Georgia is a very hospitable country with interesting centuries-old history and original culture, beautiful natural places, delicious wines, and world-famous national Georgian cuisine.
The main attractions of Georgia are ancient religious buildings, medieval fortresses, mountain monasteries and churches of old towns. There are architectural monuments of different epochs in every major city, but the most interesting in this respect is the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, which contains several beautifully preserved historical areas of the country.
Major museums and theaters of international acclaim operate in Tbilisi and Batumi. Some expositions are located in ancient fortresses and buildings-monuments of architecture, about the history of which you can learn here in the museums or from a guide.
Beautiful places in Georgia are everywhere, but the mountain views are of course beyond competition, of which the main sights of Kazbegi are worth. Mount Kazbek is the most famous peak in the country. In a rocky cave at an altitude of about 3800 meters a little more than half a century ago was discovered shrouded in legends ancient monastery Betlemi (Betlemi Cave), about which the locals will be glad to tell you. At the foot of Kazbek there is a functioning Gerget church of the Holy Trinity, which traditionally attracts climbers and tourists who come to admire the mountains. Picturesque mountainous places, favorite with photographers: the town of Sighnakhi in Kakheti and the village of Ushguli.
The famous Military-Georgian road (the road of Heavenly Gorge), which in ancient times was called “Daryal Passage” is a strategically important object and a landmark, from which you can enjoy an excellent view of the mountain ranges. The road connects Vladikavkaz and Tbilisi.
The mountains of Georgia are favored by conquerors of snowy slopes. Bakuriani ski resort offers incredible landscapes of the Caucasus Mountains. In summer time people come to Bakuriani for trekking and the purest mountain air. Gudauri ski resort is also incredibly popular among tourists both in winter and summer.
Completely different views and different every time open up in the natural parks of Lagodekhi, Kolkheti, Algeti, Vashlovani, Mtirala, Ispani, Tusheti, Kintrishi, Kazbegi reserve and others. The Akhmeta reserve is famous for its relic groves of yew and dzelkva.
The monastery and cave town of Vardzia annually attracts thousands of tourists from all countries with its unusual view and history, which dates back to the reign of George III, the father of Queen Tamara. Not far from Vardzia Monastery is another cave attraction – Vanis Kvabebi Monastery (Van Caves), which was once a women’s monastery. Narrow cave corridors silently preserve the history of these places, where the novices of the monastery, who violated its strict regulations, were simply thrown off the cliff.
Uplistsikhe is one of the oldest cave towns on the planet, whose population in the ancient centuries was about 20 thousand inhabitants. The first mentions of the city date back to II – I centuries BC.
One of the most beautiful natural sights of Georgia can be called Martvili Canyon, also known as Martvili Canyon. A trip by kayak or boat along the azure waters of the narrow canyon will leave unforgettable impressions: loud gurgling waterfalls fall down from the majestic rocks.
Another “natural wonder” that will amaze with its splendor is the Prometheus Cave, also known as Kumistavi. The cave is a part of the Sataplia reserve, where traces of dinosaurs from the Cretaceous period were found. The reserve is located in Tskaltubo, where tourists and locals go for treatment in local sanatoriums with radon waters.
Among the ten main attractions of Georgia is the David Gareji Monastery, founded in the VI century. It can be said that the monastery is part of a complex of 20 buildings, some of which are already on the territory of Azerbaijan. Frescoes dating back to the VIII century have been preserved in the monastery complex.
The Katskhi Pillar in Chiatura – a narrow monolithic rock, the top of which crowns the monastery – is a source of excitement. The monastery is still the abode of several monks. Chiatura is also famous for its cable car, which offers a picturesque mountain panorama.
The watchtowers of Mestia or Svan towers can also be characterized as a unique heritage of the Middle Ages. These constructions are unlike any other in the world – they were created as defensive structures, but fortunately for the population they were never used for their intended purpose.
Tbilisi
The sights of Tbilisi can be listed endlessly. It seems that every house in the Old City keeps a centuries-old secret. In the capital of Georgia you can make an excursion itinerary for almost any taste: explore Orthodox churches led by Tsminda Sameba Cathedral; walk to Narikala Fortress on St. David’s Mountain and the nearby Juma Mosque; visit Darejan Palace, take vivid photos of Georgia’s unusual landmark – the Peace Bridge; go around the popular monuments of Tbilisi – “Mimino”, “Mother Georgia” also known as “Mother Kartli”, “David the Builder”, “Shota Rustaveli”, “Taras Shevchenko”, “Sergey Parajanov”, “Nikoloz Baratashvili”, “Akaki Tsereteli and Ilya Chavchavadze”, monument “History of Georgia” and many others. The sulfur baths located in Old Tbilisi are of constant interest to tourists.
