Travel to Mtskheta – Mtianeti
Mtskheta – Mtianeti region is located in eastern Georgia and covers the historical and geographical province of Pshavi, Khevsureti, Mtiuleti and Khevi. According to Georgian legislation predetermined following administrative units:
Municipalities: Mtskheta, Akhalgori, Dusheti, Tianeti and Stepantsminda.
The entire space is about seven thousand square kilometers, with a populace of 125.000 people and executive center of Mtskheta.
Region predominantly is an agricultural, with developed animal husbandry and horticulture. Industrial facilities are concentrated in Mtskheta and Dusheti.
Natural exchequer of the region is mainly construction materials such as marble, limestone, granite. It also produces a unique type of industrial clay for the production of pottery.
One of the riches of the region is a mineral water. It is worth to be noted the source of Vaja and Hada, Natakhtari and mineral waters Truso – Lomisi and Alnaguda.
The vegetation is rich and varied as its fauna. There are national parks of Saguramo and Kazbegi.
Foothills are occupied by thorny steppes, mixed with elements of wood. There are only some examples of conifers. Widespread are pine forests. Above the mountain scaffolds, there are subalpine and alpine meadows, where at the northern slopes are growing the rhododendron, and on the south – juniper.
In mountainous areas meets the chamois and ibex only in Khevsureti. Lower the forest zone – deer, roe deer, predators such as bears, wolves, foxes, badgers, martens, at least – the lynx. The foothills of the forests are inhabited by jackals, hares, squirrels.
Sights
Castle Armazi of XIII-XV centuries and Armaziskhevi dating back to the first ages of our era are the opening exposition of Museum Reserve of Mtskheta. Bebristsihe defensive structure of the early middle Ages and is situated in the northeastern part of Mtskheta on the right bank of the Aragvi. Being pitched in ancient times, this fortress, towering at cape protected the city from the side of Aragvi Gorge. The castle consisted of two parts: the citadel and a small garden on the south side.
In the same region is the pride of Georgian Christian architecture of XI century majestic cathedral of Mtskheta.
A little further away is seen another remarkable monument of cross-domed Cathedral Samtavro, which since 1811 and currently operates as monastery.
Both monuments included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Ananuri ensemble is located 23 km from Mtskheta, proudly overlooking the picturesque Zhinvali reservoir, revealing the enchanting scenery.
Gergeti Trinity of XIV century is located in Kazbegi region, high on a mountain near Stepantsminda.
Vardzija complex is disposed in the Aspindza Municipality, in the extreme south-west of the country, on the left bank of the Mtkvari.
The King Giorgi once went hunting in these places; he took with him his little daughter Tamar. The hunt is on. Hooked on hunting the king and his entourage have forgotten about the little girl. And Tamara busy playing lost in caves. Hunters alarmed, began to look for her. One of them shouted – Where are you Tamara! And in response Tamara joyfully exclaimed from caves – Here I am, Uncle! What in Georgian sounds as – Ak war Dziya! Therefore, they called this cave city Vardzija.
