Borders of Georgia on the map. Sights of Georgia and Tbilisi on the map with photos and descriptions
Map of Georgia with attractions
Georgia on the world map
Detailed map of Georgia
Map of Georgia
Georgia is located on the world map in several regions: the Middle East, Western Asia and Eastern Europe. Geographically, the country is located in the central and western part of Transcaucasia. The administrative map of Georgia will show that the state borders Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia and Turkey.
Thanks to its access to the Black Sea, the country is an attractive tourist power. A detailed map of Georgia will show many resorts and unique protected areas. In total, there are eight national parks and fourteen nature reserves in the country. A map of Georgia with attractions contains a large number of ancient monasteries, cathedrals, as well as entire cities considered cultural and architectural monuments.
In the capital of the country, Tbilisi, you can visit museums, entertainment venues, cafes and restaurants. The map of Georgia will help you decide on excursions. To visit more interesting places, it is worth renting a car.
A map of Georgia in Russian from Arrivo will help you navigate the country freely.
(Republic of Georgia)
General information
Geographical position. Georgia is a state in the Transcaucasian region. In the west it is washed by the waters of the Black Sea. In the north it borders with Russia, in the south with Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkey. Georgia includes two autonomous republics: Adjara and Abkhazia and the autonomous region of South Ossetia.
Square. The territory of Georgia occupies 69,700 square meters. km.
Main cities, administrative divisions. The capital of Georgia is Tbilisi. The largest cities: Tbilisi (1,353 thousand people), Kutaisi (236 thousand people), Batumi (137 thousand people), Sukhumi (120 thousand people). Georgia includes 65 districts, as well as the autonomous republics of Abkhazia and Adjara, and the autonomous region of South Ossetia.
Political system
Georgia is a republic. The head of state is the president. The legislative body is parliament.
Relief. Most of Georgia's territory is covered with mountains, about a third is occupied by dense forests. The main ridge of the Caucasus Mountains forms the northern border of the country, where the highest points of Georgia are also located, the main one being Mount Shkhara (5,068 m). The Lesser Caucasus Range occupies the southern part of Georgia, but here the height of the mountains rarely exceeds 3,000 m.
Geological structure and minerals. The country's subsoil contains rich reserves of manganese, iron and copper ores, and minor reserves of coal and oil.
Climate. The climate of Georgia depends on the region: subtropical in the Colchis Valley and on the Black Sea coast and continental in the mountainous regions.
Inland waters. The main rivers are Kura, Rioni; lakes - Paleostomi, Ritsa, Aletkel.
Soils and vegetation. The soils are red soils, yellow soils, chernozems, etc. About 40% of the territory is occupied by forests. There are 15 nature reserves in Georgia, the main ones of which are: Lagodekhi - with broad-leaved forests, subalpine and alpine meadows.
Animal world. In Georgia there are aurochs, mountain goats, bears, deer, roe deer, lynx, many birds, and there are snakes.
Population and language
The country's population is about 5.109 million people. The ethnic composition is very diverse - almost 100 different ethnic groups, in particular Georgians -
70.1%, Armenians - 8.1%, Russians - 6.3%, Azerbaijanis - 5.7%, Ossetians - 3.0%, Abkhazians -1.8%, Kurds, Adjars, Greeks. Languages: Georgian (state), Russian.
Religion
Georgian Orthodox Church - 65%, Russian Orthodox Church -10%, Islam - 11%, Armenian Orthodox Church - 8%.
Brief historical sketch
From the 6th century BC e. Georgia was a Greek colony: its western region was called Colchis, the eastern region was Iberia.
BIV century BC e. Georgia was united into a single kingdom. BIV century n. e. Christianity came to the country.
In the 7th century Georgia was conquered by the Arabs, and in the 11th century by the Seljuk Turks. King David II of Georgia in the 12th century. expelled the Turks and restored independence.
However, in the 13th century. Georgia was conquered by the Mongols and later came under the rule of Iran and the Ottoman Empire.
In the middle of the 18th century. The Georgian kingdom was proclaimed, which in 1801 became part of the Russian Empire.
In 1918, Georgia regained independence; in 1922, Georgia, together with Armenia and Azerbaijan, became part of the Transcaucasian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic, and in 1936 it became a union republic within the USSR.
In April 1991, Georgia declared independence.
Brief Economic Sketch
Leading industries: food (including tea, fruit canning, wine-making sub-industries; production of tung, fragrant essential oils, bottling of mineral waters), light industry, mechanical engineering, chemical, petrochemical and oil refining, ferrous metallurgy. Extraction of manganese ores, coal, non-ferrous metal ores, barite. The Black Sea regions of Georgia specialize in the production of tea, citrus fruits, and bay leaves; In the eastern part of Georgia, the leading role belongs to viticulture, and fruit growing is developed. Cereal crops (wheat, corn, barley). The main branches of livestock farming are meat and dairy cattle breeding, sheep farming, pig farming, and poultry farming. Gas pipelines from the North Caucasus and Azerbaijan.
