To Kazbek 19.05.2017


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After sunny and warm Kakhetia we decided to go to the mountains, to Kazbegi. We started from Telavi - Kakhetia's main city. The town is hardly worth visiting. Even main attraction - castle dating from VIII - XVIII AD was closed. Although Telavi is a convenient place for overnight stay.

Photo 1236
(cc) by Rushan
Photo 1236
(cc) by Rushan

There are Ikalto academy ruins near Telavi. According to tradition famous Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli studied here.

Photo 1237
(cc) by Rushan
Photo 1237
(cc) by Rushan

The place has it's charm but we have to go further to make it to Kazbegi during daylight.

Photo 1238
(cc) by Rushan
Photo 1238
(cc) by Rushan

The main place of worship in Kakhetia is Alaverdi cathedral dating from XI century. It is hard to believe, but this ancient masterpiece was the tallest Georgian cathedral until Tsminda Sameba was built in Tbilisi in 2004. Alaverdi's picturesque location at the beginning of Alazan valley with clearly seen mountains at horizon emphasises it's upward design and height.

Photo 1239
(cc) by Rushan
Photo 1239
(cc) by Rushan

The cathedral style looks similar to Italian one. Sometimes here in Georgia visitors might have an impression that it's somewhere in Italy.

Photo 1240
(cc) by Rushan
Photo 1240
(cc) by Rushan

On our further way to North we rode through Kakhetian range that bounds Alazan valley. It is the first time we rode through part of Greater Caucasus mountains. Passovers are high here, and one can find oneself driving through the cloud.

Photo 1241
(cc) by Rushan
Photo 1241
(cc) by Rushan

There is no straight road from Kakheti to Kazbek. All roads are going through Tbilisi. Next to it there is one of the oldest Georgian city Mtskheta.

Photo 1242
(cc) by Rushan
Photo 1242
(cc) by Rushan

There are way too many sightseeing places here. Most of the are under UNESCO protection. One of the most interesting is Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. For over a thousand years it was the main Georgian Cathedral. It was a place for kings coronation and the place for their burial.

Photo 1243
(cc) by Rushan
Photo 1243
(cc) by Rushan

It looks like former schoolboys celebrated graduation this day. We saw many groups of young dressed in white shirts with marker-made signatures on them. Some behaved themselves sort of expressive and rude. Sometimes it was not comfortable to be near. Remarkable, the despite this youth attended churches and cathedrals.

Photo 1244
(cc) by Rushan
Photo 1244
(cc) by Rushan

Though according to beliefs, nobody will touch a tourist here. According to Georgian traditions the guest is right after the family head. So one can feel safe in here.

Photo 1245
(cc) by Rushan
Photo 1245
(cc) by Rushan

And here are the mountains...

Photo 1246
(cc) by Rushan
Photo 1246
(cc) by Rushan
Photo 1247
(cc) by Rushan
Photo 1247
(cc) by Rushan
Photo 1248
(cc) by Rushan
Photo 1248
(cc) by Rushan