There are many highlights of Georgia. For example, these are historical and architectural monuments, fine arts and ancient culture, including old traditions still observed in remote villages and mountainous provinces. In addition, the country boasts majestic Caucasian Mountains, spectacular resorts and national parks. On the other hand, food enthusiasts will enjoy delicious Georgian cuisine and wine, and friendly and hospitable people.
The Capital of Georgia
TBILISI, the capital of Georgia, established in the 5th century AD, has a long and fascinating history. Founded by King Vakhtang Gorgasali on the site of warm mineral-water springs, Tbilisi developed into the Caucasus major city. Noteworthy, by the 12th century, Tbilisi became one of the Middle East important political, economic, and cultural centers. It also served as one of the ancient stops along the famous Silk Road, on the border between Europe and Asia (west and east).
Tbilisi’s old town, the most ancient part of the city, is renowned for its wonderful mix of cultures. The mosque, the synagogue, and the Armenian church mingle harmoniously with the splendid Georgian churches and architecture. The wooden houses with open, carved balconies seem to welcome every visitor. The balmy sulfur baths have hosted poets, writers, musicians, and kings through the centuries. Looking down on the city are Mtatsminda (Holy Mountain) and the 4th-century Narikala Fortress. They provide excellent spots for the swirling river Mtkvari (Kura) and stunning city view, which has been a home for so many nationalities.
Popular attractions in Tbilisi
Tbilisi’s unique Old Town is full of charms. These are winding roads, alleys, and wooden balconies. Metekhi Church stands proudly above the river on a cliff-top. Sioni Cathedral, perched on the hill is the beating heart of Georgian Orthodoxy. Anchiskhati Church, is an ancient style of Georgian church. Relaxing sulfur baths, Narikala Fortress with great views, Mtatsmida – they all add to the beautiful landscape of Tbilisi.
Main museums: Georgian State History Museum, Georgian Art Museum, The Open-Air Museum of Folk Architecture, Tbilisi History Museum.
Main streets: Rustaveli Av., Baratashvili str., Chavchavadze Av. Leselidze str. Agmashenebeli Av.,
Higlights of Tbilisi – Mtskheta
Historians date this historic town back to the 2nd millennium BC. According to historical records, Mtskheta became the capital of the Georgian Kingdom of Iberia between 500 BC – 500 AD. Here, Georgians, adopted Christianity at the beginning of the 4th century. Mtskheta remains the Headquarters of the Georgian Orthodox Church. Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th c.) and Jvari Monastery (6th c.) are among the finest architectural monuments in Georgia. Mtskheta is listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The Georgian Military Highway & Kazbegi
The Georgian Military Highway is the historical road leading north from Tbilisi into Russia. It passes the spectacular Ananuri fortress, climbs the sides of the dramatic Aragvi River Valley, then over the Jvari Pass (2395m) and down into Kazbegi (1700m). Surrounded by gigantic mountains of Kazbegi is a picturesque settlement overlooked by the biggest of all – Mount Kazbek (5047m) – one of the six 5000-metre peaks of the Caucasus. The Sameba Church in Gergeti on the hill above the town provides splendid views of Mt. Kazbek. The region, with its many valleys and peaks, is one of the popular walking destinations in Georgia. The nearby Chaukhi mountains provide superb rock-climbing, with numerous routes. The Gudauri ski resort, located just the other side of the Cross Pass on the southern slopes of the Caucasus, offers the best skiing (and heli-skiing) in the Caucasus.
Highlights of Georgia – Svaneti & The Central Caucasus
Svaneti, the mythological western province of Georgia, land of the ‘Golden Fleece’ (where locals still sift for gold through sheepskins), lies high up in the Greater Caucasus. Several 5000-meter-plus peaks thrust glaciers down into this beautiful and remote region, where stone towers rise beside homesteads, some dating back to the 12th century.
Never far away is one of Svaneti’s numerous, richly frescoed churches, focal points for lively communities where traditions have a long history. Unique icons and manuscripts are displayed in Mestia’s museum, overlooked by huge hanging peaks. Mestia, the capital of Svaneti, is a well-known climber’s launch point, and the dramatic trekking trails will appeal more to the adventure traveler. The villages of Ushguli, “the highest permanently inhabited in Europe,” provide a stunning view of Mt. Shkhara (5201m), the highest peak in Georgia. Its ragged stone towers and the ongoing resilience of its population have led it to be declared as one of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites of Georgia.
Kutaisi, Gelati & Bagrati Cathedrals
The city of Kutaisi dates back to the Argonauts’ time (13th -12th centuries B.C). Formerly the capital of old Colchida, Kutaisi ruled over all of Western Georgia. The nearby Gelati Monastery was founded in the 12th century by Georgia’s most famous king, David the Builder (1073 – 1125 AD). Its walls are covered in splendid floor-to-ceiling murals of Georgia’s saints and monarchs. Gelati and Bagrati are listed as World Cultural Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
Highlights of Eastern Georgia – Kakheti
Kakheti, Georgia’s famous wine region and popular wine destination for tourists, lies the east of Tbilisi in a land dotted with fine old churches and vineyards. What’s more, any home in Kakheti will offer a glass of delicious homemade wine to a foreign visitor – this province has a history of matching the quality and variety of its wines.
