MAIN ATTRACTIONS IN GEORGIA:

Transcription

1 MAIN ATTRACTIONS IN GEORGIA: Context: Imereti Region: Kutaisi - capital city BAGRATI CATHEDRAL (1)... 3 GELATI MONASTERY (2)... 3 MOTSAMETA MONASTERY (3)... 3 PROMETHEUS CAVE (4)... 3 SATAPLIA CAVE and STATE NATURE RESERVE (5)... 4 KATSKHI PILLAR (6)... 4 OKATSE CANYON (7)... 4 Samegrelo Zemo Svaneti Region: Zugdidi - capital of Samegrelo / Mestia capital of Svaneti GACHEDILI CANYON (8)... 4 MARTVILI MONASTERY (9)... 5 DADIANI PALACE (10)... 5 TOBOVARCHKHILI (Silver lake) (11)... 5 ENGURI DAM (12)... 5 MESTIA TOWN (13)... 6 HATSVALI (14)... 6 CHALADI GLACIER (15)... 6 USHGULI VILLAGE (16)... 6 Guria Region: Ozurgeti - capital city. UREKI - Sea resort (17)... 6 BAKHMARO Mount. Resort. (18)... 7 Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti: Regional capitals - Ambrolauri / Tsageri / Lentekhi SHAORI Reservoir (19)... 7 NIKORTSMINDA CHURCH (20)... 7 ONI Synagogue (21)... 7 SHOVI Resort (22)... 7 Ajara Autonomic Republic: Batumi capital city. BATUMI BOTANICAL GARDEN (23)... 8 BATUMI DOLPHINARIUM (24)... 8 BATUMI BOULEVARD (25)... 8 GONIO FORTRESS (26)

2 Abkhazia Autonomic Republic: Sokhumi - capital city. Occupied territory Samtskhe-Javakheti Region: Akhaltsikhe - capital city VARDZIA Cave town (27)... 9 RABATI FORTRESS (28)... 9 KHERTVISI FORTRESS (29)... 9 BORJOMI RESORT (30)... 9 BAKURIANI SUMMER &WINTER RESORT (31)... 9 Shida Kartli Region: Gori - capital city UPLISTSIKHE CAVE TOWN (32) Kvemo Kartli Region: Rustavi - capital city DMANISI - townlet & archeological site. (33) BOLNISI SIONI CHARCH. (34) Mtskheta-Mtianeti Region: Mtskheta - capital city SVETISTSKHOVELI CATHEDRAL (35) JVARI MONASTERY (36) ANANURI FORTIFIED CASTLE ENSEMBLE (37) GERGETI TRINITY CHURCH and MOUNT KAZBEG (38) PARAGLIDING AND SKI Gudauri ski resourt (39) SHATILI VILLAGE (40) Kakheti Region: Telavi - capital city DAVID-GAREJA MONASTERY COMPLEX (41) SIGHNAGI TOWN (42) BONDBE MONASTERY (43) HOUSE-MUSEUM OF CHAVCHAVADZE (Tsinandali) (44) GREMI CITADEL (45) KHAREBA s TUNNEL WINERY Kvareli town (46) NATIONAL PARK OF TUSHETI OMALO village (47) TBILISI CAPITAL city of Georgia: NARIKALA FORTRESS Tbilisi capital of Georgia. (48) SIONI CATHEDRAL CHARCH - Tbilisi (49) METEKHI CATHEDRAL Tbilisi (50) MTATSMINDA PARK and FUNICULAR - Tbilisi (51) THERMAL SPAS Tbilisi (52)

