Georgia is one of the cheapest countries in Europe for recreation and sightseeing, and the number of tourists is increasing day by day. In addition to the Caucasus Mountains, which are considered among the highest points in Europe and are attractive to mountaineers, thanks to the presence of the Black Sea, you can enjoy beach excursions and water sports in cities such as Batumi. The history of Georgia is also extraordinary, and from Kutaisi, which is considered one of the oldest cities in the world, to Ushgoli, one of the highest historical settlements in Europe, and the city of Gori, which is the birthplace of Stalin, there are various places of interest in this beautiful country that are worth a visit. have
Ashgoli region, Svaneti
Ushguli consists of five small villages, located in the highlands of the Caucasus mountain region in Svaneti. Dozens of historical watchtowers can be seen at the entrance of this beautiful and historical area; Where it is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In fact, Ushgoli is famous among tourists for its medieval defense towers, which date back to the 9th to 12th centuries AD and were responsible for protecting the area against centuries of invasion from other countries. Interestingly, Ushgoli means "fearless heart" and perhaps the standing of its people in the face of enemies had an effect on this name.
Access to this area is only possible with an SUV on a dirt road from Mestia; In addition, this route can be covered on foot in four days, which is definitely worth it. You don't need a vehicle to visit Ushgoli and you can visit it on foot or rent a horse.
Oplistsikhe, Gori
"Uplistsikhe Cave City", which is only one hour away from Tbilisi, is one of the oldest inhabited areas in Georgia, which was registered in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2007. This city was once the capital of the ancient Kartli kingdom and later became a place where Christians and pagans lived side by side. Some parts of the city date back to the first and second millennium BC.
In the ancient city of Oplistsikhe, you can see very interesting streets, squares and reservoirs, and visit four gates and a secret tunnel. It is estimated that this city had more than 700 buildings at the time of construction; But today only about 270 buildings remain. According to a legend, this city was built by slaves who were given special golden axes with iron coating. These slaves had no choice but to work hard until the iron on the surface of the ax was removed and they could take its gold as a reward and seal of their freedom.
Toshti National Park, Akhmeta
On April 22, 2003, the Parliament of Georgia passed a law establishing eight new protected areas in eastern Georgia, of which Tusheti National Park was a part. This park is located at an altitude of 900 to 4,800 meters above sea level and is one of the largest and highest parks in Europe. This natural reserve is the habitat of many animal species such as wild goat, mountain goat, lynx, bear, hawk, golden eagle, etc. and is known as the habitat of the Anatolian leopard.
The beauty of Toshti mountains, pristine nature, traditional villages, local delicacies and architectural works of the past centuries that stand out in the spectacular nature of Toshti have joined hands to make this region one of the tourist attractions of Georgia. There are 11 tourist routes in the national park that you can use for walking, biking, horseback riding, bird watching, etc. Since Toshti National Park is located 280 km from Tbilisi, it is not difficult to reach it. The best time to visit it is spring, summer and autumn.
Wolf Trinity Church, Stepantsminda
Gergeti Trinity Church is one of the tourist attractions of Stepantsminda, which dates back to the 14th century. In the 18th century and simultaneously with Iran's attack on Tbilisi (in the Qajar period), this church became a place to store historical objects of Georgia. At the beginning of the 20th century, the former Soviet government closed the church until it was re-used as the Georgian Orthodox Church in the 1990s.
The Church of the Wolf of Trinity is located on top of Stepansminda and it may seem impossible to climb it; But you can visit this attraction with just an hour's walk on a winding and forested road or by renting a car.
Holy Trinity Cathedral, Tbilisi
"Holy Trinity Cathedral" was built between 1995 and 2004 and is considered one of the tallest cathedrals in the world in the Eastern Orthodox Church. In this church, you can see the traditional styles governing the architecture of Georgian churches in different stages of history and a corner of Byzantine architecture. Paintings, marble floors and mosaic decorations have also given it a double charm. The church consists of various parts such as the main cathedral, a bell tower, the bishop's residence, the monastery, the religious school and the theological faculty.
Narikala Castle, Tbilisi
"Narikala Fortress", also known as "Tbilisi's mother fortress", is one of the oldest fortresses in Georgia and the main symbol of the city of Tbilisi. This castle was built around the 4th century AD and had a great impact on the defense of the city thanks to its strong walls and watchtowers. The castle was later expanded by the Arabs in the 7th century and King David in the 11th century. Narikala was rebuilt in the 17th century; But it was severely damaged during the attack of Agha Muhammad Khan in 1795 and again in the earthquake of 1827.
The name Narikala is probably derived from the Persian word Narin Qala meaning "small castle"; A term first used by the Mongols during their invasion of the region in the 13th century.
