Tbilisi to Ananuri Fortress

Ananuri Fortress was established in the 1600s and was an important stop between Kazbegi and Tbilisi. Today Ananuri overlooks Zhinvali Reservoir which was dammed in 1986. The fortress is a popular stop for travellers on route betweenTbilisi and Kazbegi.

Ananuri Fortress (Georgian: ანანური) is located on the Georgian Military Highway, beside the Aragvi River, 60 kilometres from Tbilisi. The fortress was constucted during the 1600s and incorporates wall turrets, two churches, and a tower with a stepped pyramidal roof. The church, built in 1689, has richly decorated facades with carvings featuring people, animal and floral images. In 1739, Ananuri was attacked by forces from a rival duchy and was set on fire. The fortress remained in use until the beginning of the 19th century. Since 2007, Ananuri Fortress has been on the tentative list for inclusion as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

How to get to Ananuri Fortress

Ananuri is a located on the Georgian Military Highway, 60 kilometres north of Tbilisi, and 88 kilometres from Stepantsminda. It’s a popular stop for marshrutka (minibuses) taking this route, which all drivers stopping here on request for no additional cost. Its uncommon for people to travel from Tbilisi to Ananuri without continuing north to Kazbegi. If you have a group of people it would be easy to hire a private taxi for a reasonable price. Elsewise, it would be possible, to take one ride there and find a new ride for the return trip.

Borjomi

Borjomi is a historical resort town located in the picturesque Borjomi Gorge, on the edge of the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, 160km east of Tbilisi. The town is famous for its mineral water, a Romanov summer palace, and the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park.

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Kazbegi to Gergeti Trinity Church

The spectacular 14th century Gergeti Trinity Church watches over Stepantsminda from above and has commanding views of the mighty 5053 metre Mount Kazbegi and surrounds.

Gergeti Trinity Church is located on a hill overlooking Stepantsminda, at an elevation of 2170 meters and is perhaps the most visited sight in all of Kazbegi. The church was built in the 14th century. It has been recorded that in times of national danger, precious relics from Mtskheta were brought here for safekeeping. This is still an active church with a number of monks living and serving here, with multiple public services every day. In 2018 a sealed public road to the church was completed. A return trip from Stepantsminda by taxi costs GEL40.

Kazbegi in the spring.

Hiking Routes to Gergeti Trinity Church

There are four different hiking routes that lead to the church, all take approximately the same amount of time. From the northern end of the main bridge in Stepantsminda, turn left and follow the road to Gergeti. Three different routes begin in Gergeti: Two following the steep forested road leading to the chuch, going off track at the end of the switchbacks. The other track follows the river for a short distance before diverging into two routes. The route to the right climbs the hill in a direct manner, the route to the left continues to follow the river. Once the track starts gaining elevation and getting away from the river, the church will eventually become visible to the right. All four routes are scenic, though the two which begin from the river more so. 

View down on Gergeti Trinity Church from a nearby hill.

How to get to Gergeti Trinity Church

Distance: Gergeti Trinity Church is approximately 2.6 kilometres west of Stepantsminda.
Elevation Gain: Stepantsminda (1740m) to Gergeti Trinity Church (2170m) is a 400 metre climb.
Entrance: Entry to Gergeti Trinity Church is free, however you must be dressed modestly.
How long do I need? It takes 1h30m-2h to hike up from Stepantsminda, at least 30m-1h to check out the church and admire the scenery, and 1h-1h30m to descend. You’ll need at least 3-4 hours in total.

Mount Kazbegi.

Kazbegi

The township of Stepantsminda (formerly Kazbegi) is located in the Darial Gorge amongst the Caucasus Mountains, 157 kilometers north of Tbilisi, and 9km south of the Russian border.

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Recommended Books: Georgia

Georgia is a facinating country with a long history, torn between east and west, at the literal crossroads of Europe and Asia. As a part of the Russian Empire and later the USSR, Georgia kept its destinct character. After gaining independence at long last, Georgia is a special mix like no where else. There are four books I recommend to those who are visiting Georgia or those would like to learn more about Georgia.

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