The monetary unit is lari.
Brief sketch of culture
Art and architecture. Tbilisi. Sioni Cathedral (5th century); monastery of St. David 6th century; Anchiskhat Basilica (VI-VII centuries). Kutaisi. Temple of Bagrat (X-XI centuries). Mtskheta. Patriarchal Cathedral of Svetitskhoveli (X-XI centuries). Gelati. Gelati Monastery (early 12th century), Academy building (12th century).
Literature. Shota Rustaveli (12th century) is the author of the poem “The Knight in the Tiger’s Skin,” which is included in the treasury of world literature; anticipated the humanistic ideas of the Early Renaissance, became the founder of the new Georgian literary language; Alexander Chavchavadze (1786-1846) is the founder of romanticism in Georgian poetry (“Lake Gokcha”, “Caucasus”).
For us, Georgia itself turned out to be full of pleasant surprises and an incredible number of interesting places. But visiting all the most exciting attractions in one trip is quite difficult. Therefore, it is not surprising that many tourists who are in love with this country and culture decide to divide their travels and see something new every time. Many of our friends have already visited, and still, like us, every year they dream of returning here again on vacation. This country is a comfortable and cozy place for any tourist to stay: there is something to see here for both state employees and wealthier people who are accustomed to not denying themselves anything.
Adjara (including Batumi)
The capital of the Adjara region is modern, “stuffed” with a huge number of interesting things for both young travelers and their parents.
Kids and their parents will be curious to visit a small zoo corner located near the central beach of Batumi. In the near future it will be moved to the village of Chakvi.
Believers will be especially pleased to visit and explore, located on the corner of Tavdadebuli and Zubalashvili streets in Batumi. The temple is very unusual not only externally, but also internally, because it was originally built as a Catholic church, and now it successfully functions as an Orthodox church. We recommend paying attention to the beautiful window paintings in the cathedral. read in a separate article.
Once inside the Batumi Opera House, you don’t immediately realize where exactly you are thanks to the rich design, exquisite lighting and gurgling fountain.
Another highlight of Batumi is the Center for Music and Art or, in simple terms, Opera theatre. This miracle of construction thought is located on Odyssey Dimitriadi Street, 1, almost on the outskirts of the city. The theater is truly impressive inside and out. In fact, it was previously an inconspicuous House of Culture, but after the grandiose transformation, it is impossible to enter it without amazement. The Center often hosts performances, concerts and all kinds of performances in Russian. We advise you not to be greedy for a ticket and be sure to visit this place, because it is not for nothing that it is included in the top five most unusual buildings of modern theaters in the world.
You can read more about the Center for Music and Art in the article: Amazing Opera House in Batumi.
In the evening Batumi comes alive. Tourists and locals fill the streets and slowly move towards the embankment, where the most unusual ones are located. For example, amazingly beautiful on Lake Ardagan (next to the Ministry of Justice). It takes place every day, from approximately 21:00 until midnight. Huge jets of water dance merrily and shimmer beautifully to various music. Sometimes (not every day) a spectacular laser show is turned on against this background. There are restaurants and cafes near the lake, and there are benches along it to make it convenient to watch the performance.
ABOUT singing fountains We have a separate useful article that we recommend reading to anyone who is interested:
In the evening, the Piazza is especially crowded with tourists. This is facilitated by live music and figures leaving the tower every 3 hours.
We recommend taking a walk in the evening to the embankment in the area of the sea station, where the Wonderland Park and the special one are located. It “works” during the day, but after sunset, when the backlight is turned on, it looks more romantic and bewitching. Vacationers like to gather around it; people invite you to take a boat ride nearby. There are other entertainments here as well.
Piazza Square is another exotic, typically “Italian” attraction of Batumi, which is best visited in the evening when the lights turn on. It is located on Tsar Parnavaz Street, 25, in a very convenient place where tourists often go. Visiting it is absolutely free. The area is surrounded by hotels, restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops. Inside the square there is a high tower, in its center there is a window. Every three hours it opens and dolls appear from it to the music. Live music creates additional romance. Separately about Piazza there is an article: An Italian corner in the heart of Batumi - Piazza.