Access to the castle is possible by cable car; You can also reach this famous attraction with a short drive or walk through some of Tbilisi's oldest neighborhoods. Narikla fort is not only worth visiting historically, but also has a very beautiful view during the night.
Gino Paradise Tbilisi Water Park
"Gino Paradise Tbilisi Water Park" is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, which includes 9 swimming pools, exciting water attractions, spa salons, private garden, gym, hotel and swimming academy. The most popular parts of the water park include the sled slide, the beach part, the children's part, the dino park with all kinds of dinosaur statues and various pools.
There is a small lake in the water park where you can catch salmon and have it grilled right away. In addition, 12 restaurants are working in this place, which provide you with the opportunity to eat delicious food.
National Museum of Georgia, Tbilisi
"Georgian National Museum" is one of the most important sightseeing places in Tbilisi, which, like a scientific-educational institution, has preserved and exhibits a unique collection of the history of this country and the world. The most valuable work of this museum is 40 million years old. Another of the most amazing works in the National Museum of Georgia is the remains of prehistoric man belonging to 1.8 million years ago, which is considered one of the oldest signs of human existence outside of Africa.
A large number of historical objects from the second half of the 3rd millennium BC to the 19th century AD are kept in the museum, among which there are gold and silver works and jewelry from different regions of Georgia in the era before Christ. Also, when visiting the National Museum, you can see works of magnificent medieval Christian art, masterpieces of decorative art from the East, Western Europe and Russia, and modern and contemporary works of art.
The historical context of Tbilisi
"Tbilisi historical fabric" (Old Town Tbilisi) is located at the bottom of a hill; Where the Narikala fort stands out above it. In this area, you can walk through narrow streets with old brick houses with wooden balconies.
Parts of this area have been completely reconstructed; so that some of its streets look like Disney movie sets; Although many of its winding alleyways remain intact. The architectural style of this part of Tbilisi shows an Asian or Arabic city, which has gained a double attraction with European architecture, Russian classics and modern art. On the northern side of Abanotubani district, there are sulfur baths, Tbilisi Grand Mosque, Tbilisi historical square and many restaurants that have made it famous. In the northeastern corner of the historical city, there is also a small area with numerous restaurants and cafes that tourists do not neglect.
Batumi Botanical Garden
"Batumi Botanical Gardens" is located at a distance of 9 km from the center of Batumi city. This garden, which has an area of about 108 hectares, extends from zero to 220 meters above sea level. The said garden acts as an important center for expanding agricultural and biological knowledge and cooperates with botanical gardens of more than 140 countries, universities and scientific-research institutions.
The botanical garden includes 100-year-old parks, a unique collection of subtropical plants, palms, roses, camellias, bamboos, magnolias, etc. While visiting this place, you will enjoy watching 125-year-old magnolias, evergreen sequoias, fragrant amanthus, flowering plants, Japanese gardens, panoramic views, etc. Among the services of this garden, we can mention the provision of guides, camping, picnics, wedding services and buying decorative plants.
Delfarium Batumi
"Batumi Dolphinarium" was opened in 1975 and was considered one of the largest dolphinariums in the world. Today's dolphinarium has a modern design building that uses the latest facilities to artificially protect these marine mammals and perform amazing shows. Dolphinarium amphitheater has a capacity for 887 spectators and the infrastructure of this place includes services such as ramps and elevators for disabled people.
In the shows of this dolphinarium, which are held in Georgian and English, eight dolphins perform up to 30 activities, including various dances, playing with rings and balls, balancing on their tails, etc.
Batumi Boulevard
"Batumi Boulevard" is one of the main and most visited attractions of Batumi, which is located along the sea as a recreational and historical area. The area of the boulevard was significantly increased in 2009 and was designed by Spanish architecture with modern standards.
Batumi Boulevard includes a seven-kilometer beach promenade, four historical crossings, a bicycle path and more than 40,000 trees. In addition to the dancing fountains, which consist of a 3D laser show with music, you can visit the Batumi lighthouse located in Miracle Park, as well as the 130-meter Alfaba tower. One of the fascinating parts of Batumi Boulevard is the steel sculptures "Ali and Nino" that slowly move towards each other and become one piece for a moment and then separate. Each movement period of these statues takes 10 minutes and attracts many tourists.
Kutaisi central market
"Kutaisi Central Market" is one of the largest shopping centers in Kutaisi city for buying agricultural products. Fresh vegetables, fruits, natural dairy products, meat, spices, etc. can be found in this place. You can also buy chorchela (traditional Georgian sweets) and other local products in this market. The market is located in the central part of Kutaisi and is easy to access.
