{"id":672738,"date":"2022-09-23T15:26:00","date_gmt":"2022-09-23T12:26:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/?p=672738"},"modified":"2022-02-04T07:25:05","modified_gmt":"2022-02-04T04:25:05","slug":"where-to-go-from-tbilisi-for-1-day-on-your-own-route-photo-description","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/en\/where-to-go-from-tbilisi-for-1-day-on-your-own-route-photo-description\/","title":{"rendered":"Where to go from Tbilisi for 1 day on your own – route, photo, description"},"content":{"rendered":"

If your program for visit<\/a>ing the main sights<\/a> of Tbilisi is completed, but there is still time, then you should not waste it just like that – other, no less impressive, tour<\/a>ist places<\/a> are waiting for you in the vicinity of the city<\/a>. And, of course, you can visit them on your own, but it's better to do it as part of an excursion in order to save time and not worry about the prospect of getting lost somewhere in the middle of the gorges. We tell you where you can go from Tbilisi for one day.<\/p>\n

Uplist<\/a>sikhe and Gori<\/h2>\n

\"Where<\/a><\/p>\n

Gori, the birthplace of Stalin, is located<\/a> just 12 km from the cave city<\/a> of Uplist<\/a>sikhe, and therefore these two attractions<\/a> are often visited in pairs. The history<\/a> of Uplist<\/a>sikhe dates back 4 millennia, so this place is actually a living cut of the remains of religious and architectural structures of various peoples. Initially, a sanctuary of a certain female deity was located here, but gradually utility and household premises were car<\/a>ved right into the solid rock, and above-ground buildings appeared. The heyday of the city was brutally interrupted by the Christians, who completely destroyed the local culture.<\/p>\n

From the ancient center<\/a> of paganism, Uplistsikhe became an ordinary fortress city. A full-scale reconstruction was recently carried out, and the city sparkled with new colors. Gori today is strongly associated with Soviet nostalgia and the personality of Joseph Stalin. In addition to the museum, which contains many personal belongings of the leader, there is also a brick house that was moved here from the “Russian quarter”. And even an armored car in which Stalin travel<\/a>ed to Yalta, Potsdam and other cities<\/a> to sign contracts.<\/p>\n

Mtskheta and Jvari Temple<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"Where<\/a><\/p>\n

Mtskheta is an ancient historical center<\/a>, which is often called the “Second Jerusa<\/a>lem”. It is located at the confluence of two rivers and for a long time retained the status of the oldest capital of Georgia<\/a>. Many local attractions<\/a> are under the protection of UNESCO. For example, the temple of Jvari, a cult monument of early Georgia<\/a>n Christianity. The ascetic beauty of strict lines is not disturbed by decorative elements, perfectly harmonizing with the harsh appearance of the local nature. The outer walls are decorated only with reliefs on the facades.<\/p>\n

Inside<\/a> the premises, fragments of ancient mosaics are still preserved, as well as the base, where, according to legend, the Holy Cross, which symbolized the emergence of Christianity in Georgia, was to be installed. However, earlier the temple looked different. According to the surviving description<\/a>s, it becomes clear that the cross was previously open, and any travel<\/a>er could see<\/a> it from afar. If you find yourself at the temple, be sure to tie a ribbon on the Tree of Desires, which grows on one of the windy slopes of Jvari.<\/p>\n

Signals<\/h2>\n

\"Where<\/a><\/p>\n

This city is often called the city of love. It stands among the hills, and the best views of the Alazani Valley open from here. He owes his nickname to Pirosmani, a talented artist who is a native of these lands. It was he who once decided on a beautiful gesture and paved the road of red roses for his muse and lover. Today practically nothing is known about the history<\/a> of Sighnaghi. There are fragmentary reports that King Erekle II ordered the creation of this city in the 18th century, presumably as a refuge from Persian attacks.<\/p>\n

Gradually, the city fell into decay, but already in the 20th century, local authorities undertook a full-scale rest<\/a>oration. Now the narrow cobbled streets and tiny houses under red tiled roofs look very well maintained and are buried in colorful blooms. But there is a downside to such well-balanced beauty – Signagi is good if you want to see a tour<\/a>ist layout in full size, but you should not go here if you are in the mood to immerse yourself in the real pulsation of Georgian life. For this you will have to visit one of the surrounding villages.<\/p>\n