For souvenirs, churchkhela, and wine you can safely go to the main shopping street “Armenian Bazaar”, which runs between Tatar Meydan (Vakhtang Gorgasali Square) and Freedom Square in Tbilisi. In the very center of the square, there is a beautiful statue of St. George the Victorious.
On Gorgasali Square there is an underground market “Meidan Bazaar”. Here you can buy any souvenirs, wine, or national clothing or just go to the underground market for a tour and see the collection of antiquities.
To fully feel the national flavor will help one of the markets of Tbilisi. “Deserter’s Market” is one of the largest food and clothing bazaars in the capital. You can bring seasonings, spices, wine, local products, national dishes, or souvenirs as a gift to your relatives and friends from Tbilisi.
At the flea market of Tbilisi (Dry Bridge market), you can find such unique things of the Soviet period, which you will not find anywhere else. Even if you are not into collecting, you should walk around the market just for the sake of interest, as the flea market is a kind of open-air museum.
In addition to the Old Town, the Metekhi district will be interesting from a historical point of view. Metekhi can be translated from Georgian as “the place where the church stands”. The top of the rocky mountain on the Kura River is crowned by the ancient temple of Metekhi, erected in the XIII century and a monument to the great Vakhtang Gorgasali. Also here is the oldest crossing of the Kura River – Metekhi Bridge.
In the obligatory program of religious sightseeing you should include Anchishkhati Church built in 522, Sioni Cathedral, St. Karapet Church, St. George Church (Kashveti), Nor Echmiadzin Church, Alexander Nevsky Church, Karapi St. George Church (Kldisubani), John the Theologian Church, Kusanots Maiden Monastery and Betania Monastery near Tbilisi.
You can catch a glimpse of the whole city by taking a ride on the Tbilisi cable car. Mount Mtatsminda (St. David’s) and the city center are connected by a funicular in Tbilisi, which is famous for its mention in the movie “12 Chairs”. Also on St. David’s Mountain is the Mtatsminda amusement park.
One of the most publicized attractions of Tbilisi is the art space “Fabrika”, where young talents gather, events are held, and locals have not infrequently come to the local cafe for a cup of coffee.
If you come to the city with children, you should take your favorite child to one of the parks in Tbilisi, especially since many of them have playgrounds and amusement parks. One of the most modern and well-maintained is the capital’s Rike Park. The park has children’s playgrounds, a grand piano, and meter-long chess. In Mushtaidi Park, in addition to the restored Soviet rides, there is a children’s railroad.
The Botanical Garden of Tbilisi attracts many tourists and locals. The garden is especially beautiful during cherry blossoms and in summer. Shevardnadze’s Gardenia Garden and Heydar Aliyev Park will also delight guests of the capital with floral scents and riot of colors.
From the botanical garden to the sulfur baths is the Legvtakhevi Gorge (Fig Gorge). Tbilisi Canyon is a landscaped walking zone. Another unusual and favorite place of recreation for locals is Turtle Lake. In the warm season, the lake is open for swimming and water entertainment.
The capital is rich in unusual architecture. In addition to the Peace Bridge and the cultural center in Rike Park, it is worth paying attention to the House of Justice in Tbilisi, which is interesting to tourists from an architectural point of view. The Presidential Palace of Tbilisi, which is also an architectural landmark in its way, is crowned by a large glass dome. An unusual architectural ensemble – the building of the Ministry of Roads of Tbilisi – is especially popular with photographers. The building was recognized as one of the most beautiful examples of brutalism in the world.
The building of the emergency service “112” has the shape of a flying saucer and is a very popular object among photographers. The Melik-Azaryants House is a very unusual architectural solution. The unique construction technology, unusual appearance and rich history of the building served as an impetus for the creation of a documentary movie.
Another place of magical beauty in Tbilisi is the ordinary parade hall “Kaleidoscope”. In the Sololaki neighborhood, there is “Gallery 27”, the entrance to which is through the front room with bright and unusual stained glass windows. It is better to come here at sunrise when each colored particle of the stained glass plays with bright colors.
