Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi7.3
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Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi stands on Elia Hill on the left bank of the Mtkvari River and is the main cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church…
MRX8+3H8, Tbilisi, Georgia
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Exploring Stepantsminda Church on Mt Kazbek@Gergeti Trinity Church
Feel a millennium of history at Tbilisi's Stonehenge bronze columns@Chronicles of Georgia
Tbilisi Puppet Clock Tower, Free Limited-Time Puppet Show@The Clock Tower
Batumi Dolphinarium: Dazzling Dolphin Shows and Family Fun@Batumi Dolphinarium
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About Georgia
Recommended length of visit
4-7 days
Popular destinations
Tbilisi
Batumi
Ali & Nino Statue, Batumi Boulevard, Batumi Botanical Garden
Sighnaghi
Monastery of St. Nino at Bodbe, Sighnaghi old city, Sighnaghi Wall
Kutaisi
Bagrati Cathedral, Colchis Fountain, Kutaisi State Historical Museum
Ananuri
Ananuri Fortress Complex, Ananuri
Mestia
Mestia, Ushguli, Khatsvali Ski Resort
Kazbegi
Gergeti Trinity Church, Mt Kazbek, Georgia-Russia Friendship Monument
Gori
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Traveler photos and experiences
Borjomi: What to see in one day? Main attractions
On the way from Batumi to Tbilisi, we stopped overnight in Borjomi, deciding to explore one of Georgia's main health resorts. In this article, I'll tell you about a walk in Borjomi Park. Borjomi is a fairly small town, whose main attraction is a park where tourists can sample genuine Borjomi mineral water straight from the spring. At the very beginning of the park, there's a gazebo in the center where anyone can get a free bottle of water. There are many people interested. By the way, the spring water has a very unpleasant odor. It's not the same as drinking bottled Borjomi water. The park's path runs along the turbulent mountain river Borjomula. There are also mountain waterfalls. A statue of Prometheus is also located here. The river has a fairly strong current, perhaps because it started raining at the beginning of our walk?! As always, the weather in the mountains is quite changeable. We were about to end our walk through the park in the rain, but the sun came out and it instantly warmed up. We decided to take the funicular to the upper station. The ride costs 15 lari one way. All of Borjomi is laid out in the palm of your hand! The city is very reminiscent of Krasnaya Polyana, and in particular, Rosa Khutor (or Karlovy Vary, in European terms:) The obvious difference from the Rosa Khutor funicular is the cabins. Here, they've been preserved since ancient times—a real retro look! And that has its own charm. We walked back from the upper station to the park; there's a well-maintained path, quite convenient, by the way. Conclusion Borjomi Park is about walking in the fresh air, along the river. It's about climbing a mountain and being blown away by the view. It's about unpredictable weather, and it's absolutely beautiful!
A hidden church beneath the snow-capped mountains
Every step is a view 🏔️ Collect all the vastness and tenderness of Georgia. Finally waited for the skies to clear in Kazbegi, and the snow-capped mountains slowly revealed their full glory from the clouds. Patches of snow remain on the meadows, cattle roam freely, and sitting on the wooden swing at the edge of the cliff, the rolling Caucasus Mountains are right before your eyes. The ancient Ananuri Fortress stands quietly by the lake, with a gem-like blue lake hidden in the valley. The stone architecture carries the mottled texture of time, and every blade of grass and tree has a story to tell. There is no need to rush your itinerary here; just walk slowly and feel the snow-capped mountains, the wilderness, and the old times. ✨Travel tips ✅Best season: September–October, when autumn begins to appear, making it easier to encounter clear skies and snow together ✅Clothing: The temperature difference on the mountain is huge; a windbreaker and a hat are essential, as there is still residual snow on the grass ✅Recommended photo spots: Kazbegi viewing swing, Gergeti Trinity Church, Ananuri Fortress, Heart-shaped Blue Lake, Circular Stone Architecture Observation Deck ✅Note: The weather in the mountains is changeable, and clouds and mist can roll in at any time, so allow extra time to wait for the weather to clear
The "Caucasus Stonehenge" is a truly niche, free spot
The "Chronicle of Georgia" monument I knew it was big, but I didn't expect it to be this massive. It's even more impressive in person than in photos. 16 giant stone pillars stand tall, each relief telling a story. The origins of the ancient kingdom, past monarchs, religion, wars... Standing here, you can understand the history of Georgia in a glance ⚜️ It's not crowded, the views are fantastic, and it faces the Tbilisi Sea directly. The scene is clean and grand, full of epic, desolate, cinematic vibes 🎬 Free and niche, the atmosphere beats many popular tourist traps. ‼️ Travel Cheat Sheet 🚗 20–30 minute drive from Liberty Square in the Old Town. ⏰ 30–50 minutes is enough to walk around and take photos. ❌ Don't go at noon! The overhead sun is scorching; 4:00 PM–6:00 PM is best. 📸 No drone needed; just stand on the steps to get a high-angle shot. 🎫 Completely free, open 24 hours a day. 🥾 There's a bit of an uphill climb and stairs, so high heels aren't suitable. 👗 It's very windy, so your dress will blow around; wear solid-colored, simple clothing. 🚾 No shops or restrooms, so bring water and use the restroom before heading up the hill.