David Gareji<\/h2>\n

\"Where<\/a><\/p>\n

Along the Georgia<\/a>n border stretches a large complex of cave monasteries<\/a> bearing a common name. Today, their significance in the local religious world is comparable to Jerusalem – thousands of pilgrims annually visit the David Gareji Monastery, founded in the 6th century, when Saint David, taking 12 monks with him, decided to settle in the Gareji desert. So, they settled in one of the caves and followed the path of complete austerity. Gradually, the local caves were filled with the followers of David. In particular, Saint Dodo, inspired by his example, founded a monastery here, which today is called the Dodo-Rka cave complex and is considered one of the most significant components of David Gareji.<\/p>\n

It will take more than one day to explore all the local monasteries, so tourists<\/a> usually limit themselves to the “small circle”, which includes the Lavra of David and Tetri-Udabno. To see them, you will need no more than 3 hours. Lavra David has both above-ground and cave rooms. It is the most beautiful architectural monument of the complex and has ancient frescoes preserved in their authentic form.<\/p>\n

Catechism<\/h2>\n

\"Where<\/a><\/p>\n

Initially, Catechia had the status of an independent kingdom, but today it is an area rich in ethnographic and cultural terms, where many religious monuments are concentrated. In addition, it is famous for<\/a> its wines, which are perhaps the most famous of all Georgian wines, and the Tushino mountains. Just 10 years ago, there was a kind of Georgian Siberia here, but today the local infrastructure is quite developed.<\/p>\n

Most of the oldest local temples are scattered along the Gombori Range, but it will not be so easy to find them – they were built mainly during the Persian occupation, and therefore the craftsmen tried to make them as unremarkable as possible. The most famous today is the Nekresi Monastery, which rises high above the Alazani plain. There are also dead cities<\/a> in Catechia – ancient settlements, abandoned for one reason or another. Of the latter, the Kverter settlement, the city of Gremi and the Bochorma fortress are available for visiting.<\/p>\n

Kazbegi<\/h2>\n

\"Where<\/a><\/p>\n

It was here that the first Russian-Georgian settlement was once located – among the mountains and piercing winds. This is exactly the corner of Georgia, which is simply impossible not to fall in love with – too lively, clean atmosphere in this place. Unfortunately or fortunately, most of the sights<\/a> of Kazbegi can only be reached on foot. You should start with the Trinity Church, which is located on the top of the mountain. In cloudy weather<\/a>, the valley is not visible – only heavy clouds, but in clear weather<\/a>, from here you can see glaciers sparkling in the sun and even Kazbek – another visiting card of Georgia.<\/p>\n

This mountain is covered with snow all year round and has an extremely wayward character – only real daredevils risk climbing here. You can test yourself and join one of the groups that go daily to conquer Kazbek. Another beautiful natural treasure of Kazbegi is the Darial Gorge – an extremely picturesque place, but just as danger<\/a>ous – glaciers often come down here, and the local cliffs are steep. But it\u2019s still worth going down to the bottom – there, among the sparkling white boulders and smooth stones, there are Tamara\u2019s castle<\/a> and the Archangel\u2019s temple.<\/p>\n

Dmanisi and Bolnisi<\/h2>\n

\"Where<\/a><\/p>\n

A trip to Dmanisi and Bolnisi is guaranteed to turn into a small journey into the world<\/a> of the historical past of Georgia, in those distant times, when the Christian banner appeared in the Caucasus, and the Georgian language began to acquire its characteristic features. Gradually moving south<\/a>, you will meet numerous monuments of architecture and history<\/a> of the 5th-6th centuries, which, as you know, are still the most rich and mysterious in the history<\/a> of Georgia.<\/p>\n

