Spiritual centre of the Kakheti region, the Alaverdi Monastery was, for almost a thousand years, the tallest church in the country, thanks to its 50 metre clock tower. Dating back to the 6th Century, the catheral was reconstructed in 11th Century and, despite its age, remains an impressive sight.
Apart from the beauty of the monastery itself, what really blew me away was the surrounding countryside. It's in the heart of Georgia's wine country, one of the oldest in the world. The Alaverdi Monastery sits amongst vineyards that today still produce some of Georgia's finest vintages. It was certainly a highlight of my trip to Georgia, well worthy of a visit.
Spiritual centre of the Kakheti region, the Alaverdi Monastery was, for almost a thousand years, the tallest church in the country, thanks to its 50 metre clock tower. Dating back to the 6th Century, the catheral was reconstructed in 11th Century and, despite its age, remains an impressive sight.
Apart from the beauty of the monastery itself, what really blew me away was the surrounding countryside. It's in the heart of Georgia's wine country, one of the oldest in the world. The Alaverdi Monastery sits amongst vineyards that today still produce some of Georgia's finest vintages. It was certainly a highlight of my trip to Georgia, well worthy of a visit.