GURJAANI
KVELATSMINDA TWO DOMED CHURCH
105 Km from Tbilisi
8 th C
Gurjaanis Kvelatsminda - The Church of the Dormition of the Virgin is situated in a forest, two kilometers from the town of Gurjaani. This church is a unique example of twin-domed architecture in Georgia.
The complex was destroyed by invaders, and rebuilt and repaired several times by local nobles and Georgian kings. It offers a graphic example of the new type of large cathedral with several chapels.

DAVID-GAREJI ROCK CUT MONASTERY COMPLEX
80 Km from Tbilisi
6 th C
David-Gareja is a rock-cut monastery complex in a desert area at the border with Azerbaijan. The very first monastery was founded by St. David, one of the Thirteen Syrian Fathers who came to Georgia for strengthening Christian faith.
The complex consists of thirteen monasteries. Of particular interest are the complexes of Lavra and Udabno. Being the center of religious and cultural life in the past, today these sites surprise us with their architectural design and unique murals of the 10th -11th cc. According to the belief, visiting David-Gareja three times can be equaled to a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

165 Km from Tbilisi
6 th - 12 th CC
Nekresi monastery complex in Kvareli region with a beautiful view of the Alazani valley was founded by St. Abibo Nekreseli, one of the Thirteen Syrian monks who came to Georgia in the 6th century to strengthen Christian faith. But already in the 4th century one of the first Christian churches was built here.
The oldest church is a tiny basilica with the open arches in the facade to conduct service from outside. The main church of Assumption of the Virgin was built in 6-7th cc. The naves of this three nave basilica are divided by walls and form a three-church basilica, unique to Georgia.

GREMI FORTRESS & CHURCH
175 Km from Tbilisi
16 th - 17 th CC
Gremi - architectural complex of 16th-17th cc was built by King Levan and Queen Ketevan on a rocky hill. In the 16th c Gremi was the capital of Kakheti Kingdom, but all that remains of the former town are some ruins of a market, baths, caravanserai and a palace. The present complex used to be a citadel and consists of a tower, king's chambers, defensive walls and a central-dome Archangel's church built of square bricks. The interior of the church is decorated by frescoes of 17th century.

ALAVERDI CROSS-DOMED CHURCH
155 Km from Tbilisi
11 th C
Alaverdi - cathedral is a symbol of blossoming of the Georgian culture. Built in 11th c - in a period of great cultural and political development of the country, it was one of the biggest Georgian structures and the tallest church of its time. The exterior is decorated with five elegant arches, the facade carries excellent stone decorations.
These often represent vine and sun symbols. The mural painting was badly damaged during the centuries, but some frescoes are partially restored. Cathedral is surrounded by impressive defensive

DZVELI SHUAMTA BASILICA
176 km from Tbilisi
6th C
Dzveli Shuamta (Old Shuamta). The term "Shuamta" means "a place between mountains". The Shuamta complex consists of two sites: The Old and the New Shuamta. In the Old Shuamta complex boasts three churches, several chapels and ruins of human dwellings.
It is an excellent example of Georgian early Christian architecture. The main church is a three-nave basilica built in 6th century. There are also two tetra-conch cupola churches built in 7th century. In one of them the remains of mural paintings can still be seen. The site was abandoned in the 14th

AKHALI SHUAMTA NUNNERY COMPLEX
175 km from Tbilisi
14th C
Akhali Shuamta (New Shuamta) nunnery complex is situated two kilometers from Dzveli Shuamta in a picturesque area along the Gombori Pass. The nunnery was built by Kakhetian King Levan II and Queen Tinatin in the 16 century. The complex includes a cruciform church with high cupola and a bell tower.
The church is decorated with 16th century fine frescoes depicting the scenes of Christ's life as well as of the Royal Family: King Levan II, Queen Tinatin and their son Georgi.

IKALTO CROSS-DOMED CHURCH
152 Km from Tbilisi
6 th - 12 th CC
Ikalto Academy - is a religious and educational center which was founded by King David the Builder in 11-12th centuries. The first church of the complex was founded in 6th century by Zenon, one of the Thirteen Syrian fathers who came to Georgia to strengthen Christian faith.
The complex consists of the Sameba church - 6th c; one nave basilica - 9th c, the main church dedicated to "peritsvaleba" - transfiguration built in 8-9th c and reconstructed in 19th c, and a medieval academy. According to a legend the famous Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli studied there.

135 km from Tbilisi

18 th - 19 th CC
Near Telavi is located the museum of the prominent Georgian poet and public figure, Alexander Chavchavadze (1786-1846). His father, Garsevan Chavchavadze, was the ambassador of King Erekle II to Russia. Alexander Chavchavadze laid out Tsinandali garden extending to 12. He introduced European technology of wine-making in Georgia. In the wine repository of Tsinandali personal collection of wines belonging to Alexander Chavchavadze is preserved, which includes 16 500 bottles of 70 brands of wine.

ROYAL PALACE - MUSEUM
170 km from tbilisi
18th C
Batonis Tsikhe is located in downtown of Telavi. Its territory has: fortress wall erected in 1753, Royal Palace, constructed in the 60s of XVII century. Nowadays, there is a museum.