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    Tourist Attractions in Georgia

    The most interesting and beautiful tourist attractions in Georgia. Photos and a brief description.

    About Georgia

    Georgia is a holiday on the sunny coast of Adjara, ancient fortresses of Kakheti, picturesque ski resorts of Upper Svaneti, as well as delicious cuisine and excellent wine. There are many attractions on the small territory of this country, so seasoned travelers know that one trip to Georgia will not be enough. In order to feel the atmosphere of this ancient region, learn its history and understand the mentality of the proud Georgian people, you need to come here several times.

    Top Cities to Visit in Georgia

    Top Tourist Attractions in Georgia

    Old City of Tbilisi

    Part of the city on both banks of the Kura River, where medieval buildings of bygone centuries have been preserved. There are architectural objects of the 5th century in Old Tbilisi, many of them are included in the lists of valuable historical heritage. The Old Town occupies the historical territory of ancient Tiflis (as it was in the XII century) and even now has preserved the special atmosphere of those times. Narrow streets, fortress walls and ancient cathedrals help the traveler to plunge into the complex interweaving of Georgian history.

    Old City of Tbilisi
    Mtskheta city

    Mtskheta city

    The oldest city in the country, founded in the V century BC. According to legend, it was founded by a descendant of Noah Meskhet (Mtskhetos). The city is 200 km away. from Mount Ararat – that 's where I landed Noah's Ark after the end of the Flood. Mtskheta is located near Tbilisi and is the ancient capital of Georgia. This is a holy place for every Georgian, locals call the city "the second Jerusalem".

    Trinity Church in Gergeti

    A high-mountain temple of the XIV century, located at an altitude of more than 2 km. above sea level. The ancient walls of the temple stand against the background of the sparkling glaciers of Kazbek. It was founded on the site of a pagan temple, according to some guidebooks, an ancient silver idol in the shape of a ram is still kept in the walls, not destroyed for some reason by the local clergy. There is a picturesque view of the church from the Georgian Military Road.

    Trinity Church in Gergeti
    Narikala Fortress

    Narikala Fortress

    This structure has been standing almost since the foundation of Tbilisi. Residents call the fortress the "heart and soul" of the city. At various times, Arabs (VII-VIII centuries) and Mongols (XI-XII centuries) took part in its construction For many centuries, the structure was an important fortified point on the Great Silk Road. In 1827, the citadel was partially destroyed by an earthquake. Now the Narikala fortress has not been completely restored, but its walls and towers are silent witnesses to the great history of this land.

    Ananuri Fortress

    The structure is 64 km away . from Tbilisi on the Georgian Military Road. The fortress played an important role in numerous wars between feudal lords in the Middle Ages due to its convenient location. Ananuri is well preserved – not only the walls and towers remain intact, but even the ceilings and internal buildings. Almost all tourist routes in the country run through the citadel, so it is almost impossible to miss it.

    Ananuri Fortress
    Jvari Monastery

    Jvari Monastery

    An active monastery towering over the ancient city Mtskheta. He was sung by Lermontov in the poem "Mtsyri" and, apparently, in honor of this event, a monument was erected to the poet not far from the monastery. Like many other religious buildings, Jawri was erected on an elevation in a rock, since in ancient times it was believed that a person should work hard to get to the "dwelling places of the Lord".

    Gelat Monastery

    It was founded by King David IV in the XII century, and later became his tomb. Gelati Monastery is considered the most significant medieval monastery in Georgia, it is included in the UNESCO Heritage list and is protected by this organization. The Gelati Academy (the cultural and scientific center of medieval Georgia) operated at the monastery, whose members studied Greek philosophy.

    Gelat Monastery
    Alaverdi Cathedral

    Alaverdi Cathedral

    The shrine of Kakheti, located in the village of the same name. The Cathedral building was erected in the XI century. and at that time was the tallest in the region. Alaverdi was repeatedly destroyed by invaders, but people restored and restored it. The first restoration was carried out in the XV century . Fragments of paintings from the XI-XVIII centuries are still preserved on the walls. The ensemble of the cathedral includes a bell tower, a palace, a refectory, a fortress wall.

    Bethany Monastery

    One of the best examples of Georgian temple architecture. It was built in the time of Queen Tamara. According to legend, the ruler liked to stay in these places for rest. The monastery has preserved unique ancient frescoes depicting the royal family, icons with scenes from the Bible, an altar painting consisting of biblical verses and psalms.

    Bethany Monastery
    Tsminda Sameba

    Tsminda Sameba

    This cathedral is considered a symbol of "renewed Georgia". It was erected in 2004 in compliance with all the traditions that have developed over the centuries of temple architecture. The construction was carried out at the expense of donations from citizens and funds from wealthy Georgians. Tsminda The sameba can accommodate up to 15,000 people, its area is more than 5,000 m2 and it is not afraid of earthquakes.

    Vardzia

    A cave city built during the reign of George III. There are 15 temples with ancient frescoes and an active monastery. The surviving frescoes are considered unique, as they were created at the end of the XII century. and they have lived up to our times. There are images of Tamara, George III, the Mother of God and Christian saints on them.

    Vardzia
    Uplistsikhe

    Uplistsikhe

    Another cave city in Georgia. It is considered one of the first settlements in the country. It was founded in the II century BC For its long existence Uplistsikhe experienced several rises and falls, in the XIX century. it was finally abandoned by the residents. In its heyday, it consisted of 700 caves, in which residential and administrative buildings were located. Many structures have survived to our times.

    Svan Towers

    Facilities on the territory Svaneti, on the southern side of the Caucasian Ridge. The towers were not used as defensive ones, since there were no internal wars in the region at the time of their construction. There is a version that they were erected to maintain prestige and intimidate possible enemies, while they stored stocks of vegetables and other provisions.

    Svan Towers

    Batumi fountains

    Singing fountains in the center of Batumi, one of the brightest city attractions, attracting many tourists. During the laser show, the audience will see not only the bizarre iridescence of light rays, but also a brief history of the city and the country, told in colors and sounds. The fountains were built relatively recently – in 2009, but have already become one of the main attractions of Batumi.

    Rustaveli Avenue

    The main street of Tbilisi, its "face" and facade. Ministries, official residences, and government buildings are located here, so the avenue is the center of Georgia's political life. Also on Rustaveli Ave. there are many expensive boutiques, restaurants, hotels and nice cafes where you can drink a cup of excellent Georgian coffee.

    Rustaveli Avenue
    Bridge of Peace in Tbilisi

    Bridge of Peace in Tbilisi

    A modern structure connecting the banks of the Kura River in Tbilisi. It symbolizes a bridge from the past to the future, as it connects the old and new parts of the city. The project of the Italian architect Michel de Lucci and the French lighting engineer Philippe was used during the construction Martino. The bridge was opened in 2010 on the feast of St. George.