Sights of Akhaltsikhe

Sights of Akhaltsikhe

Vardzia – the pride of Georgian architecture, a city carved into the rocks, built in the Golden Age by Queen Tamara (XII century). Over 900 m along the shore of the Kura River, up to 600 rooms were carved in the steep wall of Mount Erusheti (Medvezhya): churches, chapels, residential cells, pantries, bathhouses, refectories, treasuries, libraries. The premises of the complex go 50 m deep into the cliffs and rise to a height of 8 floors. Secret passages linking the premises and the remains of the water supply have been preserved. In the center of the monastery is the main church in honor of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, on the walls are unique fresco paintings (including images of Tsar George III and Queen Tamar, 1180). In the event of an attack by enemies, the monastery became a refuge for civilians and could accommodate up to 20,000 people .

Khertvisi Fortress – one of the most ancient fortresses of the Georgian feudal period. The fortress is located on a high rocky hill in the gorge at the confluence of the Kura and Paravani rivers. In 985 a church was built here, and the walls of the fortress were erected in 1354.

Safara Monastery. Akhaltsikhe. Safara Monastery is a working monastery, built on the side of a mountain in the Akhaltsikhe district of Samtskhe-Javakheti, 10 kilometers from the center of Akhaltsikhe. It is founded by st. Savva in the X century. The oldest building is the Church of the Assumption of the X century. Nearby is a large domed church of St. Saba of the 13th century and a bell tower. Up the slope are the fortifications. To this day, the monastery has preserved many unique frescoes of the X-XII centuries. The road to the monastery with beautiful landscapes, there is delicious water along the way, although getting there on your own is not very easy.

Green monastery. Akhaltsikhe. The green monastery is located between Borjomi and Akhaltsikhe. And it is a unique architectural attraction. The monastery complex includes a small church in honor of St. George of the 14th century and a two-story chapel decorated with a relief image of St. George, who defeated the whale. Currently, it is an active monastery, attracting the attention of many tourists.