20 sights of Georgia, which must be seen with your own eyes

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Lifehacker has collected dizzying views and unique historical monuments.

There is something to see in every region of Georgia. The map will help you navigate and make a convenient route.

1. Old Tbilisi

The old part of Tbilisi is full of historical monuments from different eras. Ancient fortresses and temples, the famous Tiflis sulfur baths and architecture of the Middle Ages have been preserved here. A walk along the narrow cobbled streets is simply irreplaceable if you want to feel the mood of the city.

How to get there

The closest to the Old Town is the Freedom Square metro stop.

2. Memorial "History of Georgia"

This is the creation of the hands of Zurab Tsereteli. The monumental ensemble is located on a hill, not far from the Tbilisi reservoir, and consists of 16 columns 35 meters high. Each of them depicts scenes from the history of Georgia. The memorial impresses with its scale and special atmosphere.

How to get there

By bus # 60 from Tbilisi metro station "Grmagele" or by taxi.

3. Jvari

Jvari Monastery became the country's first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is believed that after the baptism of Georgia, Saint Nina erected a cross on this place. Its foundation is still kept within the walls of the monastery, which is why Jvari is so revered.

The temple was erected on a mountain, and from its observation deck there is a view of the confluence of two rivers - Aragvi and Kura. Lermontov wrote about this in his poem "Mtsyri".

How to get there

Jvari is located 25 km from Tbilisi, near the city of Mtskheta. The most convenient way to get there is by car, since the monastery is located on a mountain.

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4. Svetitskhoveli

"Life-giving pillar" - this is the translation of the name of the most important temple in Georgia. According to legend, the Lord's tunic was buried here - an important relic of Christians. At the burial site, a cedar grew, which was considered sacred, and later turned into a pillar and placed in the foundation of the temple. Thus, the first Christian church in Georgia arose. Now the cathedral is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

How to get there

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is located in the city of Mtskheta, 25 km from Tbilisi. It is easy to get there by public transport or taxi.

5. Arch of Friendship of Nations

The arch was designed by the famous sculptor Zurab Tsereteli, and it was installed at a height of 2,384 m in honor of the friendship between the Georgian and Russian peoples. The arch is decorated with mosaics with scenes from Georgian history. Fascinating views can be observed from the observation deck, which is also the arch.

How to get there

The arch is located near the village of Stepantsminda. The place can be reached not only by private car and taxi, but also by public transport from Tbilisi. Choose route taxis that go to Stepantsminda or Gudauri. They depart hourly from Didube metro station.

6. Church of the Holy Trinity in Gergeti

The church was built seven centuries ago, and it is located at an altitude of 2,170 m at the foot of Mount Kazbek. In addition to its historical value, this place is also attractive for tourists for its location. During the ascent to the church, a breathtaking view of the mountains opens up.

How to get there

Go to Gergeti village. For this, route taxis Tbilisi - Stepantsminda are suitable. From the village you need to go up the dirt road. You can cover this distance on foot or by taxi. The hike will take about an hour.

7. Sighnaghi

A small town in Kakheti is famous for its legends and has the status of a city of love. They say that it was here that Niko Pirosmani, being a poor artist, sought the reciprocity of the European actress Margarita and gave her a million scarlet roses.

Sighnaghi is also a local 24-hour registry office. You can sign here at any time of the day. It is enough to have documents and two witnesses with you.

The atmosphere in Sighnaghi is attractive. Narrow cobbled streets, going up and down, and views of the Alazani Valley do their job.

Another attraction of the city is the ancient fortress wall 3 km long.

How to get there

By personal or public transport. Route taxis Tbilisi - Sighnaghi depart from the Samgori metro station.

8. Alaverdi monastery

Alaverdi was built at the beginning of the 11th century and belongs to the four most significant medieval temples in Georgia. For almost a thousand years, it was the highest in the country: up to the highest point as much as 50 m. But in 2004, the construction of the Holy Trinity Cathedral was completed in Tbilisi, which turned out to be 18 m higher than Alaverdi.

The restoration work has slightly changed the appearance of Alaverdi. But inside the cathedral there are still unique frescoes and wall paintings of the 11th-17th centuries.

How to get there

The cathedral is located 20 km from the city of Telavi, away from the main highway. So go by car or join a guided tour.

9. David Gareja

David Gareja is a large cave complex of monasteries, founded in the 6th century. It stretches for 25 km on the border with Azerbaijan. It is worth coming here for the atmosphere and amazing semi-desert landscapes.

In 2016, National Geographic magazine declared the Davidogaregia complex one of the most beautiful places in the world.

How to get there

By private car, by taxi from the city of Sagarejo or as part of an excursion group from Tbilisi.

10. Uplistsikhe

Cave Uplistsikhe became one of the first cities on the territory of Georgia. It is about three thousand years old, and practically all this time it existed as a functioning settlement. Previously, ancient pagan tribes lived here.

To this day, about 150 cave structures have survived here, including temples, tunnels and the remains of interior decoration. Uplistsikhe is protected by UNESCO.

How to get there

It is more convenient to get there by taxi or bus from the nearest town of Gori. The object is located 100 km from Tbilisi.

11. Borjomi City Park

Borjomi is a paradise for those who love a leisurely vacation. The temperate climate is preserved here all year round, and the proximity of the national nature reserve makes a healing cocktail of the local air.