Neighborhoods of Batumi
Not far from Batumi there is also something to see and be truly surprised by. If you wish, you can go on your own, by minibus or as part of an excursion to the most ancient and preserved one on the territory of Georgia. Admission for an adult costs only 3 lari GEORGIAN GEL RATE:
3 lari = 0.99 euro;
3 lari = 1.14 dollars;
3 lari = 75.66 rubles;
3 lari = 31.92 hryvnia;
. The inside is now, although a little empty (too few buildings have survived), but quite interesting. You can climb the centuries-old walls, examine the dilapidated remains of the first pipeline and sewer system, see the supposed burial place of the Apostle Matthew, enjoy the aromas of flowers, or watch the excavations.
Near the museum of the Gonio Fortress there is the alleged burial of the Apostle Matthew, as well as the foundations of ancient buildings.
An equally exciting trip awaits you to and, located literally across the road from each other, on the way from Batumi to the village of Keda. These attractions are among the most visited in the Adjarian region. Minibuses go to them and excursions are organized. Near the Queen Tamara Bridge there is an excellent cafe with incredibly tasty kebab and others.
And for 29 euros per person you can take a group excursion to less touristic places in Adjara: Mirveti and Chukhuneti waterfalls, suspension and arched bridges, the confluence of two rivers, a bunker and a mill.
The next recommended place is guaranteed to leave no one indifferent. The easiest way to get to it is by minibus No. 31 or by car. Entrance to the garden will cost 15 lari GEORGIAN GEL RATE:
15 lari = 4.97 euros;
15 lari = 5.7 dollars;
15 lari = 378.3 rubles;
15 lari = 159.6 hryvnia;
Exchange rates and prices may not be accurate. from an adult. In addition to the huge variety of trees, bushes and flowers from 21 zones, the park also contains some representatives of the animal world: lizards, fish, turtles, frogs, etc. Directly from the botanical garden you can go down to, and then freely return to further inspect the flora. By the way, the sea off the coast of the park seemed to us the cleanest and warmest in all of Adjara. Therefore, do not forget to bring your swimwear with you.
To explore the following attractions: Prometheus caves And Sataplia from Batumi, you will need to either take a car with a Russian-speaking driver, or book excursions (the named places are included in different excursions). It is also possible to get to them by public transport with several transfers, but since the road is long (it takes about 2.5 hours to get to the canyon alone) and tiring, we do not recommend this option. IN Martvili Canyon(input is 15 lari GEORGIAN GEL RATE:
15 lari = 4.97 euros;
15 lari = 5.7 dollars;
15 lari = 378.3 rubles;
15 lari = 159.6 hryvnia;
15 lari = 12.75 Belarusian rubles.
Exchange rates and prices may not be accurate. per adult) You can not only enjoy several cascading waterfalls located on the territory, but also take a boat ride through a fabulous gorge for an additional 13 GEL GEORGIAN GEL RATE:
13 lari = 4.3 euros;
13 lari = 4.94 dollars;
13 lari = 327.86 rubles;
13 lari = 138.32 hryvnia;
13 lari = 11.05 Belarusian rubles.
Exchange rates and prices may not be accurate. per person (it's worth it).
It’s worth getting into Prometheus’ Cave even just to wander among the bizarre play of shadows against the backdrop of constantly changing illumination.
No less interesting will be a trip to the Prometheus Cave, the monasteries of Gelati and Motsameta. The territories of the monastery complexes are large and spacious: the first is more touristy, the second is cozy and quiet. The trip takes place in a large car. The guide talks about the Shrines of each place, visiting monasteries with tourists. For a rather intense 9-hour program, we paid 175 euros. Get to the specified attractions from Batumi by public transport difficult. It is much more convenient and practical to book a similar excursion, as we did. For a detailed description of the trip, read the article: The most interesting sights in the vicinity of Kutaisi.
If ordinary excursions with typical sights no longer impress you, we advise you to take a closer look at Machakhela. It contains new locations that are not always known even to local residents. During the excursion, tourists will see waterfalls and bridges, conquer the fortress and explore the bunker, enjoy the beauty of Batumi from a bird's eye view and have a good rest at the table in a Georgian family with national songs and dances. There is a group option for a similar trip. Visit all key route points by public transport impossible. Read about our individual excursion to the amazing places of Machakhela in the article: The most soulful corner of the Adjarian region.
For each of the listed attractions there is individual articles. To get acquainted with them, you just need to follow the active link (highlighted in blue in the text).
Tbilisi and surroundings
Separate article about the Peace Bridge will tell you more detailed and interesting information, including how and how you can get to this attraction:
About the rest interesting temples in Tbilisi You can also read the corresponding publication:
The sulfur baths are located in semi-basements, and only their domed roofs protrude from above.