3 BAGRATI CATHEDRAL (1) Distance from the Hostel KOLGA -650 m. The Cathedral of the Dormition, or the Kutaisi Cathedral, more commonly known as Bagrati Cathedral is the 11th century cathedral church in the city of Kutaisi, the region of Imereti, Georgia. The cathedral is regarded as a masterpiece in the history of medieval Georgian architecture. The conservation and restoration works, as well as archaeological studies, which began in 1952, are still underway. In 1994, the Bagrati Cathedral, together with the Gelati Monastery, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list as a single entity. In 2001, the cathedral was restored to the Georgian Orthodox Church. Bagrati attracts many pilgrims and tourists. GELATI MONASTERY (2) Distance from the Kutaisi city -14 km. Gelati Academy and Monastery was founded by King David IV the Builder in During the 12-13th centuries Gelati was one of the biggest religious, educational, scientific and philosophy centers of Georgia. The founding of Gelati is tied to the cultural renaissance of Georgia. The complex includes the main cathedral of the Virgin, the church of St. George, belfry, gates and the building of the academy. At the southern end of the cathedral, at the main entrance, is the grave of David the Builder. The king wanted to be buried in a place where all people coming to the monastery would step on his grave. According to legend, the gravestone is the same height as the king himself was. The monastery is was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. MOTSAMETA MONASTERY (3) Distance from the Kutaisi city -6 km. It s a small and very beautiful monastery with round turrets crowned with peaked tent-shaped domes and beautiful views of the river and the surrounding countryside. The name of the church, Motsam-eta ( place of martyrs ), is tied to the noble of Argueti, brothers David and Constantive Mkheidze, who organized a revolt against the Arabs. The revolt was unsuccessful and the Arabs captured both brothers, proposing forgiveness in return if the brothers converted to Islam. The brothers refused proposal and as a result they were tortured. Their relics are kept in the monastery. Later, during the 11 th century, King Barat IV built a temple over their graves. Local believes if you want that your wish to come true, you simply have to crawl three times under their tomb without touching it. PROMETHEUS CAVE (4) Distance from the Kutaisi city -18 km. Working hours: 10:00 a.m. 17:00 p.m. (Closed on Monday). The Prometheus cave is one of the richest caves of Europe, characterized by a variety of underground rivers and beautiful underground landscapes. The cave meets all the needs of a cave 3

4 enthusiast and it s very popular site among visitors of Georgia. The walking route is 1460 m (max 1 hour) and boat tour is also available to explore the underground lake (280 meters). SATAPLIA CAVE and STATE NATURE RESERVE (5) Distance from the Kutaisi city - 6 km. Working hours: 10:00 a.m. 17:00 p.m. (Closed on Tuesday). The Sataplia Reserve is very popular place among visitors of Kutaisi. The large area of the reserve is covered by a wide variety of beautiful Colchian forest with rare native plants, dinosaurs footprints and five karst caves, famous for their beauty and size. One of these caves (600 m long) is open for visitors. From an observation platform, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Kutaisi city and the Colchis lowlands. KATSKHI PILLAR (6) Distance from Kutaisi 65 km Location: East of Kutaisi on the ways to Chiatura city. The Katskhi is a natural limestone monolith located at the village of Katskhi, near the town of Chiatura. It is approximately 40 meters high, with visible church on its top surface, which is accessible through an iron ladder. The Katskhi pillar complex currently consists of a church dedicated to Maximus the Confessor, a crypt (burial vault), three hermit cells, a wine cellar, and a curtain wall on the uneven top surface of the column. At the base of the pillar are the newly built church of Simeon Stylites and ruins of an old wall and belfry. At the very base of the pillar there is a cross in relief 6th century, exhibiting parallels with similar early medieval depictions found elsewhere in Georgia, particularly at Bolnisi. OKATSE CANYON (7) Distance from Kutaisi: 54 km (45 minutes by taxi) Natural monument in Georgia, located in the village of Gordi of Khoni municipality, in the vicinity of the river Okatse. It is uniquely located in the unbelievably deep and narrow ravine. Okace's canyon is 3 to 6 meters wide and 20 to 100 meters deep. Along the canyon several waterfalls could be found, height of one it is 70 meters. Okatse Canyon occupies more than 2 kilometers and regarded to be the masterpiece of the nature. Okatse waterfalls with its beautiful surroundings are the favorite places for people from Khoni and Kutaisi to spend time or have a picnic. GACHEDILI CANYON (8) Distance from Kutaisi: 55 km (45 minutes by taxi) If you are interested in hiking, climbing, or rafting, then the Gachedili canyon is a great one. 4

