Fellow travellers we have left Armenia behind and have crossed the border into Georgia.
Have to say I loved Georgia more than Armenia, for various reasons, from a more relaxed leader to a variation of interesting things to see. Hope you stay with me.
That is where we are heading, got your hiking boots on?
Me neither.
We are travelling in style, well in a Georgian bus which is pretty ok really.
The monastery was built between 590 and 610 of the common era. standing on a sheer cliff face at the confluence of the Kura and and Aragvi rivers.
There are some spectacular views to be has looking down on the town and plain of Mtskheta.
Off to the horizon where the snow capped peak of Mt. Kazbegi, can be seen, standing majestically at over 15,000 ft it straddles the border of Georgia and Russia.
Thankfully since we dumped the Armenian guide at the border and are now led by a really cool young girl, (well young to me anyways), who, when we met her, told us that she would not fill our heads with loads of useless interesting information; stuff we don't need to know, just stuff that we need to know, and to ask questions if you want to know more about stuff.
A) I am in love with this attitude
B) I didn't ask any questions about stuff
4th century of the common era, to signify the "end" of paganism, a wooden cross was erected at the sanctuary. This church was built directly over the site of the cross, and get this, that big old chunk is the original base of the cross, some 1600 years old.
The Grapevine Cross, known also as the Georgian Cross, the symbol of the Georgian orthodox church.
Since the middle ages the church became increasingly important as a site of pilgrimage and was thus fortified, what is left of the fortifications are seen in picture six earlier.
During the Soviet period, the church was preserved as a national monument, but due to the proximity of a nearby military base, the church was virtually unused.
In 1994 it was awarded UNESCO status and is understood to be one of the most sacred places in Georgia, still used today for major religious occasions.
The story goes that if a visitor strikes the three bells with a stick.....
....nothing happens
yup got that right.
It certainly looks a stunning place!
I'm far from religious and pretty lacking in any form of faith, but I do enjoy a good old church, monastery or similar simply due to their age and history.
got that spot on @stav , visiting these places (and graveyards) is something an atheist like me can still appreciate, for the architecture and stuff, they are I reckon also good for people watching and catching emotions
Very nice view there.
cheers @mnurhiver
thank you very much friends. you are also enthusiastic.
👍
Wow! What a powerful post! The pictures are strong and deep. I loved to see the border between Georgia and Russia and of course the cultural and religious photos that you shared with us. Thanks a lot!
thanks @belug thanks for your wonderful comments. I did get to the border with Russia, well as close as possible and it will be uploaded sometime ( trying to keep everything in order).
Georgia indeed is a beautiful country, although I never been to Georgia but I just heard and saw in YouTube videos. I just dreams that one day I will visit all the countries.
cheers @tahastories1 thanks for popping in, you are young! you will through hard work achieve your dreams. I too had aspirations when I was a student I worked hard and have had a memorable life so far.
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Hiya, @choogirl here, just swinging by to let you know that this post made it into our Honourable Mentions in Daily Travel Digest #1954.
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cheers @choogirl @pinmapple for the hon. mention, much appreciated
Amazing to see how culture is preserved and captured in your photos! Have a good one cheers.
cheers @beerbod thanks for popping in and your input is appreciated. Nice one
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Wow! Amazing photos! May god be with you :)
cheers @benoitblanc thanks for stopping by and your kind words
Sepctacular views indeed. Alway nice to visit religious places while visiting other countries - irrespective of one's own beliefs. I see that you do that very well. Nice photo of the lady and the legendary bells.
cheers, they are always a good place to people watch and admire the skill of the architects and builders
Indeed
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