A significant number of tourists confidently mark the quarter with Abanotubani as one of the main attractions of Tbilisi - a truly beautiful place and magnificent in its own way. Whether to go wash in it or not is up to everyone to decide for themselves, but it’s definitely worth seeing it from the outside. By the way, the cost of bathing in sulfur springs varies depending on the choice of halls: in general, washing will cost approximately 3 lari GEORGIAN GEL RATE:
3 lari = 0.99 euro;
3 lari = 1.14 dollars;
3 lari = 75.66 rubles;
3 lari = 31.92 hryvnia;
3 lari = 2.55 Belarusian rubles.
Exchange rates and prices may not be accurate., in a private room - from 30 lari GEORGIAN GEL RATE:
30 lari = 9.93 euros;
30 lari = 11.4 dollars;
30 lari = 756.6 rubles;
30 lari = 319.2 hryvnia;
30 lari = 25.5 Belarusian rubles.
Exchange rates and prices may not be accurate.. Near the baths there is a Fig gorge, with a small river flowing through it, recently liberated from the ground.
If you want to learn more about Tbilisi, we recommend taking a guide. It was during a walking tour of the capital of Georgia with the charming Dina that this time we discovered and fell in love with not only tourist places, but also the most amazing corners of the city. You can order a similar walk accompanied by an experienced guide on the local website Georgia4travel.ru or on the international one.
Neighborhoods of Tbilisi
In the vicinity of Tbilisi there are almost more attractions than in the city itself. Many of them are accessible by public transport, and some are best visited by car with a driver and guide ().
Driving along the Georgian Military Road is a real pleasure. You just want to constantly stop and absorb the beauty of these places.
Next, we advise you to go along a route that is well-known far beyond the borders of the country. If, like us, you use the services of a guide with a car, then along the way, in addition to the most beautiful views of the mountains, you will find stops and photo breaks near amazing bodies of water, acquaintance with and, as well as lunch in a very picturesque place. Bright emotions, sincere smiles, lots of drive and positivity during the trip are guaranteed. It’s worth saying separately that this excursion was surprisingly eventful - it also included a walk through the ancient churches of Mtskheta.
Wine region Kakheti will be able to please not only connoisseurs of alcoholic beverages, but also those tourists who are interested in ancient temples, castles and fortresses. It is best to go here by car with a guide. At the same time, we advise you to explore the city of love, Sighnaghi, located along the route. Our excursion to Kakheti can be found in a separate article: Romance and wine are two key features of a trip to Kakheti. A good selection of excursions at affordable prices is offered on the website.
If you wish and have free time (such an excursion will take the whole day), it is possible to travel from Tbilisi to the Rabat fortress. It is located in a small Georgian town, literally on the border with Turkey. The fortress is known for the fact that it was recently practically rebuilt. The inside is very interesting and beautiful, there is where to walk and what to see. The entrance to the paid part is 6 lari GEORGIAN GEL RATE:
6 lari = 1.99 euros;
6 lari = 2.28 dollars;
6 lari = 151.32 rubles;
6 lari = 63.84 hryvnia;
6 lari = 5.1 Belarusian rubles.
Exchange rates and prices may not be accurate. from an adult.
The caves of Vardzia still amaze the imagination. But they say that this fortified city used to be three times larger.
Not far from Akhaltsikhe there is a cave monastery city. This extraordinary place has been attracting tourists from all over the world for a very long time. Almost all the caves of Vardzia can be visited, and from some particularly successful observation platforms, you can enjoy fantastic panoramic views. Getting to this attraction is also most convenient by car or during an individual excursion, taking in at the same time the fortresses of Rabat and Khertvisi, the monasteries of Sapara and Foka, and, of course, the famous Borjomi Park (the journey from Tbilisi is long and slightly tiring).
Lots of useful and relevant information about Vardzia You will find in the article:
A good alternative to the caves of Vardzia will be the cave city of Uplistsikhe, an equally interesting and fascinating place. Individual and group excursions are organized from Tbilisi to Uplistsikhe. If you don’t want to go with a guide, you can order a car with a Russian-speaking driver on the gotrip.ge service. Read our impressions of the trip to Uplistsikhe in the article: Excursion to the Uplistsikhe caves with a stop in Gori.
During our several visits to Georgia, we managed to get quite familiar with its sights and attractions, as well as learn the intricacies of transfers to cities and interesting places in the country in a variety of ways.
To feel like a tourist on vacation, we recommend not to chase dubious savings in the form of traveling long distances on public transport. You may save money, but you will lose time: you will be tired, overwhelmed and nervous, because you never know for sure whether a suitable minibus will come back.