5 The canyon is located in the West part of the republic of Georgia, in the historical province of Samegrelo, Martvili municipality. This gorge is usually referred to as the Martvili canyons, named after the nearby town of Martvili. The canyon is 2400 m with the cut depth of 20-40m. One can sail deep into the canyon on a boat, swim in the river and the nearby meadow offers a delightful picnic spot. MARTVILI MONASTERY (9) Distance from Kutaisi: 50 km (40 minutes by taxi) The site upon the hill where the monastery stands today was used in ancient times as a pagan cultural center and was a sacred site. There once stood an ancient and enormous oak tree that was worshipped as an idol of fertility and prosperity. Infants were once sacrificed here as well. After the conversion of the native population to Christianity, the ancient tree was cut down so as not to worship it anymore. A church was originally constructed in the late 7th century upon the roots of the old oak tree and was named in honor of Saint Andrew who preached Christianity and converted the pagans across the Samegrelo region. The main Martvili-Chkondidi Cathedral (Mingrelian: Chkoni translates to "oak") was reconstructed in the 10th century after invasions that destroyed the prior church. Preserved in the church are frescoes of the 14th to 17th centuries. DADIANI PALACE (10) Distance from Kutaisi km The museum is one of the oldest museums in the Caucasian region. There are three palaces form the modern museum complex, parts of which are also Blackernae Virgin Church and Zugdidi Botanical Garden. It currently possesses more than items ranging from the second millennium BCE to the end of the XIX century CE. It contains items, archeological and ethnographic materials, private belongings of the last Prince of Samegrelo, documents which illustrate Georgia s relations with other countries, unique patterns of goldsmith (icons. crosses, church utensils, patterns of original art). Among the Napoleonic items, there is death mask of the emperor dated 1833, a Napoleonic library of several hundred volumes, private letters, and Napoleonic silver and chinaware. TOBOVARCHKHILI (Silver lake) (11) Lake Tobovarchkhili (2650 meters above sea level) is one good site to visit and it is only possible to reach this glacier lake by foot that is at a distance of 20 km from the nearest place called Chkorotsku town. ENGURI DAM (12) Distance from Kutaisi km 5

6 The Inguri Dam is a hydroelectric dam on the Inguri river. Currently it is the world's second highest concrete arch with a height of metres. It is located north of the town Zugdidi on the way to Svaneti. MESTIA TOWN (13) Distance from Kutaisi km Mestia, the main regional center of Zemo (upper) Svaneti, and is 1,500 meters above sea level. It is the starting point for most trips to Svaneti, with a range of hotels, guesthouses and local travel services, and makes a convenient base for exploring the area. From the center of Mestia it is possible to hike up to the glaciers at the foot of mount Ushba, or take horses into the pristine alpine meadows. A new ski resort makes it possible to ski or snowboard even in the height of summer. Tourists interested in religious history will find plenty of examples of wall paintings, frescoes and icons from the Middle Ages in the Svaneti Historic and Ethnography Museum and churches around Mestia. HATSVALI (14) About 8 km from Mestia, you will arrive in Hatsvali, where a 1.5 kilometer long ropeway will take you to mount Zuruldi. This mountain is well known for its unique views of the white slopes of Tetnuldi and the Caucasus mountain range. During the winter months, this area features a 2,400 meter long ski slope. CHALADI GLACIER (15) The glacier is located on the southern slopes of the Caucasus Mountains, at the source of the river Mestia- Chala. The height of the glacier is 1850 meters. Chalaadi is the only glacier that extends into the forest zone. The glacier is fed by the mountain streams Bzhedukhi, Chatini and Dalaqori. USHGULI VILLAGE (16) Ushguli is located in the municipality of Mestia, at the bottom of mountain Shkhara, near the confluence of rivers Inguri and Shavtsqala- Kvishara. The community is comprised of 4 villages (Zhibiani, Chvibiani, Murqmeli and Chazhashi) and their height ranges from 2060 meters to 2200 meters above sea level. This makes Ushguli the highest settlement in Europe. The center of the community, Chazhashi, has been declared a museum and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. UREKI - Sea resort (17) Distance from Kutaisi - 83 km 6