Tbilisi, like any other capital city, is the cultural center of the country. Theaters and museums of Tbilisi are among the most visited cultural institutions of the city.
Museum-lovers will not be bored in Tbilisi either. The Ethnographic Museum of Tbilisi, Tbilisi History Museums (Artsuni Caravanserai), and the National Museum of Georgia will help you learn more about the great country with the richest heritage. The Museum of Soviet Occupation, on the other hand, is a rather controversial and highly visited place, although the exposition also tells about the history of Georgia during the Soviet occupation, which, by the way, was led by two Georgians – Joseph Stalin (Dzhugashvili) and Lavrentiy Beria. The opening of the museum caused a very mixed reaction in Russia, as well as in Georgia.
Art admirers will find much of interest in the Museum of Georgian Art, National Gallery of Tbilisi, Zurab Tsereteli Museum of Contemporary Art, Silk Museum, Avlabar Printing House, Giorgi Leonidze Museum of Georgian Literature, Niko Pirosmanishvili Museum of Photography and others. You can visit the Giorgi Leonidze Museum of Georgian Literature, Niko Pirosmanishvili Museum, the Museum of Photography and others.
There is also something to see in the neighborhoods of the city. In the foothills of the Greater Caucasus, just 20 kilometers from the capital, is the Tbilisi National Park, created to preserve rare species of plants and animals.
Mtskheta
A trip to Mtskheta will allow you to see the legendary ancient sights of Georgia, which are included in the UNESCO list. In addition to the man-made sights, Mtskheta is worth admiring nature, such as the picturesque confluence of the Aragvi and Kura rivers, the best view of which is from the hill.
The ancient Christian monastery of Jvari is the most popular historical and architectural monument in the country. The majestic Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, the medieval fortresses of Ananuri and Bebristsikhe, the Samtavro Monastery Complex, the Shio-Mgvim Monastery, the Zedazen Monastery and other stunning sights of Mtskheta are open for visiting.
An important Christian shrine is the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta. It was there in ancient times that King Mirian III converted to Christianity and buried his sister Sedonia together with a piece of Jesus Christ’s chiton, which he wore during the crucifixion. Not far from Svetitskhoveli is another religious attraction – the Church of Antioch, which preserves fragments of ancient frescoes. Makvlovani Monastery (Nina of Cappadocia) is also an important religious and architectural monument, and most importantly, the oldest preserved church in Mtskheta.
The oldest sights of the city are the ruins of the ancient city of Armazi (Armazitsikhe) and the historical village of Dzalisi. Armazi was erected and named in honor of an ancient pagan deity long before the baptism of Georgia, and the first mention of the historical village was made by Claudius Ptolemy and dates back to the II century, although the city itself was erected even earlier.
The village of Mukhrani, neighboring Mtskheta, is worth a visit. For many years the local winery Chateau Mukhrani has been producing the famous wine of the same name. You can book a tour and tasting at the winery.
Batumi
The sights of Batumi, a major port in Georgia and a tourist center, are amazingly diverse. And if the Old Town of Batumi concentrates historically significant objects and temples of various denominations (Opiza Monastery, Orta Jame Mosque, Holy Trinity Church on Mount Sameba, etc.), the new districts create the appearance of a high-rise metropolis with very unusual monuments. For example, the Monument to the Georgian Alphabet is a 130-meter tower with an observation deck, and the House of Justice resembles the shape of an inverted bottle. A very special monument is the moving sculpture of love “Ali and Nino” on Batumi Boulevard. On the boulevard there is also a famous cafe, which participated in the shooting of the cult Soviet movie “Love and Doves”. The island of Italy in Batumi is Piazza Square, a popular place for strolling and relaxing in restaurants.
Another popular place for strolling is the Botanical Garden of Batumi, which served as a nursery of exotic and tropical plants at the beginning of the last century. In the natural park there is a favorite place for photos of all visitors – a bamboo grove. The garden is very well located on the seashore, and from the observation decks you can enjoy the most picturesque sea scenery.
On Batumi’s seafront there is a very original attraction – a tower of chacha, which is a fountain, from which not water at all, but 50-degree Georgian chacha flows. It is logical to assume that the embankment is never deserted. In addition to the embankment, in Batumi you can walk in the ancient park “May 6”, which was founded in the late XIX century. You should definitely take your children to the park: there is a dolphinarium, mini zoo and water park.
The statue of Medea in Batumi, which is located on Europe Square, symbolizes the wealth and prosperity of the region, and the square itself is a popular place for walks among locals. A very unusual fountain “Neptune” is installed on Batumi Theater Square (Poseidon Square) near the Drama Theater. Theatrical life in Batumi is very diverse: in addition to the Drama Theater you can visit the opera or summer theaters.
One of the most popular attractions of Batumi is the Argo cable car. There are a lot of people who want to ride the local ropeway, so the queue to the attraction is lined up from the morning. Do not worry, as the queue passes quite quickly, because the capacity of “Argo” is 500 people per hour.
Fans of cultural and educational vacations in Batumi will not be bored. The technological museum of Nobel brothers, the center of arts and music, the National Museum of Adjara, the Museum of Religion in Batumi, as well as local history, archaeological and ethnographic museums and many others will help to get acquainted with Adjara.
It seems that the whole city is literally dotted with architectural sights and art objects. The unusual buildings can be attributed to “White Restaurant” – a kind of “house upside down”. The exterior of the restaurant represents an upside-down house standing on the roof. Even the signboard with the name of the restaurant is fixed upside down.
Art objects on Batumi’s New Boulevard have become the city’s “business card” in a short period of time. Huge metal letters WHERE, a monument to Vietnamese flip-flops mounted on huge chicken eggs, large metal men’s shoes and sneakers and many others are the most photographed objects on the embankment. Batumi Lighthouse and Ferris wheel should not be ignored. A walk through the Seaside Park or to the famous “singing fountains of Batumi” will be interesting.
The top part of the tower of the National Bank of Georgia is crowned by the Batumi Astronomical Clock. In addition to its aesthetic value, the clock has a functional component: you can not only check the exact time, but also recognize astronomical data.
Walking along the embankment, one cannot help but notice one peculiarity: low-flying airplanes, which tourists try to capture on photos. Sometimes planes scare children with their noise, as the runway of Batumi is only a hundred meters from the seafront. It is definitely worth a walk to Batumi port and take picturesque photos of huge sea vessels.
The walls and foundations of the Gonio Fortress (Gonio-Apsaros Fortress) have been preserved in the suburbs of Batumi. The first mention of the fortress, which was part of the ancient city, dates back to the 1st century AD.
In the mountains of Adjara there is the Makhuntseti waterfall, which can be reached by the ancient bridge of Queen Tamara. According to legends, bathing in the cold waters of the waterfall is a sure way to rejuvenate. All this splendor is located 20 kilometers from Batumi in the national park Machakhela.
In the small village of Shekvetili, which is located not far from Batumi, in the eucalyptus forest opened a park of musicians. You can walk around the park and see sculptures of cult performers with music playing.
Not far from Batumi among the mountains and rivers is the Adjara Wine House, where you can taste all kinds of wines, buy a drink as a gift for your relatives and friends, as well as see a small exposition of ancient vessels. In Batumi itself you can buy good and quality local wine, spices and souvenirs in local supermarkets or at one of the markets of the city: Parehi, Hopa or Boni. Famous among locals is the fish market, where you can buy not only many kinds of fish (both fresh and heat-treated of different kinds), but also cook the purchased fish in a local cafe.
Kutaisi
The city of Kutaisi in the west of Georgia attracts travelers and pilgrims by the large monasteries located in its vicinity – Gelati and Motsameta. Bagrati Temple is the symbol of the city. Very important from the historical and archaeological point of view are such religious sights of Kutaisi as the Annunciation Cathedral, St. George’s Church and the architectural complex of Mtsvane-Kvavila, consisting of three churches, a defense tower and a pantheon.
By the way, you should walk with great caution and watch your feet, as near the ancient building there are kvevri (rather deep vessels for wine) dug into the ground, into which your foot can easily fall through. Perhaps the most unusual church of the city is carved in the trunk of a huge tree in the botanical garden of Kutaisi – a favorite place of rest for locals.
Lesser known, but noteworthy sights in the area include the Geguti Palace, the royal residence of Okros Chardakhi, a huge historical museum, the Kutaisi Opera House and one of the oldest theaters in all of Georgia – the Meskhishvili Theater.