The views from this clifftop monastery are truly spectacular
Jvari Monastery, in Mtskheta "Jvari" means "cross" in Georgian, which is why it's also known as the Monastery of the Cross. A World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Christianity in Georgia. It offers a high vantage point to overlook the valley, mountains, and church. The story here is also about the missionary Saint Nino. (I've already covered this story in my notes on the Saint Nino Monastery in Sighnaghi.) Below in the valley lies Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. ⛪ Jvari A prime example of Georgia's earliest cross-domed churches. Many later churches were modeled after its structure. Legend has it that Saint Nino erected a wooden cross on the edge of the cliff. Later, this stone monastery was built on the original site of that cross. ✨ The Cross Saint Nino erected the first grapevine cross in Georgia here. Unlike those in Armenia, Georgian crosses are all made of a grapevine tied with hair. The church interior still preserves the original base where the cross was placed. 🏞️ Confluence of Two Rivers From the viewing platform, you can see the confluence of the Kura and Aragvi rivers. Due to their different sediment levels, one is blue-green and the other is brown. Both rivers flow through the old town of Mtskheta. In the distance lie the rolling Caucasus Mountains. A 360° panoramic view that is absolutely breathtaking 🌿 📝 Tips 📍 Jvari Monastery, Mtskheta, Georgia 🚗 A 20-minute drive from downtown Tbilisi. Visit it along with Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. 💰 Free admission ⏰ 20–30 minutes is enough. The site is small. 📖 Best for sightseeing, learning the history, and taking photos. 👗 Men are not allowed to wear shorts. Women must cover their shoulders, hair, and legs. Free headscarves and skirts are available to borrow at the entrance.
The trip to the three Caucasus countries (Azerbaijan-Georgia-Armenia) was a great experience overall. The route connects all three countries, and the transitions between them were smooth
The trip to the three Caucasus countries (Azerbaijan-Georgia-Armenia) was a great experience overall. The route connects all three countries with smooth transitions. The overall itinerary is well-designed, with a good balance of cultural and urban sightseeing, and a well-paced schedule. There were many highlights: the city tour of Tbilisi, Georgia, was packed with visits to the old town and landmarks. The wine tasting at the winery was very authentic and offered a deep dive into Georgia's wine culture. The itinerary for the Holy Trinity Cathedral and the surrounding religious sites was a standout part of the trip, and most of the city's historical sites were covered. The meal arrangements were thoughtful, and the quality of the included meals was consistent. For meals on our own, the group was dropped off in the city center, and we were provided with food recommendations, making it easy for everyone to choose where to eat. A minor drawback: The Chinese proficiency of the local guides in each country varied, which somewhat affected our ability to understand the explanations of the attractions. Special praise goes to our tour leader, Zhang Zhang. They had a strong sense of responsibility and excellent problem-solving skills. They were able to coordinate and adjust quickly whenever issues arose, took great care of every group member throughout the trip, and ensured everything went smoothly, which greatly enhanced our travel experience. Overall, this was a very rewarding trip to the Caucasus, and it is a great choice for those interested in the culture of these lesser-known ancient countries.
