Georgia. Kazbegi – Gergeti – Dariali. Day 64 July 2nd 2019
The first delight of the day is to wake up and see the Gergeti church high up on a mountain top with the snow-capped mountains behind. Unlike the cloud shrouded view of last night this was a crisp clear view – backed by a clear blue sky.
After a very chilly night we had layered up and set off prepared for brisk mountain conditions. The more we walked the more layers we removed. I was ever thankful I had resisted wearing leggings under my trousers.
The walk up to Gergeti Trinity Church was full of vistas that made stopping for a breather easily appear to be taking in the view – and we noted there were much younger than us taking time out on the stiff walk up. With a thin stream running down in the valley, vibrant green hills and snow capped mountains – taking in the view was very appealing.
Eventually at 2170 metres above sea level we reach the Monastery. A disappointing first sight is of a new road constructed up to the Monastery itself. A road that created controversy with the local mountain people and others who did not support the road.
Ignore that and move on up to the beautiful Gergeti Trinity Church. the Telegraph UK suggested that it is 6th of the 23 most beautiful churches in the world.
One could see by the visitors’ reverence this is one of the most venerated churches in Georgia. The outside displayed the large earth-toned stone block construction with carved patterns over entrance and windows.
The first Church a wooden structure was buildt in the 14th century. This church burned down with only an Icon of the Virgin Mary saved – blackened but saved. Over time, (as in the 18th century at the time of the Persian Invasion)- many relics and precious documents were brought to the monastery for safe-keeping.
It is a new discovery for me – to understand the deliberate destruction of a countries culture, literature and intelligentsia as a means to subdue the people and eliminate their belonging and culture.
The 360 degree views from the Monastery reach over the towns of Gergeti and Kazbegi, the Darial gorge, Mountain and glacier Mkinvartsveri (5047 m above sea level). A peaceful and breathe-taking place to sit and take it all in. Or take risky Instagram photos of oneself!
The walk down was tricky as the ground was dry, dusty and slippery but the views were every bit as wonderful as the walk up. Ending on the last descent with a view of the stone tower and mountains behind,
Once down in the village we headed towards Dariali Gorge and very close to the Russian border. Exciting for those of us from a country bordered by sea. Passing endless rows of lorries waiting to cross the border we stopped to visit the new church of Archangels.
The church commissioned by Catholicos Patriarch of All Georgia His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II – known as The Patriach a popular and revered figure in Georgia. It is said the church was built to provide a peaceful and spiritual haven at the border of Russia and Georgia. To encourage peaceful relations. It would seem a Church instead of a military facility might better encourage peace and tolerance.
Gveleti Small WaterfallRelaxing beside a small waterfall near the new church Katerina offered us an extra for the day which we readily agreed to . Thankfully. We were treated to a cool and green walk to the Gveleti small waterfall. Once again sitting contemplating much and nothing in a beautiful place as eagles soared above the cliff face, the waterfall rushed down into the darker valley below and the towering bright green plant covered cliffs framed the scene.
And back to our little guesthouse in Stephansminda ( also known as Kazbegi)