7 There are several resorts in Guria, including Ureki, Shekvetili and Grigoleti, which occupy 25 kilometres of coastline along the Black Sea. Ureki is especially popular, since its sandy beaches contain a large amount of magnetite particles.there is also an increased magnetic field here. BAKHMARO Mount. Resort. (18) The village of Bakhmaro. It is located in Chokhatauri district, on Meskheti Mountain range, 2000 meters above sea level, and is known for its fresh air: a mixture of the sea and mountain air, resulting in a unique local climate. Bakhmaro is recommended for those who have health problems and can benefit from clean air and organic food. SHAORI Reservoir (19) Distance from Kutaisi 44 km Shaori Reservoir: is located in Racha. It is situated in the heart of forested area encompassed by the Caucasus Mountains. The reservoir is set at 1134 miter above sea level and occupies about 1300 sq. miter. The nearby territory of the reservoir is rich in flora and fauna. Nikortsminda church, waterfalls, rivers, deep forests, grottos and curative springs are abounding near it. NIKORTSMINDA CHURCH (20) Distance from Kutaisi 48 km The Nikortsminda Church (11th century. situated at Nikortsminda village ) is a magnificent monument of Georgian architecture known for its wealth of bas-reliefs and frescoes, which include multi-figure thematic compositions of the Transfiguration, the Second Advent, and the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Depictions of the saints of the Georgian Church and figures of animals, both realistic and fantastical, have been preserved inside the church. The façades of the church, which are inlaid with light-colored brick, are adorned with sculptural decorations. ONI Synagogue (21) Distance from Kutaisi 103 km The synagogue was built in 1880 by a Polish architect. It's Georgia s third largest synagogue after the Great Synagogue of Tbilisi and the synagogue of Kutaisi. SHOVI Resort (22) 7

8 Shovi is an popular summer health resort. Visitors can enjoy the mountain climate, its natural beauty, and mineral springs. The resort is located in Oni municipality at the base of the Mamisoni Mountain range and is surrounded by snowy mountains. BATUMI BOTANICAL GARDEN (23) Distance from Kutaisi 150 km Boasting one of the widest varieties of flora in the world, Batumi Botanical Garden was established in 1912 by the prominent botanist and geographer Andrey Krasnov. The garden is 111 hectares and contains flora from nine phyto-geographic areas: East Asia, North America, New Zealand, South America, the Himalayas, Mexico, Australia, the Mediterranean, and the Caucasian humid subtropics. Visitors can go through the botanical garden by foot or by carts, which can be rented from the garden s administration. BATUMI DOLPHINARIUM (24) Distance from Kutaisi 160 km The Batumi Dolphinarium is one of the most-visited tourist attractions in Batumi. The amphitheatre of the dolphinarium consists of 4 sectors and can hold 703 spectators. The dolphin show is an educational program conducted regardless any weather condition. The show is performed in three languages (Georgian, English and Russian) and equally fascinates spectators of all ages. During summer, due to high demand the dolphin show is conducted three times a day. BATUMI BOULEVARD (25) Distance from Kutaisi 160 km The famous Prussian gardener and landscape architect Ressler initially began the construction of Batumi Boulevard in Two years after the project began, Ressler passed away and Michael D'alfons, a French architect, completed the boulevard. Recently, a Spanish architect designed and constructed a new, modern addition for the boulevard. As a result, the boulevard s area has increased to a 7 km stretch. The coastal line of the boulevard has been beatified with bungalows, café-lounges, restaurants, children s attractions, benches, sculptures and dancing fountains-making it one of the city s most attractive tourist destinations. Colonnades were constructed along the boulevard in 1934 and have since become iconic architectural elements of Batumi. GONIO FORTRESS (26) Distance from Kutaisi 175 km Gonio-Apsaros Fortress (I century) is located 12 km south to Batumi, on the left bank of the River Chorokhi. One of Georgia's most ancient settlements was located around this fortress. Due to its strategic location, Gonio Fortress became a supporting citadel first for the Romans and later to the Byzantians and Ottomans along the eastern 8

9 Black Sea coastline. Respectively, the fortress has several layers: the Roman layer (3rd-4th centuries BCE), the Byzantine layer (6th-7th centuries CE) and the Ottoman layer (16th century CE). There is also a museum inside the fortress. VARDZIA Cave town (27) Distance from Kutaisi 240 km Vardzia monastery is simply amazing and breathtaking, with unusual location. This city once used to have 30,000 inhabitants now it s a monastery where several monks live. Most of the city museum is open to the visitors and you can visit the caves and the main cave church with well-preserved frescoes, including the fresco of Queen Tamar and his father King George III) from the 12th century. It involves some walking on the steps, in the dark tunnels too. RABATI FORTRESS (28) Distance from Kutaisi 180 km Rabati fortress was recently renovated. Although it lost its original look and looks a bit artificial after restoration, it s possible to take nice photos in a good weather on the background of its stunning easternstyled towers, shining mosque, charming palaces and fountains. KHERTVISI FORTRESS (29) Distance from Kutaisi 200 km Khertvisi fortress is one of the oldest fortresses in Georgia and was functional throughout the Georgian feudal period. It is situated in Southern Georgia, on the road to Vardzia. The fortress was first build in the 2nd century BC. The church was built in 985, and the present walls build in As the legend says, Khertvisi was destroyed by Alexander the Great. BORJOMI RESORT (30) Distance from Kutaisi 130 km The town is famous for its mineral water industry (which is the number one export of Georgia), the Romanov summer palace in Likani and the Workld Wide Fund for Nature-site Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. BAKURIANI SUMMER &WINTER RESORT (31) Distance from Kutaisi 160 km A favorite resort in summer and winter for kids and adults, beauty of the Borjomi Gauge, is located on the northern slope of the Trialeti Range on the banks of the river Bakurianistskali at around 1700 meters 9