Also, the town located in the gorge is famous for its mineral springs. Healing water can be tasted for free right in the pump room of the city park. And after that, entertainment is offered to choose from: climb the cable car over the gorge, swim in pools with water from sulfur springs, or ride on the only narrow-gauge railway in Georgia.

How to get there

By train or bus from Didube metro station in Tbilisi.

12. Vardzia

The atmosphere of this place is able to enchant anyone. The cave city was cut down during the reign of Queen Tamara. It included many rooms, tunnels, a water supply system and a monastery and was completely hidden in Mount Erusheti. But in 1283, after a strong earthquake, part of the mountain collapsed and Vardzia was badly damaged. Now there are about 600 rooms left, including a functioning temple with unique frescoes.

How to get there

By regular buses or taxis from the city of Akhaltsikhe or with an excursion group.

13. Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory

commons.wikimedia.org

The Abastumani observatory became the first alpine observatory in the USSR. Its construction began in 1934 at an altitude of 1,650 m. It is noteworthy that it is still functioning and its territory is open to visitors.

You can climb Mount Kanobili, where the observatory is located, by a special cable car or by car. And the most interested have a chance to get on a night tour and even look at the stars through a telescope.

How to get there

The first target is the village of Abastumani, where the road to the observatory begins. You can get to the village by your own car or use a public one. The bus service has been established with Tbilisi, Borjomi and Akhaltsikhe.

14. Ropeway "Argo"

The longest cable car in Georgia was built in the resort city of Batumi. Its length is 2.5 km, and the ascent takes 10 minutes. The trailers start from the lower station, not far from the seaport, and finish on Mount Feria, gaining a height of 252 m. This is the best way to see the whole of Batumi in full view, including its tourist zone, industrial areas and the sea line to the very horizon.

During the tourist season, the cable car is open until 1 am, which allows you to admire the sunset and the lights of the city at night.

How to get there

The lower station of the cable car is located near the Batumi sea station, st. Gogebashvili.

15. Primorsky Boulevard Batumi

Dynamic sculptures, Chacha tower and Alphabet tower, Ferris wheel and Batumi lighthouse. And also bike paths, dancing fountains, flower beds, palm trees and, of course, seascapes. The length of the modern seaside boulevard is 8 km. This place has become a new symbol of the resort Batumi.

How to get there

Buses and trains travel to Batumi from almost any part of Georgia. The city also has an international airport.

16. Bagrat temple

The entire Kutaisi and its surroundings can be seen from the hill on which the temple was built. This is the highest point in the city and its main attraction. In 1089, King David the Builder was crowned here.

The temple has a difficult fate. Several times it suffered from enemy raids, and in the end only ruins remained of its walls.

Destroyed Bagrati was listed as a World Heritage Site. Later, restoration began, and in 2012 it ended with the installation of a two-meter bronze cross on the renovated temple. However, such changes did not suit UNESCO, and the temple was removed from the lists due to the loss of its former appearance.

How to get there

The Bagrat Temple is visible from anywhere in the city, so it is easy to find it. You can get there by car or climb on foot. The road from the center of Kutaisi will take no more than half an hour.

17. Cave of Prometheus

The largest of the discovered caves in Georgia. In fact, this is a whole complex of caves with its own microclimate, there are even underground rivers and lakes. The total length of the Kumistavi crossings (the first name of the cave) is about 11 km, although only a tenth of them are open to tourists.

The walk through the cave takes about an hour. The trail leads under stalactite arches through six natural halls.

How to get there

Rare minibuses go from the town of Tskhaltubo (Kutaisi region), which is closest to the cave. If you are not in the mood to wait long, take a taxi. Any local driver knows the way to Kumistavi.

18. Okatse Canyon

commons.wikimedia.org

commons.wikimedia.org

If you want to add some thrill, this is the place for you. The canyon 50 m deep and 3 km long is an hour's drive from Kutaisi. The main feature of this place is a suspended trail that allows you to walk directly over the gorge. Below you can see the bubbling Okatse River, after which the canyon is named. The extreme road ends with an observation deck hanging over the abyss.

How to get there

The most convenient way is to go from Kutaisi by car or taxi along the Khoni - Mathoji highway. The target is the village of Zeda-Gordi.

19. Cable cars Chiatura

In 1954, the first passenger cable car of the Soviet Union appeared in the Georgian city of Chiatura, and later about 20 more lines were built. Chiatura is located in a gorge, and cable cars were designed to deliver residents to inaccessible mountain areas, as well as transport magnesium, which has been mined here since the last century.

All the cabins and stations of the cable car are a real rarity: they have been in use for more than half a century. Locals are accustomed to such transport, but for beginners this entertainment may seem extreme: the slope of the lines reaches 48 degrees.

How to get there

The mining town of Chiatura can be reached from Tbilisi or Kutaisi by minibus or train. Route taxis depart from Tbilisi metro station "Didube".

20. Svan towers

Largely thanks to these medieval fortress towers, Upper Svaneti was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. When the local settlements were attacked by enemies, the Svans used the towers for defensive purposes. It is now a symbol of the region.

You can look at the unique Svan buildings in Mestia - the administrative center of Svaneti, as well as in the high-mountainous village of Ushguli.

How to get there

Not only regular minibuses go from Tbilisi to Mestia, but also planes fly: an airport has been built in the mountain village. It is better to buy plane tickets in advance at the airline office: Tbilisi, st. Vazha Pshavela, 5.