Georgia's most famous church high above Kazbegi
Facts about
Gergeti Trinity Church
Mtskheta-Mtianeti
Built in the 14th century, the Gergeti Trinity Church in the Greater Caucasus mountains has become the poster child for Georgian tourism. It is the only cross-cupola church in Khevi province. Surrounded by high mountains and the vastness of nature, it has become a national symbol of Georgia.
History of Gergeti Church
According to the book «History of Iveria» written by Teimuraz Batonishvili, before the construction of the Gergeti Trinity Church, a cross was erected on the site. George the Brilliant charged the Gergeti population with the supervision of the temple, who were considered to be a «Sakdrisshvili of the Trinity», his servants. In the following centuries, other kings of Georgia also claimed this honor to the population of Gergeti.
For a long time here was laying one of the most sacred relics of Georgian Christians – the Cross of St. Nino, the honor of whose possession was shared with Svetitskhoveli and Tbilisi Sioni. Here, in Gergeti was written the chronicle «Mosakhsenebeli sultai», Reminiscent of the Soul – a collection of documents containing interesting information about the ravine, as well as about the history of Georgia.
Gergeti's remarkable architecture
The church has been restored several times. The last restoration (author of the project R. Gverdtsiteli) was held in 1970-74. Parts of the roof and laggard, the neck of the dome, have been restored. Gergeti Trinity Church with a central dome is built of hewn stone. The inside of the dome is made entirely of brick. Entrance from the west and south. To the south of the temple, ten meters away, stands a two-story bell tower built in the second half of the 14th century. The first floor of the bell tower was the entrance to the fence. There are small windows on the east and west walls.
How to get there
By car
From Tbilisi to Stepantsminda it takes around two hours (155km). From Gori to Uplistsikhe Cave Town you need another 20 minutes.
By minibus
Minibusses from Tbilisi (Didube Station) depart every morning at 08:00 to Stepantsminda. From the train station in Stepantsminda, you should take a taxi, or hike to Gergeti Trinity Church. The taxi costs around 7 Euro.
By plane
The distance from Tbilisi International Airport is 170 km. The journey by car or taxi takes about 3 hours.
By train
There is no direct train to Stepantsminda.
Gergeti Trinity Church tours