The best way to travel around Georgia is in convenient ways: book an excursion on a local or website, or rent a car with a Russian-speaking guide. Such a vacation will definitely be remembered for a long time, and the country will remain your favorite for many years.
Photos of Georgian sights
We tried to capture as much of the sights as we could with our cameras. We will be happy to show you the most beautiful and interesting photographs:
The Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Batumi is a very beautiful and unusual building. During its construction, a special stone was used that slightly changes its color depending on the weather.
Where is Georgia located on the world map. Detailed map of Georgia in Russian online. Satellite map of Georgia with cities and resorts, roads, streets and houses. Georgia on the world map is a country located in the southern part of the Caucasus on the Black Sea coast. The capital of the country is Tbilisi. The official language is Georgian, but almost all residents of Georgia understand and speak Russian.
Map of Georgia with cities and towns in Russian:
Georgia - Wikipedia:
Population of Georgia- 3,729,600 people. (2018)
Capital of Georgia- Tbilisi
Largest cities in Georgia- Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, Poti, Gori, Zugdidi, Rustavi
Georgia telephone code - 995
Language used in Georgia- Georgian language
Georgia- a country of mountains and forests. The largest mountain range in the country is the Greater Caucasus Mountains, the highest point of which is Mount Shkhara, about 5,000 meters high. Forests in Georgia also occupy a vast area - about 40% of the entire territory. Nature of Georgia delights with its diversity: in the mountainous regions there are glaciers, in the lowlands and plains there are blooming meadows that turn into deciduous and coniferous forests.
Climate in Georgia transitional - from subtropical to temperate. The average winter temperature in the country is +3...+8 C. In the mountains it is much colder - up to -20C. Summer in Georgia is hot and dry: the average temperature is from +22 C to +27 C.
Georgia– a country with a rich history and culture. On the territory of a relatively small state there are more than 10,000 architectural, historical and cultural monuments. Most of the ancient monuments and structures in Georgia are unique and have no analogues anywhere else. The capital Tbilisi is one of the capitals with the largest number of attractions.
Thanks to access to the Black Sea, the summer season is beach time holidays in Georgia. Every year new resorts are opened, new hotels and holiday homes are built, so the Black Sea resorts of Georgia are not inferior to Western European ones. Georgia has many mud and mineral springs, which contributes to medical and health tourism. There are more and more balneological and mud places for recreation in the country.
What to see in Georgia:
Svetitskhoveli Temple, Stalin Museum, Jvari Monastery, Museum of the Revolution in Batumi, Kashveti (Church of St. George), Cross Pass, Children's Amusement Park, Shatili Fortress, Bagrati Temple, Tsminda Sameba (Holy Trinity Cathedral), Gelati Monastery, Dolphinarium, Zoo, Ice Palace Palace, Pantheon of Writers and Public Figures of Georgia, Alaverdi Temple, Archaeological Museum, Sataplia Karst Caves, Metekhi Temple, Motsameta Monastery, Sioni (Assumption Cathedral), Central Park, Shota Rustaveli Academic Theater, Anchiskhati (Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary), State Museum , Georgian National Museum, Georgian Opera and Ballet Theater, Children's Railway, Narikala Fortress, Telavi Fortress, Lighthouse, Military Glory Memorial, Ikalto Monastery, Bridge of Peace, Borjomi History Museum, Lake Paleostomi, Freedom Square, Rustaveli Avenue, Church of St. Andrew , Church of St. Nicholas.
You can talk endlessly about the splendor and diversity of Georgia. It’s difficult to explore a country in one trip, but it’s quite possible to get to know each other and undoubtedly fall in love.
Sputnik Georgia will tell you about some of the most popular and beautiful sights of Georgia, although it is almost impossible to list everything.
City carved into the rock
One of the most interesting sights of Georgia is the unique Vardzia cave complex. This outstanding cultural monument was erected in the 12th-13th centuries at an altitude of 1.3 thousand meters above sea level, in the southeast of Georgia, near Akhaltsikhe (Samtskhe-Javakheti region).
A huge cave complex, located on several tiers, was created during the reign of Queen Tamara. There are 15 temples, many caves, underground tunnels and hundreds of large and small halls. In this monastery the holy queen spent the last years of her life.
Most popular resort
You can relax, heal and enjoy the beauty of nature at the balneological and climatic resort of Borjomi, which is located in a gorge, among the majestic Caucasus mountains and coniferous forests in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region, at an altitude of 850 meters above sea level.
Mineral water is used for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, biliary tract, kidneys, metabolic problems and in the form of baths - for cardiovascular diseases, diseases of the nervous system and respiratory organs.
The resort is visited annually by several tens of thousands of tourists.
