Things to do in Udabno

David Gareji monastery

The David Gareji monastery complex, located on the border of Georgia and Azerbaijan, was abandoned in Soviet times, but was restored after the collapse of the Soviet Union. In the 6th century AD, David Gareji, one of the thirteen hermits in Georgia, built the first monastery Lavra here. Later, more and more monasteries here became the local religious, academic and artistic center. The area here is very large, and most tourists just visit the two neighboring Udabno monasteries, which have been abandoned but have preserved a number of exquisite frescoes.

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Georgia

Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi

Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi stands on Elia Hill on the left bank of the Mtkvari River and is the main cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church. The church adopts the traditional Georgian cross-dome architectural style, with the central dome covered in gold leaf and a gilded cross standing at the top, reaching a total height of nearly 100 m including the underground section. Thanks to its massive size and commanding position, its golden dome can be seen from almost anywhere in the city of Tbilisi. The interior of the church is also worth a close look. In the northeast corner, there is a mosaic icon of the Virgin Mary; the southeast corner houses a display case with a cross and a handwritten Bible; and the northwest corner displays a model of the holy city of Jerusalem made of mica. The church also has several chapels underground, and the main murals were painted by contemporary Georgian artists in a traditional style. In addition to the main cathedral, the entire complex includes auxiliary facilities such as a separate bell tower, a monastery, and a seminary, which are quite impressive in scale. As the mother church of the Georgian Orthodox Church, the cathedral hosts Orthodox rituals and religious activities all year round. The interior murals and mosaic decorations create a solemn religious atmosphere, and from the cathedral's platform, you can overlook the city of Tbilisi and the scenery on both banks of the Kura River.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Georgia

Chronicles of Georgia

Chronicles of Georgia stands on the top of Ghani Hill in the northern suburbs of Tbilisi, right next to the Tbilisi sea, and is a massive sculpture complex that sculptor Zurab Tsereteli began building in 1985. 16 bronze pillars, each approx. 35 m high, form an open array on the vast hilltop, looking like Stonehenge from a distance, and are therefore also known as the "Chronicles of Georgia". The pillars are covered with bronze reliefs from bottom to top: the lower sections depict biblical stories and the life of Christ, while the upper sections feature Georgian kings, queens, commanders, saints, and poets, interspersed with scenes of daily life such as grape harvests and festive feasts. Beside the pillar array stand the Grapevine Cross of Saint Nino and the Church of the Annunciation.

No. 3 of Night Attractions in Georgia

Bridge of Peace

Bridge of Peace is a pedestrian bridge over the Kura River in downtown Tbilisi, featuring an arched body with a steel frame and glass canopy. The bridge is approximately 150m long, connecting Rike Park on the riverbank with the streets of the Old Town, and is also considered a pedestrian passage between the new city and the old city. It was designed by an Italian architect. The entire steel structure was prefabricated in Italy and then transported to Tbilisi for on-site assembly. After its completion in 2010, it quickly became a highly recognizable modern landmark of the city. Its rounded, undulating shape is often compared to a marine creature arching its back, which is why it earned the nickname "Shrimp Bridge."

No. 6 of Night Attractions in Georgia

Sighnaghi old city

Sighnaghi old city is a historic district of a small town known for its traditional architecture, historic streets, and valley views. It is built on hilly terrain at a high elevation, offering views of the Alazani Valley and the distant Caucasus Mountains. It preserves many buildings with traditional Georgian characteristics. The houses often feature light-colored walls, red-tiled roofs, and wooden balconies, distributed along the undulating streets, creating a quaint and orderly urban landscape. The roads within the district are mostly narrow, with cobblestone paths connecting residences, churches, small squares, cafes, and local shops, allowing you to feel the leisurely pace of life in the small town as you stroll through it.

No. 14 of Best Things to Do in Georgia

Monastery of St. Nino at Bodbe

Monastery of St. Nino at Bodbe is situated on a hillside shaded by cypress trees on the outskirts of the town of Sighnaghi. It is an Orthodox monastery where nuns still live and practice, and it is one of the important pilgrimage sites in Georgia. The main structure is a basilica-style church dedicated to Saint George, originally built between the 9th–11th centuries. It features a simple stone exterior and preserves frescoes from various periods inside. The shrine of Saint Nino is located on the south side of the church, where believers light candles and pray year-round. Beside it stands a three-story bell tower built in the 19th century, and a new, larger cathedral has been built within the grounds to accommodate the flow of pilgrims. Today, it remains an important pilgrimage site in Georgia, attracting local believers and visitors from all over.

No. 5 of Night Attractions in Georgia

Narikala Castle

Narikala Castle dominates the ridge south of Tbilisi's Old Town, with the sulfur bath district at its foot. Adjacent to the Tbilisi sulfur bath area, its commanding location offers a view of the winding Kura River, the dense buildings of the Old Town, the Bridge of Peace, and the distant mountain view. Its history dates back to the 4th century, and it has since undergone expansions and renovations across various historical periods, witnessing the development of Tbilisi under the influence of different dynasties and cultures. Combining historical relics, religious culture, and panoramic city views, it is an important place to understand the history and urban landscape of Tbilisi.

Natlismtsemeli Monastery

No. 4 of Night Attractions in Georgia

Liberty square

Liberty square is located in the heart of Tbilisi and is one of the city's key public squares and transportation hubs, as well as an important connection point between the Old Town and modern commercial districts. With a long history, it has gone by different names over time, reflecting the development and changes in Georgia's modern history. Today, it is not only an important geographical center of the city but also a common venue for local public events, commemorative ceremonies, and celebrations. Blending historical memory, urban life, and modern commerce, it is an important place to understand the urban layout of Tbilisi and the culture of Georgia.

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Georgia

Ananuri Fortress Complex

Ananuri Fortress Complex is located on the banks of the Aragvi River, approx. 70 km north of Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, and adjacent to the Zhinvali Reservoir. It is a nearly unavoidable stop when traveling north along the Georgian Military Highway toward Kazbegi. Since the 13th century, this has been a castle and military fortress for the feudal lords of the Aragvi dynasty, with the existing walls and main structures mostly dating back to the 16th–17th centuries. It consists of two castles, upper and lower, and continuous walls. The lower castle with its round tower is now just ruins, while the side along the ridge, along with the square Sheupovari tower, is well-preserved. Climbing the tower offers a panoramic view of the turquoise Zhinvali Reservoir and the mountains on the opposite bank. The scene featuring the walls, church domes, and the surrounding landscape makes this a popular location for travelers in Georgia.