The first thing to do when landing in Tbilisi is to soak in a 100-year-old hot spring
Tbilisi means "warm place" in Georgian. The capital of Georgia used to be Mtskheta. Legend has it that when the king was hunting, he discovered warm springs flowing here all year round. He ordered a city to be built and named it "Tbilisi." This Abanotubani sulfur bath district is the birthplace of Tbilisi. There are many bathhouses in this area, each with its own unique features. ⛲ Chreli Abano (also known as the Colorful Bath) Built in the 19th century, it is said that Pushkin and Alexandre Dumas both visited. Pushkin even called it the most magnificent bathhouse he had ever seen. The plaque at the entrance features that very compliment from Pushkin. Alexandre Dumas also wrote about his wonderful experience in the Caucasian baths in his travelogues. The bathhouse still retains the No. 4 private bath room named after Dumas. Personal experience 📸 You can walk in to take photos of the exterior walls and courtyard without a reservation. 💧 You need to book private baths online via the official website, which has an English version. 📱 I tested it with my mobile data without changing the SIM card, and I was able to book it myself. After a successful booking, a reservation code was sent to my phone and email. 🕰️ I booked 3 days in advance. Peak season, weekends, and evening slots were all full. When I went to soak, many people who arrived without a reservation couldn't get a room. 🏨 I stayed at a nearby hotel, and the front desk said hotel guests could get a discount, but the downside is that you might not be able to book on the day. 👟 Bring your own towel, slippers, water, and swimsuit. Renting on-site costs extra and isn't really necessary. 🥚 The sulfur hot springs have a faint smell of rotten eggs, which is normal. ♥️ 1 hour is enough. Including time to change clothes, you can't soak for that long, and it's hard to handle the enclosed space for too long.
This cathedral has more stories to tell than the Holy Trinity Cathedral
Many people know Tbilisi, but few realize that Mtskheta was the original capital of Georgia. The entire ancient city is a UNESCO World Heritage site. 🥻 The Seamless Robe Legend has it that the seamless robe worn by Jesus during his crucifixion was purchased at a high price in Jerusalem by Elias, a Georgian Jew, and brought back to Mtskheta. When his sister, Sidonia, saw the robe, she was overcome with grief for Jesus' suffering and passed away on the spot. Her hands were clenched so tightly around the robe that they could not be separated, so she was buried with it. 🌲 The Suspended Cedar A massive cedar tree eventually grew over the grave. Saint Nino (whom I mentioned in my previous post) came here to preach and decided to build a church. She had the cedar cut down to create 7 wooden pillars. 6 were placed successfully, but the 7th remained suspended in mid-air. Saint Nino prayed throughout the night, and the pillar slowly descended to the ground, flowing with holy oil. This pillar, imbued with life, became the "Life-Giving Pillar." ‼️ This cathedral is even more impressive than the Holy Trinity Cathedral ✅ The original burial site of the robe Located on the right side inside the main hall. This is where Sidonia was buried with the robe. It is also said to be the exact spot where the divine pillar performed miracles and flowed with holy oil. ✅ Relic of Saint Andrew's foot bone The foot bone relic of Saint Andrew (the first disciple of Jesus). It is kept in a foot-shaped wooden box inside a small side door of the cathedral. ✅ Enamel-painted icon cross Located in the center of the main hall. Every section of this cross is painted with enamel icons, and the final section is said to contain a fragment of the True Cross from Jesus' crucifixion. ✅ Millennial medieval frescoes The rough stone walls retain faded, ancient frescoes. Though their bright colors have worn away, the sense of history they convey remains breathtaking. ✅ View of Jvari Monastery on the hilltop Look up and you can see the Jvari Monastery on the opposite hill. Both sites are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Kazbek | Finally stepping onto the cover of Lonely Planet
I traveled to the Caucasus just to see in person the scene from the Lonely Planet cover. After a week in Georgia, on the last day I set off at 4:00 AM and drove 200 km, finally seeing Kazbek at 9:00 AM. In northern Georgia, Kazbek (Stepantsminda) is home to the Gergeti Trinity Church, which at 2,170m stands alone on a grassy slope, with the snow-capped Mount Kazbek behind it. Clouds and mist roll between the peaks, and at that moment I finally understood why it’s called the church closest to heaven. The 14th-century stone church stands quietly, without any noise. There are two ways up: hike for 1.5 hours with a steady climb, enjoying the mountain breeze and watching cows and sheep graze the slopes, or take a 4x4 directly to the summit to save time and effort. From the church terrace, the rolling Caucasus mountains spread out before you, and the cool air from the snowy peaks washes over your face, instantly wiping away the fatigue of the journey. ⚠️Tips: ▪️Visit at sunrise to increase your chances of seeing a sea of clouds and alpenglow on the peaks, fewer people for better photos ▪️Dress modestly when entering the church, and bring a headscarf ▪️Take a short, easy hike toward the glacier to experience the raw mountain wilderness This is the sacred mountain where Prometheus was chained and the monastery that appears in Pushkin's writings. There's no need to rush a day trip; stay in the town, wait for the mist to clear, and watch sunlight settle on the snowy peaks. The scenes from the picture book really do come to life.