The undeniable advantages of the resort and the healing properties of the water, which were discovered more than 1.5 thousand years ago, were also appreciated by the Russian emperor. By his decree, in 1892-1895, a villa in the Moorish style was built in Likani (on the territory of Borjomi) - the Romanov Palace, which after renovation will be converted into a museum.
City where marriages are registered around the clock
Sighnaghi is a small fortified city in the Kakheti region, founded in the 17th century. It became a kind of tourism brand of Georgia after restoration in 2007. Beautiful streets, cozy cafes and restaurants attract tourists, both local and foreign, all year round. From the watchtowers of the fortress there is an amazing view of the Alazani Valley.
Photo: courtesy of Liza Shelia
In addition to its historical value, the city has another important advantage that attracts romantics and lovers - you can register a marriage here at any time of the day. That is why Sighnaghi is called the city of love.
The last refuge of the enlightener
Two kilometers from Sighnaghi is the Bodbe Monastery, founded in the first half of the 4th century, immediately after the death of St. Equal-to-the-Apostles Nina, the enlightener of Georgia. She chose this place as her last refuge. The relics of St. Nina are kept in the monastery.
Besik Pipia
A cathedral was erected above the saint’s grave in the name of the heavenly patrons of Georgia - St. George the Victorious and Nino - a three-nave basilica of the 9th century. Currently, the largest convent in Georgia operates at the temple.
In the northeast of the monastery in the gorge there is the source of St. Nino (Ninos Tskaro) with healing water, where a bathhouse has been built and ablutions can be performed.
Masterpiece of Georgian art
The David-Gareji monastery complex, which is located in the Kvemo Kartli region on the border with Azerbaijan, is recognized as one of the most beautiful places in the world. David Gareji, considered a masterpiece of Georgian art, is located in the desert steppe.
The history of the complex began in the 6th century, when one of the 13 Syrian fathers named David settled in the Gareja cave on the slopes of a small gorge and soon founded the first monastery there - the Lavra of David. David Gareji, which consists of about 20 monasteries carved into the rocks, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Where was the Golden Fleece kept?
The history of the ancient city of Nokalakevi (Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region) dates back to Greek myths. Some historians claim that it was on the site of Nokalakevi, which translated from Georgian means “the place where the city was,” that the mythical city of Aya was located, from where Jason and the Argonauts, with the help of Medea, stole the Golden Fleece.
Alexey Mukhranov
Archaeological excavations on the territory of Nokalakevi have discovered several traces of various civilizations. Ruins of ancient palaces, Christian churches, baths and underground tunnels were also discovered and preserved here.
The Nokalakevi Museum-Reserve is located 17 kilometers from the town of Senaki near the Tekhura River. Today there is an archaeological museum here, which displays artifacts discovered in the city, dating back to the 2nd millennium BC.
For those who are tired of civilization
For those who like to travel with a backpack on their back, Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park offers walking, horseback riding, cycling, educational and cultural tours. The park, which represents the eastern part of the Lesser Caucasus mountain system, has two visitor centers - in Borjomi (Samtskhe-Javakheti region) and in Kharagauli (Imereti region).
Tourist routes range from 400 to 2,642 meters. Single-day and multi-day tours are possible throughout the year. The trails are well-maintained and marked, and there are designated areas for picnics, camping, and fire pits.The total area of Borjomi-Kharagauli Park is 85.1 thousand hectares. Traveling through the park, you can see 64 species of mammals, eight of which are included in the Red List of Georgia, as well as 217 species of migratory birds that live here, of which 13 species are included in the Red List of Georgia.
Prehistoric natural wonder
Among the most popular natural attractions of Georgia is the Okatse Canyon, located in the gorge of the river of the same name, 50 kilometers from the city of Kutaisi (Imereti region).
The length of the canyon is 16 kilometers and the depth exceeds 50 meters. The highlight of the canyon is a narrow suspension bridge more than one kilometer long, which will be appreciated by lovers of picturesque natural landscapes, adventures and thrills. According to scientists, this natural miracle dates back a million years.
The canyon, which was designated a National Park in 2011, has many lakes and waterfalls. The three-cascade Kinchkha waterfall, one of the highest in Georgia, is especially beautiful. The height of the first cascade is about 25 meters, the height of the second reaches 70 meters, and the third - about 35 meters.
The largest cave in Georgia
The most visited and popular cave in Georgia is Prometheus Cave, which is also the largest. Its length is more than 20 kilometers, but only 1,420 meters are open to the public. The cave is located 20 kilometers from Kutaisi (Imereti region).
© photo: Sputnik / Alexander Imedashvili
In the cave you can see stalactites and stalagmites of unusual shape, petrified waterfalls and stone curtains. The area of the cave is 46.6 hectares. Prometheus Cave differs from other caves in its wide corridors - the maximum width reaches 25-30 meters, and the height is 20-25 meters.
