Georgia region Kakheti
Kakheti, the heart of the wine region, has a rich history and is home to hundreds of historical and architectural monuments. Among these are the splendid Alaverdi Cathedral (11th Cent.), the Shuamta Monastery (7th Cent.), the Gremi Church (16th Cent.) and the medieval academy in Ikalto (13th Cent.), which was founded here to become a leading centre of enlightenment and scholarship in feudal Georgia. According to legend, Shota Rustaveli, the famous Georgian poet, studied here.
Its centre Telavi, spread out over the foothills and along the wooded slopes of the Gomborsky Range, became the capital of Kakheti after Gremi was devastated by the Persians.
To the north, situated in the eastern part of the Great Caucasus Range, Tusheti province with its forested and snow-capped mountains, charming historic villages and original architecture is among the top destinations for hikers and adventurers.
***Georgia region Sighnaghi
***Sighnaghi is a town in Georgia’s easternmost region of Kakheti and the administrative center of the Sighnaghi District. It is one of the country’s smallest towns with a population of 2,146 as of the 2002 census. ]Sighnaghi’s economy is dominated by production of wine and traditional carpets. The town and its environs are also known for their landscapes and historical monuments. Sighnaghi has recently undergone a fundamental reconstruction program and has become an important centre of Georgia’s tourist industry.
Sighnaghi is situated on the eastern foothills of the Gombori Range, a watershed between the Iori and Alazani valleys, in a productive agricultural and fruit-growing region. At the elevation of about 790 m above sea level, the town overlooks the Alazani Valley and faces the Greater Caucasus mountains.
Sighnaghi has a mild humid climate. There are four seasons, with winters being moderately cold while summers can be hot.
Sighnaghi and its environs are home to several historical and cultural monuments and has been specifically protected by the State since 1975. The town is walled with the remnants of the 18th-century fortifications. There are two Orthodox churches in the town itself - one dedicated to St. George and the other to St. Stephen. The venerated Bodbe Monastery is located 2 kilometers from Sighnaghi and is a place of pilgrimage due to its association with St. Nino, the 4th-century apostle of Georgia.
The local Ethnographic and Archaeological Museum dating from the 1950s was upgraded and developed into a modern-standard exhibition - the Sighnaghi Museum - in 2007.
***Georgia region Telavi
***From the 10th until the 12th century (AD), Telavi served as the capital of the Kingdom of Kakheti. During the so called Golden Era of the Georgian State (12-13th centuries), Telavi turned into one of the most important political and economic centers of the Georgian State. After the disintegration of the united Georgian Kingdom in the 15th century, the role of Telavi started to decline and the city eventually became an ordinary town of trade and crafts. Telavi re-gained its political importance in the 17th century and by 1762, it turned into the second capital (after Tbilisi) of the united Eastern Georgian Kingdom of Kartl-Kakheti. The reign of King Erekle II was a special epoch in the history of Telavi. During this period (1744-1798) it grew into a strategic and cultural centre. Erakle II established there theological seminary and founded a theatre. Erekle II’s reforms touched upon all the aspects of life in the country. They changed fundamentally the political, economical and cultural orientation of Kartli-Kakheti and, subsequently of the whole Georgia. His name became a symbol of freedom and national independence of the Georgian people. Erakle II is still called affectionately “Patara Kakhi” (Little Kakhetian), and his heroic deeds are described in the folk literature.
Telavi and its surroundings are rich in historical, architectural and natural monuments. Important heritage monuments preserved within the city limits include:
· “Dzveli Galavani” (old walls) - fortress of the first Kakhetian kings (9-10th centuries, AD);
· Church of the St. Mary (16th century, AD); Church of the Holy Trinity (6th century, AD);
· Fortress “Batonis Tsikhe” (fortress of master) built in 17th century, AD - this is the only well-preserved medieval royal palaces in Georgia;
· “Korchibashishvilebis Tsikhe” - castle of local noblemen Korchibashishvilis (16-18th centurty, AD);
· “Vakhvakhishvilebis Tsikhe” - castle of local noblemen Vakhvakhishvilis (18th centurty, AD).
Telavi is the only city in Georgia, where four fortification monuments from different historical periods remain relatively intact. Due to this reason, architects, scholars and art historians consider Telavi as the most “medieval” cities in the country. Another curious sight in Telavi is a 900-year-old sycamore (45 meters high, 12.4 meters around the trunk). Other notable landmarks around Telavi include the Alaverdi Cathedral (11th century AD) - the second highest cathedral in Georgia after the newly built Tbilisi Sameba Cathedral, the Ikalto Academy (8-12th centuries AD) - where the famous Georgian writer Shota Rustaveli studied), the Church of St. George (dedicated to the patron saint of Georgia; it is said that in Georgia there are 365 churches in the name of St. George), ruins of the city and castle of Gremi (the former capital of Kakheti from the 15-17th centuries AD), Shuamta - a complex made up of three churches of different periods - 6th, 7th and 8th centuries in a highland forest, Akhali Shuamta (“New Shuamta” in English) - the monastery close to Dzveli Shuamta (“Old Shuamta” in English), built in the 16th century, the stunning Tsinandali Gardens (the residential Palace of Noblemen Chavchavadzes family) and many others.
The landscape of Telavi is scenic. The city is wrapped in picturesque landscapes from all sides. Telavi faces the Tsiv-Gombori Range to the south and south-west and borders on the Alazani Valley to the north and east. The Greater Caucasus Mountain Range, which runs to the north of the Alazani Valley, can be seen from most of Telavi.
At present, the city of Telavi is connected with Tbilisi by two highways. The most widely traveled (and better-paved) highway runs through the rural areas of Kakheti and is longer (the overall length of the highway is approximately 156 km) than the route, which runs through the highlands of the Gombori Mountain Range. The shorter route (approximately 96 km) is quite scenic, but is less used due to the reconstruction works that are being carried out there.
Because of its beauty, historical monuments and most importantly, the hospitality and the reputation for kindness of its residents, the city is a popular tourist destination in Georgia
Georgian Tourist Board for more information, see internet site
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