Georgia | Who saw the golden mountain sunrise at Trinity Church
A highly anticipated stop in Georgia is the Gergeti Trinity Church in Kazbegi ⛪️ I was long ago inspired by the Lonely Planet cover. I've seen photos countless times, but the moment I saw it in person, I still felt it lived up to the cover. This is the legendary church closest to heaven. Sincere tips to avoid pitfalls 🚗 Jeep up the mountain You don't necessarily need to switch to a 4WD jeep! Many people are misled into thinking they must charter an off-road vehicle. In fact, road conditions are quite good in spring, summer, and autumn, and most cars can drive up. You only need to switch to a jeep in winter when there is snow and ice, and regular vehicles cannot pass. The benefit of not switching cars is that there is no time limit. 🌡️ How it feels on the mountain Don't just look at the weather forecast for clothing! The forecast for the day was 20°C, so we prepared windbreakers to stay warm, but it was incredibly hot on the mountain. The UV was very strong, it felt dry and hot, and we couldn't wear the windbreakers at all. There is a big difference between the actual feel on the mountain and the forecast. ⛪️ Sightseeing and photography Compared to the simple and plain interior, if you are not religious, the outside of the church is better. The church can be a bit overexposed in the morning sun on clear days, so the afternoon might be better. If time permits, you can stay overnight to watch the sunset in the evening and see the golden mountain sunrise in the morning. If you only visit the church, you will miss this scenery 🌄. 🏡 Cabins Avoid overpriced "influencer" homestays! We stayed at Story, and the cabin was a pleasant surprise. The kitchen, heating, and hot water were all good. The location is great, and you can see the mountain and the church from the balcony, but you must pay in cash. ⏱️ Duration If you aren't hiking, you definitely don't need to reserve a whole day! Just going up to take photos, check in, and soak in the atmosphere at the summit takes half a day.
Kazbegi | The "Easter Island" of the Caucasus
On the way to the Gergeti Trinity Church in Kazbegi, we took a 15-minute detour and found the Georgian version of "Easter Island" 🗿 It feels like an open-air mountain art gallery Sno Village Stone Heads The giant stone faces on the hillside 🧔🏻 were all created by the same local sculptor, Merab Piranishvili Starting in 1984, he used local materials and followed the natural contours of each stone ⛏️ to carve out poets, writers, and national heroes from Georgian history There are no fences and no admission tickets; over a dozen stone sculptures are scattered across the wilderness 🌄 Best time for photos: The golden hour at sunset The warm light hits the rough stone surfaces, creating an incredibly atmospheric vibe The wind blows across the meadow, and in the distance, you can occasionally see horses grazing quietly Standing among the stone statues, the world feels vast and carries a hint of mystery 📌 Travel Cheat Sheet 🚗 Navigation: Sno Stone Heads 🎫 Free to visit; you can park in the open space by the roadside 💰 There is a small donation box next to the sculptures; feel free to support the artist if you wish 👕 There is a large temperature difference between day and night in the mountains; even on sunny days, the mountain wind is very strong 📷 Allow 30 minutes for photos; there are few tourists, so you can enjoy it all to yourself
What people are saying about Georgia
Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi
The most striking feature of the church is undoubtedly its pure gold-clad dome, dazzling in the sunlight and exuding a gentle solemnity when illuminated at night. It's worth noting that the church's construction was primarily funded by donations from ordinary citizens—it's not just a building, but a symbol of Georgians rediscovering their faith and solidifying their national identity after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
NachtischChronicles of Georgia
Georgia has a chronicle monument, which was built during the Soviet era and witnessed the disintegration of the Soviet Union. Many locals go to the Tbilisi Sea for vacation, swimming, and sunbathing. From the monument, you can see the Tbilisi Sea from a distance. It takes 12 minutes to walk from the monument to the beach.
