Gergeti Trinity Church

The 14th-century Gergeti Trinity Church (Tsminda Sameba) sits on a hilltop at 2,170 metres with Mount Kazbek rising behind it — one of the most photographed images in the entire Caucasus. The medieval stone church is still an active place of worship, which means the interior is lit by candles and smells of incense rather than being dressed up for tourists.

The walk up from Stepantsminda takes about an hour on a clear path through meadows. You can also hire a 4WD from the village for a fraction of the effort — but the walk earns the view. Go early morning to beat the tour groups and for the best light on the mountain.

things to do sight historic building
A story
During the Persian invasion of 1795 the church became a refuge for Tbilisi's most sacred relics — the cross of Saint Nino and the icon of the Saviour — carried here by monks who fled the burning capital. The treasures survived, hidden in the mountains, while the city below was sacked and largely destroyed.