10 above sea level, it lies 30 kilometers from Botjomi and 180 kilometers from Tbilisi, the capital. Bakuriani is known for days with long sunshine, for 2052 hours a year and long snowy winter from December to March. Winters are cold and experience sufficient snowfall while summers are long. Average January temperature is - 7 and in August +15 degrees by Celsius. Average snow cover makes 64 sm. Cristal clean air of high mountains, predominantly coniferous (mainly made up of spruce) forest filled with the perfume of beech trees, Kokhtagora, Kokhtagora II and views of mountains of Tskhratskaro attract attention of visitors during all seasons of the year. UPLISTSIKHE CAVE TOWN (32) Located in Eastern Georgia, Uplistsikhe (literally Lord s Fortress ) is an abandoned rock-hewn town, which once have played an important role in Georgian history. The place was founded in the late Bronze Age, around 1000 BC, and continued to be inhabited until 13th century AD. Between the 6th century BC and the 11st century AD, Uplistsikhe was one of the most important political and religious centers of pre- Christian Kartli one of the predecessors of the Georgian state. DMANISI - townlet & archeological site. (33) Distance from Kutaisi 310 km Dmanisi Museum-Reserve at the archaeological site of Dmanisi is seasonal*. It is open for visits daily except Mondays and public holidays from late spring to early autumn. Opening hours 10:00 to 17:00 (16:30 - last entry). Dmanisi is located 85 km southwest of Tbilisi. There s so much history to discover in Dmanisi. As the largest fortified town in the region, and located on a crossroads of trading routes, Dmanisi grew into a major commercial center of medieval Georgia. An amazing number of ancient buildings still exist today, like the medieval tower and citadel with its cellars, baths, halls and jails, as well as the stunning three-church basilica, built in the 6th century. The tunnels dating back to the 12th century are definitely worth a visit. Dmanisi has a great archaeological significance, as human remains dating from 1.75 million years ago were discovered here. At the Historical and Architectural Museum, you can see a medieval town with its citadel, public and religious buildings. BOLNISI SIONI CHARCH. (34) Bolnisi Sioni Cathedral is a Georgian Orthodox basilica in the Bolnisi village of Bolnisi District. The cathedral was built in and it is the oldest extant church building in n Georgia SVETISTSKHOVELI CATHEDRAL (35) 10

