Cultural sightseeing in Georgia. What to visit - museums, temples, castles and palaces

Georgia, despite her small size is home to many attractions, each of which uncovers the rich historical past of this amazing country. In Georgia, tourists are greeted by ancient fortresses and architectural monuments, majestic cathedrals and small towns, where time seem to have stopped for centuries. Tbilisi is the capital of the Country. This ancient city has buildings of the middle Ages preserved in the old part. In ancient Tbilisi today, you can see the architectural buildings of the 5th century filled with the aura and atmosphere reminiscent of the times of ancient Tiflis with its narrow streets surrounded by fortress walls.

From the very foundation of the city stands the Narikala fortress, which for a long time was an important defensive center of the Great Silk Road. In the early 19th century, the structure experienced an earthquake disaster and was fragmentarily destroyed. Its complete restoration did not take place. Nevertheless, the surviving walls and towers silently tell about the great past of the city. The landmark of modern Tbilisi is the Rustaveli Avenue which houses State buildings. Here you will also find fashion boutiques, hotels, fashionable restaurants and cozy cafes where you can relax over a Georgian cup of coffee in a relaxed atmosphere. The banks of the river Kura are connected by the Bridge of Peace. Stretching from the old part of the city to the new one, this bridge symbolizes the connection between the past and the future. The bridge was built in 2010 under the French-Italian project for the celebration of Saint George’s Day. One of the most beautiful monuments of Georgian temple architecture is the Betania monastery in Tbilisi which was erected under the reign of Queen Tamara. It contains amazing old frescoes, icons with biblical subjects and painting on the altar.

On the Georgian Military Road you will find the fortress Ananuri which during the Middle Ages was of great importance in feudal wars. To this day, the fortress walls, towers and internal constructions are intact. Not far from Tbilisi is located the most ancient city of the country, Mtskheta. According to legend, it was on its territory that Noah’s Ark surfaced as soon as the waters of the World Flood dried up. The City has a sacred meaning for all Georgians. Above Mtskheta, stands the functioning monastery Jvari. The building which was erected on a high rock, symbolizes the need to work hard to reach the Lord. The Gelati Monastery in Kutaisi was founded by King David IV in the 12th century and later became the place of his repose. It also housed in the past the Gelati Academy of Greek Philosophy. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Another great attraction situated in Gergeti is the 14th century Gergeti Trinity Church, an ancient temple standing in the radiance of the glaciers of Kazbegi. Founded on the place of the pagan sanctuary, it, according to legend, still keeps within its walls an ancient idol, a silver ram. From the hill, opens a magnificent view of the surrounding places. In the town of Alaverdi is situated the Alaverdi Cathedral which was built in the 11th century. Today you can see fragments of painting of the 11-18th centuries still visible on walls that have survived more than one restoration. The complex of the cathedral also includes a bell tower, a palace, a refectory and a fortress wall. The symbol of new Georgia is the Tsminda Sameba Cathedral erected in the beginning of the 21st century according to the standards of temple architecture.

Georgia has two ancient cave towns namely, Uplistsikhe and Vardzia. Uplistsikhe was founded in the 2nd century BC and includes seven hundred caves containing household and administrative buildings, some of which can still be seen today. Vardzia was created under George III. It unites more than a dozen temples with ancient fresco images and a monastery. The ancient frescoes of the late 12th century depict Tamara, George III, the Mother of God and the faces of Christian saints. In Svaneti, at the southern foot of the Caucasus, the Svan towers were preserved. According to one version, the towers were never used for defense but rather served as a repository of provisions, while ironically scaring potential enemies. One of the brightest sights in Batumi city center is the Batumi singing fountains. Inside the City centre, you can witness a fascinating laser show telling the story of Batumi and Georgia in sounds and colors.