provides the most astonishing scenery in the region, its sequence of dramatic peaks fronted by green river valleys and unbelievably picturesque villages.
Asia Meets Europe While the South Caucasus is a relatively small region, it's made up of three highly diverse countries, features three ethnically distinct breakaway republics, one isolated exclave and at least 16 different languages, all within an area smaller than the UK.
Multifaceted Cultures Antique forts, monasteries, churches and ruins pepper the region. Architecture Heydar Aliyev Center Vast and jaw-droppingly original, this Zaha Hadid building is a majestic statement of fluid 21st-century architecture forming abstract waves and peaks that seem to melt together. Monastery Gelati Monastery This Unesco World Heritage—listed monastery complex, on a wooded hillside 8km northeast of Kutaisi, is an outstanding example of Golden Age architecture and one of Georgia's most important churches.
Monastery Udabno Monastery Less of a monastery than a series of cave-hewn chapels, Udabno runs along a steep escarpment looking down to grassy plains in Azerbaijan. Monastery Vardzia The remarkable cave city of Vardzia is both a cultural symbol and a spectacular natural phenomenon with a special place in Georgian hearts. Church Tsminda Sameba Church This 14th-century church m above Stepantsminda has become almost a symbol of Georgia for its incomparably photogenic hilltop setting with mighty Mt Kazbek rising behind it, and for the fierce determination involved in building it on such a lofty, isolated perch.
Cathedral Svetitskhoveli Cathedral This extraordinary and for its time, enormous building dates from the 11th century, early in the golden age of Georgian church architecture.
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