Mtskheta-Mtianeti

Standing guard over the Zhinvali Reservoir, Ananuri is a textbook example of late feudal Georgian architecture. It served as the strategic stronghold for the Duchy of Aragvi, controlling the road from the north. King Erekle II named it one of the nation's seven strongest fortresses, and he himself took refuge here after the battle of Krtsanisi. This place saw brutal battles; it was devastated by Omar Khan of Dagestan in 1786 and later burnt by Russian troops during the 1812 Kakheti rebellion. Today, it offers a view over the reservoir and a peek into 17th-century warfare.

This is the image of Georgia you've likely seen on every cover. The silhouette of the Trinity Church against the massive, snowy bulk of Mount Kazbek is spiritual and awe-inspiring. Built in the 14th century at 2,170 meters, it was a hiding place for precious relics, including St. Nino's Cross, in times of danger.

Perched on the edge of a cliff, this massive concrete arc is a Soviet-era monument to the Treaty of Georgievsk. It is built in a brutalist style and offers a direct look down into the Devil's Valley.

Take a slow breath before you step in — this is one of Georgia’s most important sacred spaces. As you cross the threshold, think of Svetitskhoveli not as a single monument, but as a living story told in layers: a legend at the center, a ring of chapels and gates around it, and a protective wall holding everything together. We’ll begin where the heart of the story beats strongest, then circle outward — one small “stop” at a time — so you always know what to look for next.

Standing on a rocky mountaintop, Jvari Monastery offers a view of the convergence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. It is the place where St. Nino erected a wooden cross in the 4th century to symbolize the triumph of Christianity. The current church, built in the late 6th century, is a representative example of early Georgian architecture and has remained virtually unchanged.