Kakheti: sights, nature, museums

Hectares of vineyards, from which the best wine is made in Georgia, ancient monasteries, temples, cozy cities are all Kakheti. Attractions of this region are not only well-preserved ancient buildings, but also delicious cuisine and a hearty Kakhetian reception. What interesting things can you see here? What attractions should include an excursion to Kakheti?

Kakheti

Now Kakheti is the province of Georgia, the main administrative center of which is the city of Telavi. The name of the region comes from the sub-ethnic group that lived on these lands - kahi. The region lies east of Tbilisi and covers, in addition to Kakheti, two more historical regions.

Until recently, this region was not too popular. Absence of the sea and passing main roads, as well as recent natural disasters, played a role in the tourist development of the region. But recently the infrastructure is actively developing here. And the long closeness and detachment of the region made it even more attractive. After all, the old Georgian traditions were preserved, and many local residents do not even know Russian.

Kakheti: attractions

The remains of ancient buildings tell of the rather long history of Kakheti. Not far from the Nekresi monastery, the ruins of the Zoroastrian temple, built, most likely, by the Persians who lived on these lands still exist.

Until the eleventh century, Kakheti was independent, and the city of Tianeti was its capital. The ruins of the capital's palace are located near the city. Later the region then joined the Georgian kingdom, then split it off, became part of the Russian Empire in the 18th century. And now it's the wine region of Georgia.

They go here for the sake of good wine, beautiful mountains of Tushetia, observation of animals in the Shirak steppe. Visit the Pankisi Gorge, the monastery of David-Gareji, as well as national parks with picturesque nature.

Alazani Valley

The Georgians call it the Kakheti plain. This is a famous winemaking region, located at the foot of the Greater Caucasus, on the south side. Partially this region belongs to Azerbaijan.

Kakheti (Georgia) is full of various wineries, where excursions and tastings of the best Georgian wines are often held . The factories of Hareba, Kindzmarauli, Graneli, Tsinandali and many others share the secrets of making wine.

It is interesting that the wine is not made in barrels, but in special jugs, with human growth. They are called kvevri. Pitchers pour grape juice and dig them in the ground so that the juice can wander under natural conditions.

Cathedral of Alaverdi

Alazani Valley is known not only for wines, but also for architectural monuments. A popular place is the monastery. It is located just 20 kilometers from the main city of Kakheti. On the territory of the monastery there is a cathedral of the XI century.

Because of the restrained design, the church looks monumental. Its height is 50 meters, and inside it is preserved frescoes of the XV century. The Cathedral of Alaverdi is a perfectly preserved monument of Georgian architecture, which is under the protection of UNESCO.

Grammy Castle

The castle is more like a temple complex. Previously, in its place was a developed and prosperous city. At present, only the fortress and the church of the Archangels, which were built in the 16th century, remained.

Existing for a long time, the city of Gremi was the capital of the Kakhetian kingdom. Mostly the Armenian population lived here. The city conducted a successful trade, as it was on the Great Silk Road, but the 16th century was destroyed. Then the capital was transferred to Telavi.

The Church of the Archangels was built during the reign of King Levan. It is made by traditional Georgian masonry with a combination of Iranian style. Inside lead three inputs: west, north and south. Frescoes and icons of the 16th century are well preserved in the church. Here is the grave of Levan Kakheti.

Near the church there is a bell tower, it contains the cannon of the 16th century found by archaeologists and portraits of Kakheti kings. On the territory of the complex, fortified walls with embrasures, as well as a secret passage that leads directly to the river, were preserved.

Signaghi

Little Sighnaghi is another place that Kakheti can surprise. Sights of the town are the fortress walls with 28 towers, surrounding the old part of the city. This and the ancient medieval streets.

Sighnagi is located on mountain slopes, so the terrain inside the city is hilly. The confused medieval streets that rise up, then swiftly descend.

In the center of the Old City there is a statue of the Georgian philosopher Solomon Dodashvili. Nearby, there is the temple of St. Stephen. In the other direction, in Gorgosali Street, there is a brick church of St. George with a bell tower, which was built over the fortress tower. On the same street, near the gate, you can climb the fortress wall.

In the village of Mirzanni, near Sighnaghi, there is the house-museum of Niko Pirosmani. Here you can see the artist's paintings and look at the house where he once lived.

Gurjaani

The city of Gurjaani is on the right bank of the Alazani River. This is the third largest city in Kakheti, with about 10,000 inhabitants. Previously, there was a resort of All-Union significance in the city. The mud resort of Akhtala is also active here.

In Gurjaani there is a church of All Saints, which was built in the eighth century and consecrated in honor of the Assumption of the Virgin. The temple is considered an important architectural monument of the transition period in the development of the culture of Georgia. Two symmetrical domes are an interesting detail.

Near the city there are several museums. For example, the house museum of Nato Vachnadze, the Museum of Military Glory named after Shalikashvili. Also there are museum houses of Joseph Noneshvili and Ivan Beritashvili.

Very close to the city there are wineries Gurjaani and Gruzvinprom. In the territory of the latter there is an old storage, where you can see huge Kvevri, intended for wine making.

Sagarejo

Sagarejo (Georgia) - this municipality is mostly famous for its historical monuments. Here is the David-Gareji monastery complex, located in caves along the Gareja ridge.

The monasteries were founded by the Assyrians and they date back to the VI century. Azerbaijan and Georgia divide them among themselves. In total, there are 9 monastic complexes in these places, so there will not be enough time for viewing.

The Gombori Range is home to the fortress of Ujarma. This place was formerly the ancient city, which, during the reign of King Vakhtang, was the capital, and after it was finally abandoned. The fortress was not preserved well, but it is at an altitude of almost 1000 meters and from its ruins are magnificent views.

10 kilometers from the city of Sagarejo is the fortress of Manavi. This is the first fortress that meets on the way from Tbilisi, if you go in an easterly direction. There is a fortress on a hill, at an altitude of 780 meters above sea level. Here you can see two towers that have not been fully preserved, three churches.

National parks

In the eastern part of Georgia is Lagodekhi National Park. The territory of the park is closely adjacent to the borders of Russia and Azerbaijan. This is one of several parks that Kakheti boasts of. The sights of the park are represented by alpine zones, subtropical vegetation, waterfalls and lakes. There is even a small fortress here.

There are three routes in the park. Two of them lead to waterfalls and take only a few hours. The third route takes up to three days. He leads through the mountain range to the lake and the fortress of Mizimi. In the park an interesting animal world. On the way to the fortress you can meet wild boars and bears.

In the area of Dedoplistskaro there is another national park of Vashlovani. This is one of the most beautiful and interesting Georgian parks. It consists mainly of valleys and rock massifs, and its climate is rather arid. About 40 endemic species of plants grow here and many animals live.

In the park you can stay at night. There is a special tourist camping, which consists of 8 double cabins. There are also separate picnic areas on site.