zinnia_615Ali & Nino Statue
We were in Batumi in July and came to the sculpture closer to sunset. The impression was strong — the figures move slowly and smoothly, and the moment when they pass through each other really gets you. We stood through two cycles in a row, even though a full circle takes about 10 minutes. It's crowded in the evening, but you can still find a spot by the railing. The Ferris wheel is right next to it, so it's easy to combine with a walk. During the day, I think there's not much to see — all the magic is in the lighting and the dark. The only downside: you wait for the movement longer than it actually lasts. But I'd still recommend it — we've never seen anything like this anywhere else.
Alex_GorBatumi Boulevard
The sunset was beautiful, and the area is popular with locals for relaxation in the evenings. There were also street performers putting on fire shows, making it quite lively. Taking a walk with the cool sea breeze was a wonderful experience.
M17***37Monastery of St. Nino at Bodbe
Not far from Signari, the Bodbe Monastery is the burial place of St. Nino, who led Georgia to convert to Christianity. It is also one of the important pilgrimage sites in Georgia. Photography is not allowed in the monastery. People line up devoutly to pray and make wishes to the burial place of St. Nino. It is said that the wishes are very effective. After leaving the monastery and walking down, you can see a spring. The locals believe that this is a holy spring, which is said to have gushed out after St. Nino prayed.
溪蒻Sighnaghi old city
Sighnaghi is a beautiful, mysterious and legendary tourist town in the east. It is also known as the Royal Town. It was the seat of the Georgian royal family in the second century BC. Because there is a marriage registration agency that works 24 hours a day (but in fact, the marriage registration agency is not open 24 hours a day), Sighnaghi is also called the City of Love by the locals. The town has preserved most of the city walls and 23 towers from the 18th century.
溪蒻Bagrati Cathedral
In 1994, Bagrati Cathedral, together with the Gelati Monastery, was included in UNESCO's World Heritage Site list as a single entity. In 2001, ownership of the cathedral was transferred from the Georgian state to the Georgian Orthodox Church. It is presently of limited use for religious services, but attracts many pilgrims and tourists. It is also frequently used as a symbol of the city of Kutaisi, being one of its main tourist attractions. I recommend to visit in the morning.
kareninagurlAnanuri Fortress Complex
On the way to Kazbekistan, almost everyone stops here. After crossing the bridge, Ananuri Fortress stands beside the reservoir at the bridgehead, looking from afar like a stone castle stranded in the middle of a lake. I stopped the car and took some photos from the bridge. As soon as I pressed the shutter, it suddenly dawned on me—wasn't this the same angle as on the cover of *Lonely Planet*? The same bridge railings, the same gray-white stone walls, the same blue-green water. So the "cover-style shot" mentioned in the travel guides was just an ordinary roadside spot, not at all pretentious. The reservoir behind the fortress is called Renvali Reservoir, surrounded by concentric circles of mountains, its water a medium-deep green. Standing atop the fortress, the view is indeed the best—the reservoir, the bridge, the mountains, and the winding mountain road in the distance, all spread out below. But getting up there wasn't so easy. The left entrance was blocked off. A local offered a small tip to enter from the right; the fee wasn't much, more like a "gateway fee" for this centuries-old fortress—payable by soldiers six hundred years ago, and by tourists six hundred years later. The internal staircase was narrow and the steps slippery. Every step was taken with extreme caution. My friend slipped while going down, so safety first. This view is best seen in photos :D
镜里看花Zhinvali Water Reservoir
It's conveniently located at the start of a military highway, and most tourists heading to Kazbekistan pass by it. Taking 5-10 minutes to take photos at the mountaintop viewpoint is a convenient and effortless perk. The view depends heavily on the weather; a cloudy day diminishes the experience considerably.
Nachtisch