Back in 2017, I was already in Georgia and stopped by the David-Gareja monastery. It's one of the most beautiful places not just in Georgia, but honestly one of the most stunning spots from all my travels.

The real beauty reveals itself from the upper part of the complex. But the monastery sits right on the Georgia-Azerbaijan border, and because of the ongoing territorial dispute since the Soviet collapse, they stopped letting people go up there entirely in 2019. Border guards stand on the trail and turn everyone back. But I only found that out when I got there. It never even crossed my mind to google the situation beforehand. It was fine back then.

Azerbaijan claims the monastery is the heritage of Caucasian Albania (not to be confused with Albania in the Balkans), and that they're the successors to it. Though honestly, the real reason is probably more about the strategic military position than history.

I hope the countries find a peaceful solution and tourists can visit and enjoy this beauty again.