The cave complex has 17 halls of different sizes. The length of some of them reaches 80-100 meters. You can go boating and walking in the caves.
Center for Scientific Thought of Medieval Georgia
The Gelati monastery complex, the center of church and cultural life, was founded by King David IV the Builder in 1106 and became his tomb.
Gelati Monastery is located a few kilometers east of the city of Kutaisi (Imereti region).
The monastery complex consists of three churches and a bell tower. On the territory of the monastery there is also the building of the Gelati Academy - the center of Georgian scientific thought in medieval Georgia. Gelati Monastery is also famous for its medieval sundial. According to legend, King David himself determined the time using them.
Almost all the kings of the Golden Age are buried in the Gelati Monastery, as well as several kings of Imereti - Solomon I and Solomon II. Since 1994, the Gelati monastery complex has been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The pride of the heart of Adjara
Batumi Boulevard is not just a landmark, but the dignity and pride of the heart of Adjara, the length of which has already reached 7 kilometers. The boulevard is conventionally divided into “new” and “old”.
© Sputnik / Denis Aslanov
The construction of the boulevard, the oldest and main attraction of Batumi, began in 1881 - the governor of the Batumi region instructed the German gardeners Ressler and Reyer to build a park along the city embankment.
In recent years, the park has been decorated with modern sculptures, original benches and fountains.
Batumi is a center of entertainment and nightlife. It is famous for its clubs, cafes and restaurants. Here you can also visit a water park, a dolphinarium, a Ferris wheel, parks, watch dancing fountains and see many other attractions.
Second Jerusalem
Mtskheta is the ancient capital of Georgia, a holy place for every local resident, which is also called the “second Jerusalem”. Mtskheta, located 20 kilometers from Tbilisi, is the only place in Georgia where so many holy and religious places are concentrated. It is here that one of the greatest shrines of the Christian world is kept - the Robe of the Lord.
© photo: Sputnik /
Mtskheta is located at the confluence of two mountain rivers - the Aragvi and the Kura, on a low river terrace, surrounded by majestic mountain peaks. The city was founded in the second half of the 1st millennium BC. This is one of the most visited attractions in Georgia, loved by tourists and locals.
UNESCO appreciated Mtskheta and added to the list of World Heritage Sites the 11th century Svetitskhoveli Patriarchal Cathedral and the 11th century Samtavro Monastery, located in the city, as well as the 7th century Jvari Temple, rising on a hill opposite the ancient capital, which Mikhail sang in his poem “Mtsyri” Lermontov.
Symbol of Svaneti
One of the most picturesque corners of Georgia is the highland Svaneti, which is visited by tens of thousands of tourists every year. The mountainous region is located in the north-west of Georgia and is divided into two parts - Upper and Lower.
© photo: Sputnik / Elithabeth Judro
It is in Upper Svaneti in the villages of Mestia and Ushguli that you can see numerous Svan “cats”, which means “towers” in Georgian. The height of these protective structures is 20-25 meters. The Svan towers have long been the hallmark of this highland region of Georgia and are included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
I dream about hunchbacked Tiflis...
These are the words used by the Russian poet Osip Mandelstam to sing of Tbilisi, where he left a piece of his soul in the first half of the 20th century. Since then, the capital of Georgia has changed, the city has grown, and many interesting and beautiful sights have appeared.
© Sputnik / Maria Tsimintia
But Old Tbilisi is the heart of the city, a special world steeped in history. It is unlike any other city in the world. The combination of original architecture and natural beauty gives it a unique charm and flavor.
Ancient houses with carved balconies, many of which are works of art, narrow streets, a scattering of churches. This is the most hospitable and tolerant city - on one patch there are a mosque, a synagogue, an Orthodox and an Armenian church. It is difficult to describe all the delights of Tbilisi, so Sputnik Georgia offers to explore some of the most beautiful sights.
The most impregnable fortress
Narikala Fortress is the oldest monument that majestically rises above the city. No one knows the exact date of foundation of the fortress, but according to chronicles it existed already in the 4th century.
© Sputnik / Alexander Imedashvili
You can climb to the fortress, which no one in history has managed to take by storm, on foot or by cable car. Narikala offers stunning panoramic views of Tbilisi, so it is not surprising that romantics love to watch sunsets and sunrises here.
One of the oldest arboretums
At the foot of the Narikala fortress lies a garden of indescribable beauty that has existed here for centuries. In ancient times, royal gardens were located on this territory, which over time were transformed into an arboretum. In its modern form, the year of its foundation is considered to be 1845, which makes the arboretum one of the oldest in the post-Soviet space.
