Top 12 Must-See Places in Georgia

Royal palaces in Georgia

Georgia abounds with royal palaces. Georgian kings and queens used to live in royal residences. Early buildings of the Georgian palaces were similar to a castle and a fortress. Unfortunately, due to ill times and wars neighbors used to have with Georgia, many of the palaces were destroyed.

1. Dadiani Palace was founded by the ruler of Samegrelo Levan II Dadiani (16-17th century). It served as the residence of successive Dadiani rulers. The palace includes the Queen’s Palace, the Prince’s Palace, the Botanical Gardens and the Kari Church (the first stone church in the region). The Palaces provide a museum and a library that preserve the monuments of cultural heritage including the Holy vesture of the Virgin Mary and objects related to the Emperor of France Napoleon Bonaparte.

2. Georgian used to call the residences of the noblemen as royal palaces. One of the most attractive palaces of the nobleman is located in Tsinandali, Kakheti (east region of Georgia).The Tsinandali Palace belonged to the 19th-century poet and military figure Alexander Chavchavadze. The Palace (which included a historic winery) used to be the estate of the nobleman. The house is surrounded by a beautiful, well-maintained garden while the palace itself serves as a museum about the Chavchavadze family.

3. “Batonis Tsikhe” (fortress of the governor/master) is situated in Telavi, Kakheti (East Georgia). It was built by King Archil in 1667-1675. The palace served as a residence of Kakhetian kings during the 17th and 18th centuries. In the second half of the 18th century, the king Erekle II (he was called the Little Kakhetian) expanded the territory of the palace. The royal palace has been preserved well to the present day. Currently, it serves as a museum. It houses the belongings of the king Erekle II, his swords, throne, bedroom, living and dining rooms. The statue of the king riding a horse stands outside the museum.

Extraordinary caves in Georgia

4. Vardzia – is a cave monastery in Samtskhe-Javakheti. It contained apartments dug out of the rock and outdoor terraces for cultivation. One of the central places in the cave system is the Church of Dormition with a distinguished medieval mural painting. Some monks presently live in the monastery. Tourists usually call the site the fortress of the Lord of the Rings.

5. Near the city of Kutaisi (west part of Georgia), visitors can explore the Prometheus and Sataplia caves. The caves preserve stalactites, stalagmites, underground rivers, and lakes. The underground sights can be seen via a boat trip. Outside the caves, there is a Jurassic Park, footprints of a dinosaur and replicas of the animal.

Breathtaking mountainous places in Georgia

6. Mestia is located in the north-west region of Georgia Svaneti. It is situated at nearly 5,000 feet above sea level and surrounded by the Caucasus Mountains. It is a great destination for hikers who seek for adventures. They are welcome to explore the Chaladi Glacier and the lakes at the base of the Mount Ushba. Ushba is one of the most picturesque peaks of the Caucasus Mountains. Besides, this historic part of the country boasts a number of towers, built between 9th-12th centuries.

7. Kazbegi situated in the north of Georgia is home to Mount Kazbegi (or Mkinvartsveri in the local language) which is the third highest mountain in the country. It is a great place for outdoor activities such as ice climbing, mountaineering, horse riding, paragliding, and bike riding. It is known for its glaciers, natural mineral waters and the historical marvels like the ancient Gergeti Trinity Church, built in the 14th century. From the church, you get a great view of the Kuro mountains, one of Georgia’s most magnificent mountain ranges.

8. Rabati Castle in Akhaltsikle. The castle was built in the 9th century and originally called Lomisa. Later on, it was rebuilt by the Ottomans. The Turks used to use the fortress as a defensive edifice. In 2011-2012, the castle was renovated and it became one of the most attractive touristic sites in Georgia. The fortress is surrounded by various labyrinths, churches of a different denomination, an amphitheater, citadel, wedding house, cafes, and restaurants.

9. Svetitskhoveli Cathedran in Mtskheta. Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is located in one of the oldest cities in Georgia Mtskheta. The present structure of the cathedral was completed in the 11th century, the golden age of Georgian church architecture. However, the site itself dates back to the 4th century. Christ’s robe is believed to lie beneath the cathedral. A masterpiece of the Early Middle Ages, Svetitskhoveli is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It is currently the second largest church building in Georgia, after the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia.

10. Likani-mountain Spa and mineral springs.  Likani Resort is situated in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. The popular mountain spa is located near the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. Likani is distinguished by its mineral springs, Romanov Palace and a park with centennial oaks and pine trees. The Park is home to such rare species as the Spanish fir-tree, brown beech, silver spruce, and red chestnut. 

11. Black sea Arena in Shekvetili, Guria. Black Sea Arena is an indoor arena located on the coast of the Black Sea in Shekvetili, Guria, west region of Georgia, about 45 km north of Batumi, the country's second largest city. The concert hall was designed by the architects from the German company Drei Architektenis. It is the largest open concert hall in the Caucasus. International artists such as Elton John, Christina Aguilera, Aerosmith, Kate Melua, Scorpions, etc. have performed at the venue.

12. Old City-Tbilisi`s hostorical part. The district Old Tbilisi is located on both sides of the Mtkvari River and houses Mount Mtatsminda, Narikala fortress, and the Kartlis Deda monument. The venue is full of churches, museums, sulfur bathhouses, and peculiar wooden houses with open carved balconies. The cable car, which connects the old and modern parts of Tbilisi, crosses over the Mtkvari River. Rike Park is situated in the modern part and from the park, the cable car will take visitors to the Narikala fortress. The fortress overlooks the capital – it offers tourist the best view over the entire city.