Georgia's most famous church high above Kazbegi

Facts about Gergeti Trinity Church

Facts about

Georgia  Country:
14th century  Founded:
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Gergeti Trinity Church

Mtskheta-Mtianeti

The Gergeti Trinity Church is said to be one of the most beautiful and remarkable churches in the world. It is located on top of a mountain near Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) at an elevation of 2,170 meters above sea level.

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.


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How to get there

Gergeti Trinity Church by car

By car

From Tbilisi to Stepantsminda it takes around two hours (155km). From Gori to Uplistsikhe Cave Town you need another 20 minutes.

Gergeti Trinity Church by minibus

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.

Gergeti Trinity Church by plane

By plane

The distance from Tbilisi International Airport is 170 km. The journey by car or taxi takes about 3 hours.

Gergeti Trinity Church by train

By train

There is no direct train to Stepantsminda.

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Impressions

Gergeti trinity church