It is best to walk around the city to see the most iconic places. You should definitely start with the Old Town – the area of historical streets and buildings. You will have to spend about an hour in the famous “Royal Quarter”, the main entrance to which is crowned by the Mon-plaisir arch: ancient streets, ancient buildings and modern art objects are neighboring in the most beautiful quarter of the city. In turn, the “Jewish Quarter” with three synagogues and the Church of the Annunciation on the outskirts has been known since the middle of the 17th century.
After exploring the quarter, it is best to walk to the picturesque Rioni embankment. As such, you will not find an equipped embankment here, but you will have a unique opportunity to see Georgia “as it is”: the centuries-old fortress, or rather what is left of it, the balcony of an apartment building; the rushing river, cut by boulders, on which local teenagers like to walk; the picturesque old architecture of ordinary residential houses overhanging directly above the shore and the riot of nature. You want to photograph every square meter here.
The river is crossed by several crossings, the most famous of which are the white and chain bridges. The incredible combination of man-made and natural beauty can be seen from the Kutaisi Dam, which offers an excellent view of the city and nature. Nowadays the dam is used as a bridge.
In Kutaisi you can also get a bird’s eye view of the city, and the cable car or the Ferris wheel in Gabashvili Park will help you do so. In addition to the popular park in Kutaisi, you should definitely visit David the Builder Square, where the beautiful Kolkheti Fountain is installed.
Of the modern buildings, the most prominent is the Parliament in Kutaisi. The glass building with its bizarre rounded shape is the pride of the city and one of the most photographed objects. Before leaving, you can visit one of the oldest and most famous markets in Kutaisi – the Green Market, where you should buy local wine, spices and souvenirs as a gift for your family and friends.
There is also a lot to see near the city: Okatse Canyon with a suspension trail and cascades of Kinchkha waterfalls or Sairme health resort, where the famous mineral waters of the Caucasus are used for treatment.
Borjomi
The main purpose of a trip to Borjomi is recovery with mineral waters. Borjomi sanatoriums have hosted both tsars and guests of the Russian Empire since pre-Soviet times, and then became a favorite resting place for Soviet citizens. Borjomi mineral water is still on the shelves of Russian supermarkets, because the benefits of Borjomi are proven and undeniable. The world-famous mineral water has steadily entered Russian linguistics through the saying “It’s too late to drink Borjomi”, as a statement of belated reaction and missed opportunities.
You should definitely go to the famous city, see all the sights of Borjomi and enjoy the thermal pools with mineral water in the Central Park, recover in thermal sulfur springs, visit the mineral water park in Borjomi and just drink mineral healing water for free, which you can take with you in a larger volume (but you will have to pay for it). It makes no sense to take water in advance, as it loses its curative properties after a day.
You can do it in the aforementioned Central Park – a favorite place for walks and active and entertaining recreation in Borjomi. In the park for children are organized attractions, playgrounds, pools with mineral water, drinking taps with mineral water in the openwork pavilion, Ferris wheel (Plateau wheel), the monument to Prometheus and much more. Children, as well as adults, will find it interesting to take a ride on the cable car in Borjomi and see the Central Park from a bird’s eye view. Near the main park of the city there is a functional art object – “Loop Bridge”. The whimsical architecture of the bridge does not leave indifferent both locals and guests of Borjomi. In order to learn more about the ancient city, you should visit the Museum of Local History in Borjomi.
One of the largest natural parks in Georgia is Borjomi-Kharagauli. The protected area is located practically in the center, not far from Borjomi. The place is famous not only for the beauty of landscapes, but also for the variety of historical monuments. The servants of the national park also keep an eye on Borjomi State Reserve, which was created for the protection of forest trees and the observation and protection of deer. Also under the aegis of the national park remains the Nedzvi reserve, which protects rare flora and fauna, and more precisely – lynxes.
Surami has always been considered one of the main fortresses of Georgia, as it was built at the crossroads of the most important highways – the first one went through the Borjomi Gorge along the Kura River, and the other from Western Georgia stretched through the Surami Pass.
In the city itself such fortresses as Atskuri, Petre and Gogia are obligatory to visit. From religious shrines special attention should be paid to ancient temples and monasteries. The temple of Timotesubani, also known as the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the hermitage of Seraphim of Sarov, the Green Monastery or the Monastery of St. George, the Monastery of St. Spiridon of Trimiphunt and many other monasteries of Borjomi gather a huge number of locals and tourists.
