Gergeti Trinity Church, Kazbegi
გერგეტის სამება
A 14th-century chapel on a ridge at 2,170 meters, backed by the 5,054-meter Mount Kazbek. It is Georgia's most classic postcard view, reachable in 3 hours from Tbilisi along the Georgian Military Highway.
Gergeti Trinity Church was built in the 14th century and stands alone on a ridge 2,170 meters above Stepantsminda (formerly Kazbegi). Behind it rises the snow-covered Mount Kazbek (5,054 meters, said in legend to be where Prometheus was chained), making this Georgia's most photographed landscape. The church is a typical Georgian cross-domed stone building with a bell tower. Its interior is plain, and it was closed during the Soviet period. A paved road was laid from the town to the church in 2018. You can take a taxi (4x4 taxis charge about 60-80 lari for a round trip, and can be hailed anywhere on the town centre square) or walk up. The walk takes about 1.5-2 hours on a pine-forest trail from the village of Gergeti, with a moderate gradient. It is one of Georgia's most popular short hikes. From the church you can continue up to the Gergeti Glacier viewpoint (3,000 meters; 5-6 hours round trip). Entry to the church is free. Women must cover their heads and wear a skirt, which are provided at the entrance. At midday in peak season, tourists and taxis crowd the site, so go early in the morning or before evening. Getting there: take a marshrutka minibus from Didube Station in Tbilisi (about 15-20 lari, 3 hours), or hire a car and driver (about 200-300 lari per day). Head north along the Georgian Military Highway, passing Ananuri Fortress (a medieval castle by the lake, a must-stop), Gudauri, Jvari Pass (2,395 meters), and the Georgian-Russian Friendship Monument (a mosaic viewing platform). The scenery along the way is half the journey. The pass is often closed temporarily by avalanches in winter and spring, so check conditions before setting out. Stepantsminda has many guesthouses and the Rooms Hotel, famous for its terrace facing the church. Stay one night to watch the sunrise light up the mountain. Nearby you can hike in the Juta Valley and visit the Dariali Gorge on the Russia-Georgia border.
Opening hours
Open all day (church approx. 08:00–19:00)
Nearby sights
- Stepantsminda Town & Kazbegi Museum
- Gveleti Waterfall
- Sno Village & Stone Heads
- Dariali Gorge & Dariali Monastery
- Sioni Church (Kazbegi)
- Gergeti Glacier & Mount Kazbek
- Juta Valley
- Truso Valley