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Published: August 15th 2023
Jvari Monastery
Jvari Monastery at Mtskheta Post finishing my work in Tbilisi, I headed to Stepansminda (Kazbegi) through the Georgian Military Highway.
Stretching 212KM from Tbilisi to Vladikavkaz (Russia), this highway has been, first built in the late 18th/early 19th century to enable troop movement from Russia to Georgia, is used for trade these days. The road goes through many picturesque places and I decided to travel it with a taxi so that I could stop and see different spots. My taxi driver turned out to be an excellent repository of information on Georgia and I learnt a lot on the trip.
A few of the stops I made on the road include
1. Jvari Monastery at Mtskheta: Established in 5th century BC, Mtskheta was an important economic and political center for the next 1000 years. At the spot of Jvari Monastery, Saint Nino, am evangelist in 4th century converted the Iberian king to Christianity and established a cross with grape vines and her hair, which is claimed to have performed miracles and hence became an attraction for pilgrims. Jvari (means cross) is the shape of this monastery. Nearby, another cathedral, Svetitskhoveli, is believed to have Jesus' robe during crucifixion.
2. Zhinvali Reservoir:
Meeting point of Mtkvari and Aragvi Rivers
Meeting point of Mtkvari and Aragvi Rivers at Mtskheta, Georgian Military Highway in view A man made reservoir with its beautiful blue waters
3. Ananuri Fortress: A fortress and a church created to defend the community by the Argavi river. When attacked, the defenders could survive because there is a secret tunnel from the fortress to the river through which food and water can be moved.
4. Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument: Close to the ski town of Gudauri, this monument was built in the 1980s to commemorate the friendship between Russia and Georgia. The murals are nice but the views from the monument of the surrounding areas are even better.
5. Jvari Pass: Highest point on the highway, at an altitude of nearly 2,400 meters.
6. Sno Village and Giant Stone Heads: Sno village is a lovely alpine village slightly off the route, but totally worth it. And the Giant Stone Heads, mostly of Georgian poets, created by the artist, Merab Phiranishvili, are beautiful. This was my favourite stop on the way.
After Sno, I finally got to Stepansminda (Kazbegi) and rested for the night.
A few other things I learnt about Georgia on this journey
1. Georgia has more than 500 varities of grapes, roughly one sixth
Zhinvali Reservoir on the Aragvi River
Zhinvali Reservoir on the Aragvi River of all the varities in the world. No wonder wine is so popular here.
2. Chakrulo, a Georgian folk song, is one of the 29 pieces of music that was sent on the voyager mission by NASA
Overall, the journey on the Georgian Military Highway was something I learnt a lot on and it was an experience I thoroughly enjoyed.
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