11 Svetitskhoveli is the main Christian Orthodox Cathedral in Georgia, built in cc by the Georgian architect Arsukisdze and represents the high artistic value of Feudal time s architecture. It was the main pilgrimage place on the Silk Road, the burial place of the Christ s Robe, the tomb place of Georgian Kings and the most frequently visited place in Georgia. It is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located in the historical town of Mtskheta, the former capital of the kingdom of Iberia. JVARI MONASTERY (36) The masterpiece of Early Christian Orthodox architecture Jvari Monastery is dated cc AD. Located on the hill top near the town Mtskheta, it is listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site list in The name is translated as the Monastery of the Cross. ANANURI FORTIFIED CASTLE ENSEMBLE (37) The Ananuri fortified ensemble (architect K. Bakhsarashvili), dating from the 17th century, is located on the left bank of the Aragvi River, along the famous original Georgian Military Highway, 66 km from Tbilisi. It incorporates a circuit wall with turrets, a porch, a Church of Virgin, a minor Church of Gvtaeba, a tower with a stepped pyramidal roof of Svanetian type, a single-nave Church Mkurnali, tower Sheupovari, a bell-tower, a spring and a reservoir. In the Church of the Virgin are buried some of the Eristavis (dukes) of Aragvi. The Church of the Assumption, built in 1689, has richly decorated facades with the fine relief carvings featuring human, animal and floral images, including a carved north entrance. It also contains the remains of a number of beautiful frescoes. GERGETI TRINITY CHURCH and MOUNT KAZBEG (38) Gergeti Trinity Church (also known as Tsmida Sameba) is the name of 14th century Holy Trinity Church on north-eastern Georgia near the Gergeti village. The church is located at an altitude of 2170 meters, under the glacier Kazbegi (5047 m) on the right bank of Chkheri River. The church is a popular waypoint for trekkers in the area, and can be reached by a steep 3 hour climb up the mountain, or around 30 minutes (6 km from the central square in the village Stephantsminda) by jeep up a rough mountain trail. PARAGLIDING AND SKI Gudauri ski resourt (39) The spectacular views and stable weather conditions puts it right up there. From the perfect take off sites close to the spots around Gudauri, your flight will take you over the ridges with a birds eye view of the places above Aragvi Valley. After a minute flight, you will smoothly land close to the takeoff area or near ski piste in Gudauri Ski Resort or in Aragvi Valley after min cross country flight. Gudauri is a very popular ski resort in Caucasus region, enchanting 11

12 visitors with its wealth of opportunities for an active holiday in the mountains, unparalleled views, amazing colors, festive atmosphere, and the warm welcome which awaits its guests. Gudauri is situated 110 KM from Tiflis, near Cross Pass, at an altitude of 2200 feet above sea level. SHATILI VILLAGE (40) Shatili located in the deep Arghuni gorge in the historical Georgian provice of Upper Khevsureti, which is now part of the region of Mtskheta-Mtianeti at approximate 1,400 meters above sea level. The village is actually a unique complex of medieval-to-early modern fortresses and fortified dwellings of stone mortar, which functioned both as a residential area and a fortress guarding the northeastern outskirts of the country. The fortress consists of the terraced structures dominated by flat-roofed dwellings and some 60 towers which cluster together to create a single chain of fortifications. DAVID-GAREJA MONASTERY COMPLEX (41) David Gareja is a rock-hewn Georgian Orthodox monastery complex (6 th century) located in the Kakheti region of Eastern Gorgian, on the half-desert slopes of Mount Gareja, some km southeast of Georgia's capital Tbilisi. The complex includes hundreds of cells, churches, chapels, refectories and living quarters hollowed out of the rock face. This area is also home to protected animal species and evidence of some of the oldest human habitations in the region. SIGHNAGI TOWN (42) Sighnaghi is a small town in the east of Georgia situated on the mountainside in the historical region of Kakheti. It was founded in the 17th century during the reign of King Heraclius II of Georgia, and as locals say, it is the only city in Georgia that has fully preserved the fortress walls that are crowned with watchtowers, where one can climb to get the magnificent view of the Alazan valley. BONDBE MONASTERY (43) Sighnaghi is a small town in the east of Georgia situated on the mountainside in the historical region of Kakheti. It was founded in the 17th century during the reign of King Heraclius II of Georgia, and as locals say, it is the only city in Georgia that has fully preserved the fortress walls that are crowned with watchtowers, where one can climb to get the magnificent view of the Alazan valley. HOUSE-MUSEUM OF CHAVCHAVADZE (Tsinandali) (44) Tsinandali is Kakhetian residence of the 19th century Prince, poet and public figure, Alexandre Chavchavadze. 12