In the old days, the small town of Borjomi “settled in the hearts” of foreign dignitaries and artists. For example, the Iranian consul erected in Borjomi the house of Mirza-Riza Khan or the house of Firuz, which has an incredible national architecture and color, Likan Palace, also known as the Romanov Palace, which became the summer residence of Prince Nikolai Mikhailovich, and later Stalin came here for rest and treatment. Tchaikovsky was also not an infrequent guest in Borjomi. He admired the town from the bottom of his heart, and later he was honored by erecting a monument to Tchaikovsky.
Tourist Street on April 9 has become a favorite place for tourists. Here you can stroll along the shopping street with old houses, taste local jam made of cones and buy homemade wine, which you can bring as a gift to your relatives.
Gori
For any person who loves history, a trip to the city of Gori, where Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin (Dzhugashvili) was born, would be interesting. It is logical to assume that there is a Stalin Museum in Gori. The huge museum complex was built as a separate building specifically for the exposition. The museum does not resemble a Soviet building at all, but rather looks like an ancient pantheon. The Soviet military uniforms worn by the museum staff remind of the times of the USSR. Among the exhibits you can see the personal belongings of the leader, gifts from the heads of different countries and much more. In front of the museum complex is a small dilapidated house-museum, where Dzhugashvili was born and spent the first years of his life.
The main historical sights of Gori are outside the city. Literally 10 kilometers from Gori is the Aten Sion, dating back to the 7th century. In 30 kilometers from Gori there is Samtavisi temple, erected in 1025. Back in the time of King Vakhtang Gorgasali a church of the V century stood on this place.
In the center of Gori it is worth visiting the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Protestant Church of Sameba, the Church of St. Nicholas and the Church of St. Nino, which are very important both religiously and architecturally. Art lovers can visit the Gori State Drama Theater named after G. Eristavi. Eristavi.
The fortress of Goritsikhe or Gori Fortress is a real decoration of the city. The ruins of the medieval fortress, the first mention of which dates back to the 13th century, and archaeological examinations prove that it was erected in the centuries BC, are now a popular attraction. Next to the fortress there is a very interesting, dramatic and heart-stopping monument: 8 knights sitting in a circle and looking at each other. Each of them is missing one of the body parts, which is a symbol of the fallen soldiers and defenders of Gori. Also near the fortress of Gori, on the bank of the Big Liakhvi River is the Victory Monument.
The Museum of Military Glory is located on Stalin Street. The exhibits of the museum belong to the Soviet period and earlier, as well as to the period after the collapse of the USSR and up to the present day. Exhibits from the Soviet period and earlier are signed in Russian and Georgian languages. The exhibits of our times are signed in Georgian and English, for example, in the hall of “Russian aggression”. In this regard, the museum causes mixed reactions among many tourists. It should be noted that along with the departure of the USSR, heating, gas supply and financing of such objects went away. The eternal flame in front of the entrance to the museum is no longer eternal, the street pedestal in front of the museum was dismantled. In the museum itself, the exhibits are destroyed by the rain that penetrates through the roof. In general, the museum is worth a visit, as it houses the most unique exhibits and military trophies of past eras.
Mentioning the big cities, you should not ignore the small villages, where the attractions are not inferior to those in the city. The same centuries-old castles, museums, temples, monasteries and much more.
In the small village of Abastumani it is worth visiting the astrophysical observatory, sulfur baths, the temple of St. Alexander Nevsky, the ruins of Tamara’s castle and much more. In 30 kilometers from Abastumani there is Zarzma Monastery, built in the Middle Ages. Nowadays the monastery has a popular male choir, which is famous far beyond the borders of the region.
The birthplace of the excellent wine “Hvanchkara” is the village of Ambrolauri, located in one of the most picturesque places of Georgia. It is here that a monument to “Khvanchkara” in the form of a huge bottle of wine is installed. Locals call this place much simpler – “monument-bottle”. In addition to funny photos near the monument, you can order a tour to the factory and visit the tasting. The nature will not leave anyone indifferent, maybe that is why Ambrolauri was a favorite resting place for kings in the past centuries.