The National Botanical Garden of Georgia is an ideal place for long walks and relaxation in the fresh air among exotic plants - more than 3.5 thousand species. The area of 128 hectares is rich in both local and global flora. There are many gazebos, shady alleys, and several waterfalls with bridges over them scattered throughout its territory.
A place where you can wash yourself at the same time
Abanotubani (from the words “abano” - bathhouse and “ubani” - district) are sulfur baths, sung by the Russian poet Alexander Pushkin. The appearance of baths was undoubtedly facilitated by the abundance of hot sulfur springs in these places.
© photo: Sputnik / Alexander Imedashvili
In the old days, people not only washed themselves here, but also communicated, held dinner parties in the baths, and concluded trade deals. City matchmakers held bridesmaid parties here. The date of construction of all baths is different - approximately the 17th - 19th centuries.
Today, Tbilisi sulfur baths are very popular not only among local residents, but also among tourists. Here you can meet a real “mekise” - a bathhouse attendant who will “rip off three skins” from you, but after his massage you will feel like you have been reborn.
Cross the Peace Bridge and visit Rike Park
In the very heart of the old city there is a glass pedestrian bridge of Peace, 156 meters long. The sparkling, wave-like structure was designed by Italian architect Michel de Lucchi and French lighting engineer Philippe Martineau.
© Sputnik / Alexander Imedashvili
The Bridge of Peace across the Kura River connects Irakli II Street with Rike Park. There are many playgrounds, a labyrinth, a climbing wall, giant chess, a small outdoor stage where musicians perform, light and music fountains that play music every evening, as well as tables and benches made of stone.
The oldest building in Tbilisi
In the Old Town there is the Church of Anchiskhati (Nativity of the Virgin Mary) - the oldest building that has survived to this day. It was built in the 6th century, after the capital of Georgia moved from Mtskheta to Tbilisi.
The name of the church, built in the basilica style common in those days, comes from the icon of the Savior Not Made by Hands, one of the greatest shrines of Georgia, transferred from the Anchi Cathedral.
At the end of the 19th century, for security reasons, it was placed in the Church Museum. Today the Anchi Icon (in Georgian “Anchiskhati”) is on display at the Georgian Museum of Art.
Sights of the main avenue
Rustaveli Avenue stretches from Freedom Square, in the center of which stands the statue of St. George the Victorious, to the Rustaveli metro station. Along the entire avenue, in the pedestrian area, there are benches and small sculptures.
The oldest building on all of Rustaveli Avenue is the Youth Palace, the former Palace of the Tsar's Governor in the Caucasus, the so-called "Vorontsov Palace", built in 1868 in the Renaissance style. The building, with its grace and unique decor, both internal and external, can compete with the best creations of European architecture.
© Sputnik / Alexander Imedashvili
On Rustaveli Avenue there are also the Georgian Parliament building, a cinema, a theater, the Church of St. George - Kashveti, museums, art galleries, restaurants and many shops. And if you turn from Rustaveli into the side streets towards Mtatsminda, you can admire the old houses and cozy courtyards.
Swap meet
Lovers of antiquities and antiques can visit a real flea market located in the center of the Georgian capital. This place is called "Dry Bridge" because it is located next to one of the small bridges, which rises not over the river, but over an ordinary road.
Levan Avlabreli
Entrance to the Bombora amusement park on Mount Mtatsminda, Tbilisi TV Tower
Mtatsminda amusement park "Bombora", a restaurant and observation decks with stunning views of Tbilisi are favorite places for recreation for residents and guests of the city. People go to the park to have fun, relax, breathe romance, or simply admire the city from a bird's eye view.
You can get to Mtatsminda Park by bus or by “tram” - the Tbilisi funicular, which was built by the Belgians in 1905.
Open-air museum
There are many museums in Tbilisi that may be of interest to tourists, but in order to experience the full flavor of Georgia without leaving the capital, you need to visit the Georgian Open Air Museum of Ethnography, which is located on the mountainside, above Vake Park.
On the territory of the museum you can see traditional stone darbazi houses (an ancient type of housing in mountainous areas), wooden houses with thatched and plank roofs from Western Georgia, mountain watchtowers, barns, Kakheti wine cellars, a water mill and much more.After the excursion, you can climb to the top of the mountain to the Svan tower, swim in Turtle Lake and enjoy a wonderful view of Tbilisi.
The sights of Georgia and Tbilisi can be listed endlessly, but the main calling card of the country has become its inhabitants - open, sincere people, ready to gladly help or simply enjoy chatting with guests.
The material was prepared based on open sources