13 Chavchavadze inherited village Tsinandali from his father, Prince Garsevan. In 1835 he renovated the estate, built a new palace and a decorative garden. Prince was familiar with European ways of winemaking and constructed Georgia s oldest and largest winery where he combined European and centuries-long Georgian winemaking traditions. The highly regarded dry white Tsinandali is still produced there. The exhibits of Tsinandali museum recreate scenes from intellectual life of 18th-19th cc. It also includes a beautiful garden and also the wine cellar, where unique collection of wine are kept (20000 bottles). GREMI CITADEL (45) Standing above the green valley of Alazan, Gremi attracts travelers whose road goes between Telavi and Kvareli. Gloomy and monumental, the castle is the one of the most visited tourist points in Georgia. The architectural ensemble of Gremi in the look that it has up to present day was built in the 16th century in the times of King Levan of Kakheti, who announced Gremi the capital of the Kingdom of Kakheti. KHAREBA s TUNNEL WINERY Kvareli town (46) Kakheti is the most important region for winemaking, characterized by its unique vine grape varieties, unusually well suited climate, topography, and centuries of exceptional winemaking experience. The Company owns the land plot of 1000 hectare where unique Georgian and European vine species are cultivated and, accordingly, where the high quality wines are produced. Wines are made in Kakheti, Imereti and Racha-Lechkhumi. In Kvareli wine is kept in 7.7 km long tunnel cut off in the stone massif of Caucasian mountain range. The massif includes granite surrounded by shale layers. At any time of the year, the temperature is 10C-11C. Wine is being aged there in the oak barrels. NATIONAL PARK OF TUSHETI OMALO village (47) Distance from Telavi city 100 km (4-5 hours trip) Amazing mountainous region in northeastern Georgia, bordering the historic region of Khevsureti, as well as Russia s Chechnya and Dagestan, is a real treasure of the Georgian part of the Caucasus. It s not an easy drive to the region: the road to Tusheti is mostly open from June to late September-early October. One would need a 4WD and a local guide to lead you to Tusheti. There is no public transport to Tusheti yet. Thus, the region is cut off from the rest of the country for seven-eight months. Local shepherds spend winter in lower villages with herds of cattle. Omalo is the central village of the region, and the first you see coming to Tusheti. Several Tushetian families even stay there for the winter while other locals go down to the valleys. The most important and impressive historical object here is the complex of watch towers called Keselo epically set on a high cliff. NARIKALA FORTRESS Tbilisi capital of Georgia. (48) Narikala fortress is the most known landmark of Tbilisi. No one leaves Tbilisi without walking around this amazing fortress. You can feel the history of Tbilisi, even though the walls are not in a great shape. During the day Narikala fortress draws your attention from all sides of Tbilisi. It 13

14 overlooks Mtkvari River, which makes Narikala more incredible. Narikala is one of the most visited places in Tbilisi. Narikala is an historical fortress overlooking Tbilisi. The fortress was founded in the 4th century. Umayyad expanded it in the 7th century. Narikala consists of two walled sections between the suplhur baths and the botanical garden. The fortress was renamed "Narin Qala" by Mongols ("narin"-small, "qala"-fortress). In 1827 Narikala was destroyed by the earthquake. There is located St.Nicolas temple dated the 12th century. SIONI CATHEDRAL CHARCH - Tbilisi (49) Virgin Mary church Sioni is located on the street having the same name, in one of the oldest districts of Tbilisi, in upper Kala. According to the legend the first church on the very place was constructed by the King Vakhtang Gorgasali in the 5th century, And a hundred years later in a new church was constructed by the wish of the Georgian Erismtavari (head of the nation, title of a Georgian nobleman) Guaram Kurapalati, the Erisnmatavaris and the population of the town actively participated in the construction of one of the most important church, its construction ended during the reign of the Erismtavari Adarnese in 620. According to the legend Adarnese and Guaram lay in rest in this church. METEKHI CATHEDRAL Tbilisi (50) Virgin Mary Metekhi church is located on the left bank of the river Mtkvari, on the cliff plateau, the first church on this place was probably built by Vakhtang Gorgasali symbolically resembling the church built on virgin Mary s tomb in Gethsemane garden in Jerusalem. According to the legend the former catholicos Kirion transferred the body of the saint Shushanik to this church in 7th century. MTATSMINDA PARK and FUNICULAR - Tbilisi (51) Mtatsminda Park is a family amusement facility located atop of Mount Mtatsminda and overlooking the capital of Georgia Tbilisi. It offers carrousels, water slides, a roller-coaster, and a big Ferris Wheel at the edge of the mountain, offering a splendid view over the city. THERMAL SPAS Tbilisi (52) Local legend has it that Tbilisi came to life thanks to its thermal water, after King Vakhtang Gorgasali s falcon came across the water. The name Tbilisi is derived from the word warm so there could be some element of truth to the story. However, some archaeological evidence has found Roman-style baths 14

15 in the city that date as far back to the 1st century, but today s hub of thermal baths are based on the Persian tradition. The baths became a draw of the city at the height of the Silk Road, when there were 63 baths back in the day. 15