GEORGIA - Nekresi, Gremi & Telavi
First unified as a kingdom in the 9th Century, Georgia is considered the ‘must visit’ country in the Caucasus region and currently receives the most tourist compared to Azerbaijan and Armenia.Majority of Georgia’s population practices Orthodox Christianity and since Georgian Orthodox Church is one of the world’s most ancient Christian Churches, there are many old churches to be seen in Georgia as Christianity was adopted as the state religion of eastern Georgia since the 4th Century.
We started our tour in Georgia by driving to Nekresi Monastery.
Nekresi Monastery perched on the hill top.
Our tour guide buying the minibus ticket to Nekresi Monastery. Price of the ticket is 1 lari.
We went up to the monastery by minibus. You can also go by foot if you want. The distance is 1.5km from the bottom of the hill to the monastery.
The Nekresi Monastery consists of several churches and other monastic buildings. It is one of the largest monastery complexes in the Kakheti region and was founded by St. Abibos Nekreseli, one of the famous thirteen Syrian fathers.
Walking up to the complex.
The view overlooking Alazani valley from the monastery is simply marvellous.
Family photo.
The oldest building of the monastery which is the small basilica from 4th century is also one of the oldest remaining churches in Georgia today.
First we entered the two storey Bishop palace in the complex. This building dates back from the 8th – 9th century.
The ground floor is the place where they used to make wine.
And these are the wine cellars.
There is a small balcony that one can enjoy the view. 
Blessed Virgin Church from the 7th century is an example of a so-called “three church basilica”.
Before I could enter the church, I’m required to wrap a skirt around my waist because I was wearing pants.
The colourful paintings on the walls and ceilings can still be seen today.
An interesting fact about this monastery is that it is famous for repelling an invading Muslim army by releasing pigs down the mountainside. To commemorate this event, the Blessed Virgin Church is the only church in Georgia to which a pig can be sacrificed.
This tower was built in the 16th century. It is possible to climb the tower now that it is restored.
There is a promenade tree in front of the tower.
The plate on the tower wall which states when it was built. Haha, unlike Azerbaijan, you won’t understand a single Georgian word. There is a Russian translation at the bottom though. 
Enjoying the view at the monastery.
The entire complex of the Nekresi Monastery as viewed in this poster.
Next we headed to Gremi, a 16th century architectural complex.
Gremi.
It is founded by the King of Kakheti Levan. The present complex used to be a royal citadel and consists of a bell tower, a three storey castle, a wine cellar, defensive walls and a church.
The Church of Archangel was constructed in 1565 and frescoed by 1577. 
The dome is punctured by eight windows.
Gremi was the capital of Kingdom of Kakheti in the 16th and 17th century. It is being razed to the ground by the armies of Shah Abbas I of Persia in 1615. Later the kings of Kakheti transferred their capital to Telavi in the mid 17th century.
Souvenirs sold inside the gift shop.
After visiting the Gremi, we proceeded to Telavi.
The Statue of King Erekle II is the landmark of Telavi. 
Our tour guide brought us to a local cafe in Telavi for late lunch. Not to be confused with another city in Israel, Tel Aviv. Telavi used to be the capital of Georgia. 
Castel Georgia restaurant.
We had a piza bread, kebab and salads. It’s my first time trying a pork kebab.
The local bottled soft drinks with different flavours such as lemon grass (left), lemon (middle) and pear (right). 
After lunch, we explored the local farmers’ market. You can find all ingredients that Georgians use for cooking.
Local honey product.
Vegetables and mushrooms.
Fresh fruits.
Herbs and spices.
Household wares can be found here too.
The raw meat section.
And seafood stalls.
Georgian Cheese.
And pickles.
The town of Telavi. Telavi is the largest town in Kakheti. It is set between the Gombori Mountains and the Caucasus.
We stayed overnight at a local guesthouse which has a lovely garden.
The bedroom has no attached bathroom though.
A musical theatre which is no longer in use after Soviet times.
Most of the shops in Telavi were closed at around 7pm.
The fortress wall of the Batonistsikhe Castle built in the 17th Century. .
The statue of King Erakle II. He is a symbol of freedom and national independence of the Georgian people.
In the next morning, we left Telavi and visited the nearby Alaverdi Cathedral.
0 comments: