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If you are fortunate enough to be on the Mtskheta to Ananuri road in the autumn you might witness the seasonal movement of flocks from their summer pastures to their wintering quarters. You may suddenly come upon large flocks of sheep together with goats, horses, dogs, donkeys and their shepherds as they meander (generally calmly) along the main road. Transhumance is an age-old part of agricultural practice and finding yourself in the middle of it can be strangely hypnotic. (Atom Egoyan uses this to striking effect in his film "Calendar" set in neighbouring Armenia.)
Written Nov 24, 2010
The Church of the Assumption dates from 1689. Many of the interior frescoes have been lost except for a Last Judgement. Most of the decoration, therefore, is the stone carving on the exterior walls with crosses, dragons, angels and vines, especially rich on the south side.
Written Nov 24, 2010
The Ananuri fortress stands spectacularly above a reservoir on the Aragvi River. The complex, from the 16th and 17th centuries, is actually a pair of fortresses and two churches enclosed by a curtain wall. The smaller Church of the Virgin is early 17th century and the brick interior has little remaining decoration except some badly disfigured frescoes. (For the larger Church of the Assumption, see part 2).
Updated Nov 24, 2010
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The church of Ananuri is surrounded by turreted walls, giving the impression that you are entering a fortress...maybe the position was a strategic one before the flood waters rose and filled the valley, but now it is more picturesque than strategic, standing as it does on a knoll above the freezing waters of Zhinvali Reservoir. The church is quite ancient, very dark and atmospheric inside (buy some candles from the gatekeeper to light underneath paintings of saints), while outside there are lots of towers to climb and tunnels to explore, and views over the reservoir are stunning.
Written Sep 13, 2005
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If the gatekeepers allow it, you can go up close for a look at Zhinvali Dam, although watch out for the one-eyed dog who can be over-friendly at times. Views are spectacular, the road twisting round the east of the reservoir to remote Khevsureti province deep in the Caucasus mountains, forested slopes falling steeply into the water. Below the dam lies the small village of Zhinvali...there doesn't look to be much there however!
Written Sep 13, 2005
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Reviews and photos of Ananuri attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Ananuri sightseeing.
If the gatekeepers allow it, you can go up close for a look at Zhinvali Dam, although watch out for the one-eyed dog who can be over-friendly at times. Views...
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1
My friend Eka's relatives took me on a day trip to the church of Ananuri, standing one a clifftop above the impressive Zhinvali Reservoir. Ananuri is located just before the Georgian Military Highway...
2
I've got some interesting experiences in Ananuri. I'd love to share with you the 5 tips I've written, the 13 photos uploaded, and 0 travelogues I've created.
3
I've got some interesting experiences in Ananuri. I'd love to share with you the 0 tips I've written, the 3 photos uploaded, and 1 travelogue I've created.
4
Ananuri is definitely worth to stop by on the way to Gudauri or Kazbegi. The beauty of the church is amazing couple with nature.
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