Georgia since ancient times is a deeply religious country. Despite the enormous reverence for Christianity, people in Georgia are very tolerant and with due respect refer for other religions, Tbilisi is the city, where you can find Georgian Orthodox, Roman Catholic churches, a synagogue, a mosque and a Zoroastrian temple all within a 5-minute walk of each other. In Georgia, there is a huge number of monasteries, churches, and holy places that tourists can visit.
After the ascension of Christ, the Holy Spirit instructed the apostles to spread the message of Christianity around the world. The apostle Andrew preached in Georgia and tradition holds that Simon the Zealot and Matthias were also active here. In 320 AD St Nino of Cappadocia caused the conversion of the country to Christianity. The thirteen Assyrian Fathers founded monasteries and hermitages in Georgia on the 6th.
– Exploring the old part of Tbilisi
– Explore the ancient capital of Georgia and the center of Christianity (the town-museum, included to the UNESCO world heritage site list)
– Visiting Kakheti region, where Syrian fathers built many monasteries (included David Gareji Cave complex (founded in the 6th century, later on, it grew and consisted of 19 monasteries. It was one of the major spiritual centers which used to house even good monks on special religious days. After seeing Lavra Monastery we walk up for about 50 minutes to Udabno Monastery to enjoy its wonderful, painted caves and dramatic views across to Azerbaijan)
– Visiting farmer’s house for lunch to enjoy the hospitality of the local people and sample some delicious home-made food
– Explore Vardzia cave Monastery complex (XII – XIII C.) 19 stepped rock town – the site of the era of golden
– Visiting Borjomi city and tasting Borjomi mineral water
Photo Credit: Irma Laghadze
