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having a look at the georgian countryside is a must if you ask me.otherwise it's wasy to think that it's all greay communist blocks.just take a small road pretty much anywhere and you will be treated with nice scenery.
The Sveti-Tskhoveli in Mtskheta is the largest functioning cathedral in Georgia. It one of the greatest architectural treasures of the country.The first church at this place, and in Georgia, was built in the 4th century. It was 150 years later replaced by a stone church. The foundations of this church you can still see in the cathedral.The present building is constructed in the 11th century.For many centuries this was the place, where the Georgian kings were crowned, married and buried.Inside the cathedral is richly decorated with wonderful frescoes.At the Christian frescoes I discovered some flying saucers !
When you reach the Sveti-Tskhoveli in Mtshketa, just at the convergence of the two rivers, is the first thing you see, a huge defensive wall. It's like approaching a fortress. The wall is built in the 18th century.The Sveti Tskhoveli is the place, where according to the legend, the robe of Christ is buried. The legend tells that a Georgian Jew, who was in Jerusalem at the time of the crucifixion, returned with the robe in Mtskheta. When his sister took the robe from hin, she died and is buried with the robe. A tree grew on the grave.The meaning of Sveti-Tshoveli is '' life-giving column''
Mtskheta, once the ancient capital of Georgia. is situated at the convergence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi Rivers, not far from Tbilisi.Mtskheta is known by its archaeological and religious monuments. Mtskheta is a World Heritage Site of the Unesco.The cathedral of Sveti-Tskhoveli and the church of Jvari are both classical examples of their period. Before we reached Mtsketa, we went to a viewpoint, overlooking the valley, Mtskheta, and the rivers.
Mtskheta, once the capital of Georgia, is nowadays a village with 10.000 inhabitants. There are a postoffice, a bank, a trainstation, several shops, cafes and restaurants.Except Jvari and Sveti-Tshoveli there ar more sights to see like the Samtavro complex, the Armaziskhevi ruins including Roman-style baths and the Bebris Tsikhe castle.From Tbilisi you can reach Mtskheta by bus, every half hour.
The Jvari Church in Mtskheta is a classic example of early Georgian Christian architecture with its tetraconch form.The Jvari church has always been a symbol for Mtskheta and Georgia.In the 6th century first a small church is built and not much later the main church is built south of the first one.The ancient church is situated high on a hill overlooking the valley. From here the views over the valley, Mtskheta and the convergence of the two rivers is fantastic.
Near the Metekhi bridge and church at the Avlabari side (northside) of the river are many houses at the steep cliffs along the river. The houses with their balconies are hanging above the Mtkvari river.The best view at these houses you will have from the opposite riverside.
From the terrace of the strategically situated Metekhi Church at the north bank you have a nice view at the old town at the south bank with its narrow streets. From here you can see the towers and roofs of the many churches in this area, like the Karis Eklesia, the Anchiskhati, the Sioni Cathedral, the Norasheni Church and the Jvaris Mama. At the background you see the mountain with the huge television tower.
From the terrace of the Metekhi Church ( with the statue of Vahtang Gorgasali) at the north bank, you have a good view at the Nankala Fortress at the other bank of the river.This fort has a long history. First it was a Persian Citadel in the 4th century. Much of the present walls were built in the 8th century by Arab emirs. Later Georgians, Turks and Persians captured the fort. In 1827 the fort and church were destroyed by an explosion.You can visit the fortress, but we didn't.
During our visit to the Mtatsmindis Park for the nice views, we saw women making nice mosaic with flowers and succulent plants in different colours. They were leaning and lying on wooden shelves, so it was not an easy job to do under these circumstances. The mosaic, they created, looked really nice.
Courtyard by Marriott Tbilisi T'bilisi
9 Reviews and 59 Opinions The Courtyard Tbilisi (Marriott) is a somewhat blandly good hotel, situated in the perfect Tbilisi...
Sheraton Batumi Hotel Batumi
1 Review and 18 Opinions The newly built Sheraton Batumi offers comfortable surroundings with direct beach access and...
Hotel British House T'bilisi
1 Review and 82 Opinions It is very nice hotel. maximum of 10 rooms. and nice breakfast. located in down town. very near to...
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Q: Is the beach nice in Batumi? Would you recommend going there? How is the water in September?
A: The beach is not sand, but golf ball sized stones. The promenade is quite long with a few activities scattered along it. It's relatively clean. But Batumi is better...
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