Incredible Georgia: the 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Georgia is home to a number of monuments, historical buildings and sights, some of which have been preserved to this day and are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site belong. Learn more about the heritage of Georgia.

Numerous conquests, diverse influences, foreign powers and a turbulent history. Georgia offers all this and is reflected in the historical buildings. The Mongols, Romans, Persians and many other cultures had a great influence on the South Caucasus. 

Gelati Monastery

Gelati Monastery, in the west of Georgia, near the city of Kutaisi is famous for its beautiful mosaics and murals. The monastery is in a very well preserved condition, although it was built more than 900 years ago. 

In the Middle Ages, the Gelati Monastery was an important part for research and education. Today it is still an important place for science. 

Svaneti 

Svaneti is a mountain village community in the northeast, which impresses with its unique location. Many medieval villages are located together on the Inguri River, where traditions are not only experienced, but lived. Besides, Svaneti is a popular resort for tourists who want to experience the Georgian Caucasus up close. 

intangible cultural heritage of Georgia

More recently, intangible cultural heritage has also been included in the UNESCO list. These include, especially for Georgia, cultural expressions such as dance, theater, music, oral traditions (oral transmission of historical, religious and social information), customs, festivals and crafts. A more special tradition is the supra, or Georgian table. The table is richly set and a tamada is also not to be missed. The tamada is the table master who makes sure everyone is comfortable and recites the toasts.

The intangible cultural heritages are part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in order to increase the awareness of expressions. This includes, for example, the traditional wine production of Georgia with Qvevri. Qvevri is a clay vessel and is used for aging dry wines. Lined with beeswax, the Qvevri is buried in the ground up to the neck. Thus, the temperature remains constantly cool and the wine can ferment.

Betlemi or Bethlehem neighborhood

The neighborhood is located in Tbilisi, or Tbilisi and is one of the oldest districts of Tbilisi. A walk on Betlemi Ascent is definitely worthwhile, because from there you can see the most beautiful residential houses in Tbilisi style. Besides, there are still two churches in Betlemi that are of importance. The upper Bethlehem church and the remains of the Ateshgah temple. The temple is one of the few preserved Persian-Zoroastrian fire temples. The quarter was rehabilitated in 2004 with the help of UNESCO's Cultural Heritage Division and the Norwegian government, now shines in full splendor and is definitely a highlight of Georgia. 

Chertwisi Fortress

Khertvisi Fortress is located in the southern Georgian province of Samtskhe-Javakheti and is one of the oldest fortresses in Georgia. The fortress is located on the famous Silk Road and was therefore central for many enemies. The cultural heritage was often destroyed, but always rebuilt and today allows us to experience the history of Georgia at first hand.

Mestia 

Mestia is the center of the mountainous region of Svanetia and impresses with its fortified and residential towers, which stand against the backdrop of impressive glaciers of the Caucasus. Here, history, culture and nature combine to make you dream. The area also hosts museums that offer some cultural treasures, such as manuscripts from the Middle Ages or icons. 

historical buildings in Mtskheta 

Mtskheta is the ancient capital of the former kingdom. With its historical churches, Mtskheta casts a mystical, magical and mysterious spell on you. The medieval architecture of Mtskheta will make you look deep into the history of the Caucasus. An absolute eye-catcher of this city is also the Dzhvari monastery located in the former kingdom. It is one of the oldest buildings and was built in the 6th century. The historical building is located on a hill, above Mtskheta. Dzhvari means cross and is used as a symbol of the more widespread Christianity in Georgia. 

You want to experience the history of Georgia up close and in color? Go to mystical places or experience a goosebump feeling? Check out the Georgia Adventure or get more inspiration on Instagram.