Borjomi Central Park
Borjomi Central Park, which was renovated and reopened in 2005, is located in a narrow forested valley, and the Ekaterina spring, the main source of the city's mineral water, is located near its entrance.
Borjomi Park is divided into 6 areas, in each of which suitable tourist routes pass through virgin forests; Forests that delight every visitor with their ecosystem diversity. Also, this park has entertainment facilities for children, swimming pool and cinema. There is also a cable car in this place, which offers beautiful views in front of you. Among the attractions of the park, we can mention the statue of Prometheus, which stands out at the bottom of a small waterfall. Interestingly, there are several small swimming pools with a constant temperature of about 27 degrees Celsius in Borjomi Park, which will encourage every tourist to take a dip and swim.
Hardly
Mtskheta is the former capital of Georgia and one of the oldest cities in this country. This UNESCO World Heritage city is relatively small and a great option for a day trip from Tbilisi.
Motsakhta is a praiseworthy city because of the presence of places belonging to Christianity. This city is famous as one of the religious centers of the Georgian Orthodox Church. Sutitskholi Cathedral and Jovari Monastery are the most important places to see in this city. The first church is an example of medieval Georgian religious architecture decorated with watercolor paintings. Jvari Monastery, located on a hill overlooking Metzkheta, is where Saint Nino is said to have placed a wooden cross in the 4th century. Saint Nino was the one who brought Christianity to Georgia.
Tsalka waterfalls
Dashbashi valleys in the city of Tsalka are considered the most beautiful natural attractions in Georgia. The emerald green waterfall, which flows here all year round, has a special beauty, no matter what time of the year you visit it. Spring and summer are cool here; But the surroundings are beautiful and the green waters add to its beauty.
Robot castle
Rabati Fortress in the small town of Akhaltsikhe is a medieval castle complex built in the 9th century. This city used to be called Lumisa; But in the 12th century, its name was changed. The robot castle, which welcomes visitors all year round, is considered a unique work; Because at the same time it includes places of worship for Catholics, Muslims, Jews and Orthodox, which are placed in one place with a special harmony.
Vardzia
"Vardzia" is one of the stone cities of Georgia whose texture is well preserved. This city, which was founded in the second half of the 12th century, has a series of caves that are located along a 500-meter cliff. In addition to exploring the caves, you can see the Church of Domination, which hosts a collection of beautiful wall paintings.
Memorial of the history of Georgia
This building is usually known as "Stonehenge of Georgia". "Georgian Tarij Monument" is a column with a height of 30 meters, which is located in one of the districts of the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi, and faces the Tbilisi Sea. This structure depicts Georgian kings, queens, heroes and scenes from the Bible. If you go to this city, visit this building to see its illustrated history. The monument to the history of Georgia was created by the Georgian sculptor Zurab Tsereteli. The construction of this structure began in 1985; But it was not completely built and remained somewhat incomplete.
Stalin's underground printing house
Another precious hidden gem of Tbilisi is "Stalin's Underground Printing House". When Stalin was young, he and his colleagues built a printing house in a room with an area of 17 square meters underground so that no one could find them. Socialists in this place from 1903 to 1906 spread Soviet propaganda all over Europe. During this period, about three thousand sheets were printed.
National Assembly Library
There is a book museum in the National Parliament Library, where you can see some of the rarest books in this country. This museum is divided into 4 sections: rare books, The Knight in the Panther's Skin (a poem about a medieval Georgian epic written in the 12th century), a room dedicated to a Georgian writer and political figure, Ilia Chavchavadze is dedicated and Brosse warehouse. This museum is open to the interested from Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Mallory Cave
5 of the 10 deepest caves in the world are located in Georgia, in the Abkhazia region, where the Soviet government conducted speleological research. However, a few years ago, another cave in this area was discovered in Imereti. Melouri Cave is at least 15 km deep and has two natural channels with beautiful waterfalls.
Batti Lake
Bateti Lake is surrounded by coniferous forests and is definitely worth a visit. Many places of interest in Georgia are very crowded; But here there is no crowd of tourists and you can enjoy the peace and quiet of the environment. This lake is located in the conservation area of Kareli city and its area is only 0.02 square meters. However, Batti lake has a depth of 12 meters. The best time to visit this lake is spring and autumn, when nature displays its beautiful and eye-catching colors.
Anatori cellar
The Anatori Vaults are slate structures in Khevsureti, near the Chechen border. The area is associated with mysterious legends and has some grisly souvenirs: these crypts are filled with the bones of villagers who died long ago. According to one of the stories, when the plague breaks out in the village, it spreads rapidly and causes many people to fall ill, and at that time there was no equipment to treat them all. So those who got sick, decided to die in isolation and in cellars so that their disease would not spread to other family members.
