June 6, 2008
Tako Chikhradze, Georgia Today

The season for camping and excursions has come. The weather promises to get flawlessly sunny from this week on, so it is time to spend weekends far from the noise and pollution of Tbilisi.

After so many Top Fives outlining the best spots in the city for different occasions and matters, now its time to find out what goes on beyond the capital. Those of you who don’t really have time to enjoy Georgia’s landscape in far-flung, here are top five remarkable sightseeing spots close to Tbilisi.

1. Svetitskhoveli – In the 4th century AD a wooden church was built in Mtskheta by the first Christian king of Georgia. Today, one of the most important monuments of Georgian Christianity – Svetitskhoveli (“column of life”) Cathedral – now stands on that spot. After the initial wooden church fell apart, another basilica was built at the end of the fifth century. Finally, a new cathedral was constructed in the years 1010-1029 which, despite untold damage and remodeling, has managed to preserve its original look. Many of the glorious Georgian kings and prominent figures of Georgian history are buried here.
2. Jvari – The Church of the Holy Cross is dramatically situated atop a hill opposite the ancient Georgian capital of Mtskheta, overlooking the fine line made by the junction of the brown River Mtkvari and blue River Aragvi. The name ‘Jvari’ (cross) has a historical origin: in the years following Georgia’s conversion to Christianity in the 4th century, a wooden cross was erected at the spot which had been worshipped at by the first Christian pioneers of the whole Caucasus. In the years 545-86 a small church was built by the cross, which suffered immeasurable damage over the centuries. The pedestal of the historic cross can still be seen inside the present-day structure.
3. Armazi – Part of the district of Mtskheta, this ancient historical village is situated 22 km north of Tbilisi. Armazi was a lunar deity created by King Parnavaz, the first monarch of the Kartli kingdom. He subordinated all the ancient Georgian gods to this single idol. The village of Armazi is an archeological treasure trove which is home to thousands of years of history. A special museum of the materials discovered during local excavations can be found in Armazi. Perhaps the most remarkable sight is the Armazi fortress which is believed to have been built in the 3rd century by King Parnavaz. It stands at the top of Bagineti Mountain, above the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers.
4. Betania – Betania Church is situated in a village of the same name, located 6 km southeast of Tbilisi in the Vere river valley. Built in the 13th century, it is considered to be one of the best surviving architectural monuments of that period and is believed to have given rise to the “new church” era in the history of Georgian architecture. The ground plan of the domed cruciform building is rectangular and unfortunately the majority of the late 12th and early 13th century frescos decorating the inner walls are severely damaged. Betania Church is also known for its remarkable portraits of three Georgian monarchs: Giorgi III, his daughter Queen Tamar and her son Lasha – Giorgi. Betania Church was restored in the 19th century.
5. Sachashnike – Visiting the many sights of Mtskheta is a sure-fire way to work up a hearty appetite. There is no need to go back to Tbilisi to fill up as one of the oldest and most famous eateries in Georgia can be found here. The menu is too long to list but Sachashnike is best known for its Lobio (beans prepared in a clay pot) and a type of meat pie called ‘Mtskheturi’. Along with a central hall this restaurant has seating spaces on the balcony and in the yard. The tables on the balcony are a wonderful place to sit on a clear day as they offer inspiring views of Jvari and the surrounding hills.