Sighnagi

 

Sighnagi, is a city in east Georgia. Its name originates from Turkish and means “shelter” in Georgian. The city is located on an elevated area that was suitable for defensive purposes. The gates in the fence were arranged for the rapid evacuation of people living in the surrounding villages. The town overlooks the Alazani Valley and faces the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Sighnaghi has recently undergone a reconstruction program and many museums and hotels have been opened for tourists.

 

Sightseeing:

 

Bodbe

The monastery of St. Nino of VIII-IX centuries is the final resting place of Saint Nino, Enlightener of Georgians. The tomb was so respected throughout the world that the Mongols spared only the Bodbe Monastery. However, they didn’t leave it undamaged. Near the monastery two springs flow, one of which is called a St.Nino’s spring, which according to a local legend, emerged through Nino’s prayers and is believed to have a healing power.

 

David-Gareji

One of the prominent religious-cultural centers of feudal Georgia, this monastic cave complex, is located in the district of Sagarejo, 60 km. from Tbilisi. The complex was founded by David-one of the Assyrian fathers in the rocky mountains of Gareji in the first half of the VI century. 

 

Telavi

The biggest city in the Kakheti region. The first settlement on the territory dates back to the Bronze Age, it was developed in Hellenistic period, and in the late ancient period, the town was established on the basis of the settlement.  One of the earliest surviving accounts of Telavi is from the 2nd century AD, by Greek geographer Claudius Ptolemaeus (II century), in his ‘’Geography’’.

 

Tsinandali

A village in the Telavi municipality. Its name is closely connected with the Georgian noble - Chavchavadze. The founder of Georgian Romanticism, a poet and a public figure Alexander Chavchavadze lived and worked in Tsinandali. He refurbished the estate, constructed a new palace and built a decorative garden. It was a cultural hub where Chavchavadze frequently invited Georgian and Russian poets and well known intellectuals of the time. Chavchavadze built Georgia’s oldest and largest winery (marani) where he combined European and centuries-long Georgian winemaking traditions.

 

Alaverdi

The cathedral is located in the Alazani Valley, 20 kilometers from the town of Telavi. The monastery was founded by the Assyrian monk Joseph Alaverdeli. At the beginning of the XI century, Kvirike III of Kakheti built a cathedral that is today known as Alaverdi Cathedral, in the place of a small church of St. George. Alaverdi Cathedral is over 50 meters tall and is the second tallest religious building in Georgia. Since 24th of October 2007, Alaverdi has been on the tentative list for inclusion into the UNESCO World Heritage Site program. 

 

Gremi

The regional pride of Kakheti and is a Georgian orthodox church in the Kvareli district. This Georgian Orthodox Church is located in the east part of the village Gremi.  The Gremi church and royal residence was built in 1565 by King Levan of Kakheti and was used as his residence. The complex includes the royal palaces, Fountain Building, octahedral tower, baths built with bricks, etc.

 

Ikalto Monastery Complex

The Ikalto monastery was founded by Saint Zenon, one of the 13 Assyrian fathers in the late VI century. According to historical sources an academy was founded at the monastery by Arsen Ikaltoeli in the early XII century. Ikalto was a powerful hub of Georgian education and culture.

 

Nekresi

A historical town in Kakheti. It was established by King Pharnajom (II-I centuries BC). In the IV century AD King Thradat built a church here. This church became a refuge to one of the Assyrian fathers Abibus, in the late VI century. Around this time Nekresi Episcopality was established. The monastery complex consists of several monuments, of which a small basilica of the IV century is one of the oldest in Georgia.

 

Lopota Lake