The main attraction of the settlement is the Nikortsminda Cathedral, located 15 kilometers from Ambrolauri. The value of the cathedral lies in its architectural ensemble, years of construction (about 1010) and preserved ancient frescoes. The Barakoni temple is located at approximately the same distance from Ambrolauri as Nikortsminda. If you compare them, Barakoni is a new-built temple for Georgia, as it saw the light as early as 1753.
You can also book wine tours and tastings at the KTW (Kakheti Traditional Winemaking) winery or at the Numisi wine house in Gurjaani. Kvelatsminda Monastery, another “pearl” of Gurjaani, dates back to the 8th century. There was a basilica on the site of the monastery even earlier. It is also worth visiting the Museum of Military Glory and the house-museum of John Shalikashvili and going to the mud volcanoes of Akhtala.
The small town of Akhaltsikhe is a keeper of ancient sights. The town is definitely worth a visit to see the fortresses of Khertvisi, Tmogvi, Akhaltsikhe fortress and castle of Jakeli (fortress of Rabat), ruins of sulfur baths and temples. Ancient religious buildings such as Safar and Kvatakhevi monasteries, Georgian Catholic monastery, Armenian temple, as well as Akhmediye mosque are a unique combination of excellent architecture, historical and religious significance. The culture of the country is reflected in the productions of the Rustaveli Drama Theater. The Jews who moved to Akhaltsikhe contributed to the history of the city. Specific architecture, synagogues and much more can be seen in the Jewish Quarter.
In Akhmet, in addition to the Tusheti National Park mentioned above, it is worth visiting the church of Kvetera, which is part of the fortress city of the same name, as well as the Alaverdi monastery complex. The remains of the ancient city of Vani and the archaeological museum are some of the most interesting places in Georgia for history lovers. Inquisitive tourists will also love the fortress city of Dmanisi in the settlement of the same name, the ancient baths and the Dmanisi Zion.
Another city rich in iconic places is Zugdidi. The splendid architecture of the Dadiani Palace blends perfectly with the huge botanical garden surrounding it and the Dadiani Museum Complex of the same name. Nekrasi Monastery is worth visiting in Kvareli, and Sighnakhi is famous for the Bodbia Monastery. The Gvelet waterfall in Stepantsminda will give you unbelievable emotions of merging with nature. Surami Fortress in Surami settlement was erected in the remote era of feudalism and was considered the most important fortress in Georgia.
What to see in Georgia with children
If you take a child on a trip, you can rest assured that the kids will not get bored in Georgia. For children in Georgia there are amusement parks, dolphinariums, water parks, zoos and much more. Children of school age will be interested not only to frolic in amusement parks, but also to visit the main attractions of Georgia, such as ancient fortresses, majestic monasteries, as well as simply admire the exceptional nature of local places. Many places in the country offer horseback riding tours for children.
In the capital with children you should visit the Tbilisi Zoo, as well as take your child to one of the performances of the famous Marionette Theater of Rezo Gabriadze, Young Actor’s Theater, Dumbadze Youth Theater, State Puppet Theater named after G. Mikeladze and many others. Tbilisi Circus will delight children of all ages with funny clowns and performances with animals. In Tbilisi you can take your child to the “Experimentorium”, where kids get acquainted with the phenomena of physics in a simple, fun and informative way. The children’s park “Focus Mokus” has various kinds of attractions and entertainment for children of all ages.
If you’re planning a trip to Georgia by the sea with children, Batumi should be your first consideration. In addition to beach activities and building sandcastles, kids will enjoy visiting the dolphinarium, water park, aquarium, Luna Park, the attractions at May 6 Park, or the Batumi Puppet Theater. The Bird Sanctuary, located in the Old Boulevard area of Batumi, is another interesting spot for young visitors.
The “Batumi Dancing Fountains” on the Batumi Boulevard delight both children and adults. Older children should definitely visit the American Corner in Batumi, where native speakers teach English in an engaging and playful way. The Miracle Park, a walking area in Batumi, features many city landmarks and several attractions.
Puppet theaters for younger audiences can also be found in Kutaisi and Borjomi. In these cities, you can also visit Central Park in Borjomi and Gabashvili Park in Kutaisi. Near Kobuleti, you’ll find the “Georgia in Miniatures” sculpture park, while the city itself boasts the fantastic amusement park “Tsitsinatela.” This park offers a wide range of entertainment for children and parents alike, including classic attractions such as a carousel with horses, the “Kamikaze” ride, roller coasters, and much more.