Jvari Monastery
The Jvari Monastery is a sight in Georgia, near the former capital Mtskheta. It is one of the most historically important buildings in the country and is well worth a visit. It has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1996.
Starting point of the Christianization of Georgia
Today’s Jvari Monastery stands on the spot where St. Nino is said to have placed the first cross in Georgian history in the fourth century. Saint Nino is considered to be the region’s first Christian missionary.
About a hundred years later, a small church was built on the hill, of which only the ruins remain today. The first construction of the Jvari Monastery dates back to the end of the sixth century. The Georgian Orthodox monastery is an architectural pioneer for numerous churches in the country.
The Jvari Monastery as a sight
For those interested in culture in Georgia, Jvari is a worthwhile sight. On the one hand, this is due to the historical significance that the monastery has for the architecture and Christianization of the country. On the other hand, two further reasons can be given with the geographical location and the architecture of the building.
The monastery is located on a mountain near the former state capital Mtskheta, which is why there is a panoramic view of the city, which is steeped in history. In addition, the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers meet at the foot of the mountain, so the scenic view cannot be neglected.
Architecturally, the monastery is interesting due to the numerous ornaments and the rather atypical design. A visit to the Jvari Monastery is therefore worthwhile.
Stepantsminda
Stepantsminda is a town in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region in northeast Georgia. The small town is located on the Georgian military road, about 160 kilometers from Tiblissi. Historically and ethnographically, the city is part of the province of Khevi and is considered the center of the Kazbegi municipality. Stepantsminda is known for its picturesque location in the Caucasus and is a popular area for hikers and mountaineers.
Sights and activities
Local attractions include the Ethnographic Museum and Kazbegi Museum in the city and the Gergeti Trinity Church outside the city, as well as Mount Kazbegi itself and the alpine meadows and forests of the surrounding Kazbegi Nature Reserve. The region offers fantastic views while hiking. Gergeti Trinity Church is located near Stepantsminda and the village of Gergeti at an altitude of 2170 meters on the bank of the Chkheri River. The church was built in the 14th century and is the only cross-domed church in Khevi province. The bell tower, which is somewhat separate, comes from the same time as the church itself. The isolated location on a steep mountain in the midst of nature has made the church a symbol of Georgia. The 18th-century Georgian writer Vachushti Batonishvili wrote that valuable relics from Mtskheta, including the cross of Saint Nino, were brought here for safekeeping in times of danger. All worship services were banned during the Soviet era, but the church remained a popular tourist destination. Today the Church is again an active institution of the Georgian Orthodox and Apostolic Church. The house of prayer is a popular waypoint in the area for hikers and mountaineers and can be reached by a steep 1 1/2-hour climb up the mountain or about 30 minutes by jeep on a steep mountain path. All worship services were banned during the Soviet era, but the church remained a popular tourist destination. Today the Church is again an active institution of the Georgian Orthodox and Apostolic Church. The house of prayer is a popular waypoint in the area for hikers and mountaineers and can be reached by a steep 1 1/2-hour climb up the mountain or about 30 minutes by jeep on a steep mountain path. All worship services were banned during the Soviet era, but the church remained a popular tourist destination. Today the Church is again an active institution of the Georgian Orthodox and Apostolic Church. The house of prayer is a popular waypoint in the area for hikers and mountaineers and can be reached by a steep 1 1/2-hour climb up the mountain or about 30 minutes by jeep on a steep mountain path.
Narikala
Narikala
The Narikala fortress towers over the Georgian capital Tbilisi. It is considered the most famous sight in the city. Built as early as the 3rd century on the summit of the Sololaki mountain ridge, Narikala became one of the most important castles in Georgia in the Middle Ages. Today the ruin above the old town attracts visitors from all over the world, because both the old town of Tbilisi and the Nariqala offer interesting insights into the history of the city and the country.
A story of destruction and construction
Once built by the Persians, the Narikala is now a place where history becomes vivid. The Narikala is also one of the sights that should definitely be visited during a study trip through Georgia. In the course of history, the fortress has changed again and again, because it was repeatedly damaged by attacks and almost all conquerors ultimately left structural traces during their time in Tbilisi.
Special features of the castle complex
Visiting Narikala is like stepping back in time. There are traces of the Sassanids, who once built the castle when Tbilisi was occupied. Later Iberia had King Vakhtang I Gorgassali reinforce the protective walls. The Arabs ruled from the 7th to 10th centuries and had, among other things, an astronomical observatory built, which was in operation until the 14th century. The Turks also left their mark as they replaced the Mongols and built the square Istanbul tower, which was once used as a prison. In the 17th century, the fortress was renovated again under the Persians.
The end of the castle complex
In 1827 it was not an attack that destroyed the fortress, but lightning struck one of the powder magazines, causing it to explode. Since Georgia was already under Russian leadership at that time, the castle no longer played an important role and was left to decay. Nevertheless, parts of the castle have been preserved to this day, with many of the remaining parts of the building dating from the 8th century. However, the Nariqala Church in the lower fortress area, which is now also used as a wedding church, is particularly beautiful. However, the panoramic view over the Tiblissi, which visitors to the fortress should enjoy, is particularly beautiful.