Modern Bolnisi stands on the site of the ancient city<\/a> of Tsurtavi, which, for unclear reasons<\/a>, simply disappeared one day from all map<\/a>s. Its main attraction is Bolnisi Zion – the oldest temple in Georgia, whose status is officially determined. The origins of Dmanisi are more certain – it stands 10 km from the fortress city of the same name, destroyed during the Middle Ages. Excavations of the 12th century settlement are still being carried out on the territory. So, the more or less intact components of the city are open to the public: a three-church basilica, a unique<\/a> monument of the 6th century, a church narthex, part of the fortress walls and city gates.<\/p>\n

Akhaltsikhe and Vardzia<\/h2>\n

\"Where<\/a><\/p>\n

By itself, Akhaltsikhe does not represent anything of any interest<\/a>, unless, of course, you are going for the romance of rural life. But here are some sights<\/a> that are conditionally related to the city, quite worthy of a visit. Among the latter, it is worth mentioning the Rabat fortress, the abandoned sulfur baths and the Vardzia cave monastery. The history of the monastery is directly connected with the personality of Queen Tamara, whose father ordered several caves to be carved in solid rock.<\/p>\n

Once on this place stood the Assumption Church. At some point, its above-ground part<\/a> was destroyed. The queen ordered to transfer<\/a> it to the cut caves and decorate it with frescoes. The order was exactly carried out, and soon the first monks began to gather in the colorfully painted temple, and its territory began to grow. Gradually, the temple became more and more complex in terms of construction – underground rooms increased, and sacristies, refectories and outbuildings appeared on the surface.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

After a couple of centuries, Vardzia turned into an excellently fortified city-fortress, in which, in case of danger, the entire population of the surrounding territories could hide. The decline began in the 16th century with the arrival of first the Persians and then the Turks, who killed the monks and robbed the monasteries. From that moment on, the city lost its religious value and never managed to recover, turning into a cult architectural monument.<\/p>\n

Kutaisi<\/h2>\n

\"Where<\/a><\/p>\n

Kutaisi is an extraordinarily beautiful city that lies on both banks of the Rioni River. From the ancient Georgian “kuato” can be translated as “stony”, which is completely true for this city – it stands on a rocky plateau. Kutaisi is one of the oldest cities in the world, and therefore the presence of dozens of sights<\/a> of “advanced” age is by no means surprising. The old city lies on the right bank. If you look at it from the opposite shore, an association with swallow nests appears – small two-story houses, built a couple of centuries ago, closely huddle against the slopes.<\/p>\n

From the glass hemisphere of the Parliament building begins a new city on the left coast – skyscrapers growing from perfectly trimmed lawns. Numerous bridge<\/a>s are thrown across the Rioni, from which you can take high-quality panoramic pictures of the city. Among the most important tourist sites are the 10th century Bagrati Temple, the Motsameta Monastery, built on the site of the Muslim massacre of Georgians, and Okros Chardakhi, the former residence of the kings.<\/p>\n

Trusokhevi Gorge<\/h2>\n

\"Where<\/a><\/p>\n

Truso Gorge or Tyrsigom is a truly amazing place. Mineral springs, geysers, the pristine beauty of nature, organically complemented by the ruins of ancient buildings and villages that were abandoned by people too long ago. For centuries, this gorge was considered one of the most dangerous and inaccessible in Georgia. To see the panorama of the valley, you have to drive along the serpentine. The road is extremely winding and stretches along the glacier, which by no means makes it safer. But it's worth it.<\/p>\n

\"Where<\/a><\/p>\n

Villages of the Ketrisi type are scattered throughout the gorge. Several shepherds and milkmaids live in it. The local population has increased slightly due to the sisters of the convent, but it is still extremely small. It is noteworthy that masters of tower construction have long settled in the gorge, and today almost every village has its own piece of architectural thought protruding obliquely from the stronghold.<\/p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Where to go from Tbilisi for 1 day – 10 most interesting places not to be missed. Detailed route, tips for tourists, photo and description, map.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":290552,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_wp_rev_ctl_limit":""},"categories":[2870,2069,2749],"tags":[1222],"class_list":["post-672738","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-georgia-7-de-2","category-europa-en","category-interessante-fakten-en","tag-affiai-en"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/672738","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=672738"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/672738\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/290552"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=672738"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=672738"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=672738"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}