The architectural gems are the gracious Alaverdi Cathedral (11th AC), the picturesque Ikalto Academy (4th – 13th AC), Shuamta Monastery (7th AC), and the elegant Gremi Church (16th AC)
Vardzia Cave Monastery and South Georgia
Vardzia, in the Meskheti province of southern Georgia, is a thirteen-story cave town built in the 1180s by Georgia’s famous Queen Tamara. It stands as a unique example of the Georgian Renaissance. Around the town of Akhaltsikhe, you can find the elegant Sapara Church and the dramatic Khertvisi Fortress.
Tusheti Region – Highlights of Georgia
Situated in the heart of the Greater Caucasus, Tusheti is a remarkable place, famous for its tall, black-slate medieval towers and hill-top villages. The high forested mountainsides and snow-capped are a haven for Gerogia’s many kinds of eagles and vultures that soar between deep valleys. The villages of Dartlo, Parsma, and Dano with their stone shrines or ‘khati;’ fascinate tourists. The locals still demonstrate strong links to ancient mountain traditions.
Ajara Region: Batumi and the Black Sea Coast
Sitting in the southwestern corner of Georgia, against the eastern coast of the Black Sea, Ajara spans a wide variety of landscapes, from high forested mountains to lush sub-tropical hills – all set beside the balmy Black Sea coast. Batumi, the capital, is a major seaport with a beautiful Botanical Garden on the shores of the Black Sea, surrounded by tea and citrus plantations. Down toward the Turkish border lies the ancient town of Gonio. Built in the 2nd century BC, the city played a vital role as a connection between the West and the Caucasus. Archeological excavations still continue in Gonio that have already unearthed a wealth of gold and other artifacts.
The Monasteries of David Gareji
David Gareji is situated deep in a semi-desert about 75 km southeast of Tbilisi. Founded in the 6th century by the Christian Father St. David, the monasteries of Lavra, Udabno, Dodo, and Bertubani are remarkable for their original cave frescos that date from the 8th to 13th centuries. But the setting is no less impressive. Tourists are likely to see the fabulous white Egyptian vulture soaring in the sky above.
Uplistsikhe Cave-Town
Uplistsikhe (‘the Lord’s citadel’) is a cave town hewn into the living rock, 8 km southeast of Gori. Interestingly, the citadel dates back to the 7th century BC. It was a strategic point on the ancient Silk Road until the 15th century AD. It contains a large central hall for pagan rituals, living rooms, and a 9th-century church. The picturesque Ateni Church (7th century) near Gori is another classic architectural representation of the Georgian church, including its impressive interior murals.
Shatili and the Khevsureti Province
Deep and narrow river gorges, severe snow-capped peaks, virgin nature, mountainsides carpeted with flowers, and traditional stone villages make Khevsureti an unforgettable experience. Shatili, its main village citadel, is a unique cluster of houses that form a defensive citadel. It still stands proudly above the Arguni River – since the 9th century – as a symbol of Georgia’s independence and resilience.
The Lesser Caucasus, Bakuriani, and the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park
The Lesser Caucasus rises up on the southern side of Georgia and contains several animal species endemic to Georgia. Resort towns of Borjomi and Bakuriani were established by the Tsar in the 19th century as spa towns. He also built a narrow gage railway to connect the two towns – still running today. Since then, Bakuriani has developed into Georgia’s second ski resort in the winter and a walker’s paradise in summer.
The Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park has recently been developed into a superb nature reserve. It features educational trails for children and magnificent, several-day hiking trails through virgin forest and canyons for adults. Furthermore, the rich flora and fauna range from the sub-alpine to the sub-tropical. Beyond the Park are the Meskheti and Javakheti regions – dominated by their high plateaus at over 2000 meters. The area is rich with history, churches, and fortresses. They also contain Georgia’s largest lakes on the high volcanic plateau.
Imereti, Guria & Samegrelo Provinces
These western regions of Georgia attracted the Greeks and Romans many centuries ago, who established settlements there. Today, the landscape is appealing to the tourist. It ranges from bird-rich wetlands to subtropical lowlands and forested mountains. Many medieval churches and monuments adorn these provinces. However, the focal points are the larger historical towns of Kutaisi (Georgia’s second city), Poti, and Zugdidi. A fascinating excavation is still underway in the village of Vani (8th – 3rd centuries BC). Each year scientists unearth more treasures from ancient Colchis and get them transported to the museums in Tbilisi.
Racha Region
Racha is a rich mountainous region neighboring Svaneti. It is a place of marvelous virgin forests and snow-capped peaks, surrounding villages with impressive medieval churches, such as Nikortsminda. Racha is also home to one of Georgia’s favorite semi-sweet wines, Khvanchkara.