Here are 10 of the most beautiful and interesting historical places in Georgia to visit!
The country of Georgia stands at an intersection between Asia and Europe. While it may still be a bit of a less-known European country, it is by no means lacking in terms of its beauty and natural attractions.
In addition to bridging two continents, the country is also famous for its mountain ranges and stunning Black Sea beaches. The country holds various historical treasures that attract a number of tourists from all across the world.
This article has listed some of the well-known historical places in Georgia that you can visit while touring this far end of the European continent.
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1. Historical District of Tbilisi
Marked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historical district of Tbilisi is rich in historical landmarks to offer an intriguing tour to visitors.
Serving as the capital of Georgia for fifteen centuries, the city encapsulates remnants from the Byzantine Empire to the Ottomans to the Soviet era.
You can find Byzantine basilicas, monuments from Medieval times, Moorish architecture, Ottoman baths, Stalinesque parliaments, and much more.
Visiting Tbilisi, you will come across numerous historical sites that will familiarize you with the extensive history of this small country.
Read: The Top 14 Things to do in Tbilisi – The Complete Tbilisi City Guide
2. Narikala Fortress
Overlooking the capital of Georgia, Narikala Fortress is also known as the ‘Mother Fortress of Tbilisi’.
Built around the 4th century, the fortress served as a critical barricade to improve the city’s defense. Arabs later expanded it during the 7th century and King David around the 11th century.
When visiting Georgia, make sure to visit this gem that is not only historically rich but also offers a stunning view of the city lights at night.
Reading Tip: The 15 amazing and unique places to visit in Georgia
3. Mtatsminda Pantheon
Another historical landmark located in the city of Tbilisi is Mtatsminda Pantheon. The Mtatsminda Pantheon is one of the famous necropolises built around the twentieth century.
The Pantheon is the burial place of the heroes of Georgia, including some of their prominent scholars, national heroes, writers, artists, and more.
Reading Tip: Discover the Chronicle of Georgia, Tbilisi’s hidden gem
4. Gergeti Trinity Church
Gergeti Trinity Church is located in the stunning village of Gergeti, Georgia. The church stands solitary at Mount Kazbek’s peak, surrounded by steep mountain ranges on all sides.
Georgian people have interesting legends and folklore attached to Gergeti Trinity Church.
The folklore is similar to Greek’s Prometheus, it is believed that a hero named Amirani was imprisoned here by gods for stealing fire from them and handing it over to mortals.
Despite its simple structure and isolated presence, the church is a famous visiting spot by mountaineers and tourists who find themselves compelled to this place thanks to the tales and legends. Does it call you?
Reading Tip: 3 great travel itineraries to visit Georgia
5. Gremi Church of Archangels and Royal Tower
Built around 1565, Gremi Church is located in Gremi city, famous for its well-preserved architectural structures from the late medieval period. The complex consists of the Church of Archangels Michael and Gabriel and a three-storied bell tower.
The building once included a citadel that overlooked the city, but it was destroyed by a local king at some point around the seventeenth century.
Gremi Church reflects medieval Orthodox Christianity’s favored cruciform architectural style. The domed church and a bell tower include traces of Iranian architectural influences as well.
The church is functional to date, with a small museum adjacent to the building where you can familiarize yourself with the intriguing history of the church.
6. Gelati Monastery
Located in Western Georgia, the Gelati Monastery is a monastic complex believed to be one of the first monasteries built by King David IV in Georgia.
Built in the twelfth century, the whole building is designed with “Golden Ratio” mathematics, making for a visually satisfying aesthetic accented by triptychs and mosaics inside the church.
The Byzantine influences in the architecture and interior of the church reflect a golden age of Georgian architecture, predominated by the Christian faith.
While visiting Georgia, make sure to visit this scientific and educational hub from Medieval times.
7. Davit Gareja Lavra
One of the oldest surviving historic structures in Georgia, Davit Gareja Lavra is a cave monastery located in the Kakheti region, near Tbilisi.
The complex extends over 25 kilometers (15 miles), with 22 small monasteries knitted together in a network. In the sixth century, the monastery complex was founded by an Assyrian monk who came to Tbilisi to preach Christianity.
The monastery later became a border guard and training grounds for the military and was also known as the cultural center of the Georgian Kingdom in the twelfth century.
Today, the monastery attracts thousands of visitors every year for various reasons. Some visit the monastery to pay pilgrimage to the remains of Davit, the Assyrian monk, while others are attracted to the place’s historical significance and natural beauty.
8. Vardzia Cave Monastery
Without a doubt, the Vardzia cave monastery is one of the most intriguing historical sites that you will visit in Georgia.
The cave monastery and underground fortress seem surreal to the eyes as if the structure was built by a bunch of dwarfs.
The monastery was built for the Georgian queen to escape the ongoing slaughter by the Mongols during the twelfth century. Vardzia served as a sanctuary for the queen with its 13 underground levels, containing over six thousand apartments along with a throne room and a bell tower.
The monastery survived a massive earthquake a century after its construction. Today, the monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts thousands of tourists every year.
Read: The Complete Guide to Vardzia, Georgia’s ancient cave city and monastery
9. Alaverdi Cathedral
You certainly do not want to miss out on visiting one of the tallest cathedrals in Georgia.
Located in the east of Georgia in the Kakheti region, Alaverdi Cathedral dates back to the 6th century, built by Kvirike III of Kakheti. The cathedral was later expanded during the 11th century and became a part of the Georgian Orthodox monastery.
The cathedral is dominated by vast landscapes in its backdrop, with its interior embellished with Medieval and Catholic décor, attracting many tourists yearly to marvel over this beauty.
10. Shatili
Located at the border between Georgia and Chechnya, Shatili is a small historic village built around the 12th and 13th centuries.
The houses in the village are built from slate stones collected from the surrounding areas and stacked on each other. All the houses and towers in Shatili village are connected via doorways, building an interconnected network.
The structural significance of the interconnected homes also lies in the fact that Shatili is located in Arghuni valley, which is the gateway to Georgia.
The connected houses served as a fortress to fight back invasions. Today, the village is still occupied by a few families who earn their income via agriculture and tourism.
Reading Tip: Travel Guide to Svaneti, the wild heart of Georgia
At Shatili village, we conclude our list of some of Georgia’s best historical places to visit. Make sure to check these places out during your stay in Georgia.
Let us know in the comment section your favorite travel spot in Georgia or any additional suggestions that you would like to make.
More Georgia Travel resources
- Guide to Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital city
- Visit the 15 most beautiful and unique places in Georgia
- Plan your trip with these 3 awesome Georgia travel itineraries
- Discover the Chronicle of Georgia, Tbilisi’s hidden gem
- Guide to Batumi, Georgia’s most quirky beach city
- Hiking in Georgia: 7 beautiful off-the-beaten path hikes
- Visiting ghosts of the past in Chiatura, the cable car city of Georgia
- Visit Katskhi Pillar, the most incredible cliff church in the world
- Travel Guide to Vardzia, the ancient cave city of Georgia
- Visit Svaneti, the wild heart of Georgia
- Visit Tusheti, Georgia’s most remote region
- Visit these 10 beautiful historical places in Georgia
- Everything you need to know about skiing in Georgia
- 10 Georgian dishes you absolutely have to try
- Georgia, motherland of wine
- From Past to Present, a guide to Georgian Tea
About the author:
Zunaira is an architect and designer on paper, but a writer at heart. She’s got a Bachelor in Architecture and a passion for traveling, both of which combine in her writings about timeworn castles and fortresses that have withstood the tests of time and stand proud to this day.
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