Source: Inside Ushguli, Europe’s highest inhabited village
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Built in the Clouds, they’re the Highest Villages Frozen in Time; MessyNessyChic
When you’re looking to escape the tedium of modern and mainstream tourism, sometimes the only way is up. Today, our armchair travels will take us to some of the most remote (and highest) villages in the world, from middle America to roof of Egypt. But of course, we’re…
Source: Built in the Clouds, they’re the Highest Villages Frozen in Time
The Daily Telegraph writes about Georgia; Xiang; Georgian Journal
The national British daily broadsheet newspaper “The Daily Telegraph” has recently published an article about Georgia entitled “Is Georgia the new Puglia? With new direct flights, get there before the masses do.”
Look at the Republic of Georgia’s Weird and Awesome Architecture; Victoria Borisch; Fodor’s
Discover how Georgia’s unique mix of architectural styles combines the future and past of this exotic South Caucasus country. From its language and culture to its mishmash of architectural styles, the Republic of Georgia’s extensive, and sometimes tumultuous, history has led to the development of a place that is truly one of a kind.
Source: Look at the Republic of Georgia’s Weird and Awesome Architecture
Georgia invented viticulture, now its wine scene is taking Europe by storm; Noo Saro Wiwa; City AM
It has been said that Georgians ‘think with European minds and feel with Asian hearts’.
Source: Georgia invented viticulture, now its wine scene is taking Europe by storm
Euronews publishes yet another articles about Tbilisi and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
Euronews has published two new articles about Georgia.
Source: Euronews publishes yet another articles about Tbilisi and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
Jvari Monastery: a special monument in Georgian history; Claudio Rosmino; Euro News
Jvari Monastery is treasured particularly as it was related to the declaration of Christianity as a state religion in Georgia
Source: Jvari Monastery: a special monument in Georgian history
UNESCO World Heritage village of Chazhashi under restoration; Agenda.ge
Dozens of unique medieval buildings in Georgia’s UNESCO-recognised Chazhashi village have been restored by professionals in an ongoing project set to be completed in two years’ time.
The location, part of the Upper Svaneti province inscribed in the World Heritage List in 1996, has been under restoration and preservation works since 2014.
In an effort to illustrate the work in progress, the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Georgia released a short video showing the rehabilitation work and sights of the village.
Showing the medieval defensive buildings dotting the site, the footage also offers a close-up look at the architectural and material details of the constructions giving Chazhashi its unique look.
The agency also said over 30 medieval towers and machubi (first storey of traditional Svan houses for winter residence) had been restored out of 50 buildings selected within the state project ongoing for four years.
Efforts already completed also include conservation of the original stone material for a local church and setting up of its roof.
Read more from source: UNESCO World Heritage village of Chazhashi under restoration (VIDEO)
Forbes: Why Georgia is the next great food and wine destination; Georgian Journal
Georgian culture, traditions and hospitality often attract the attention of the leading international media. World-famous publications such as Daily Mail, The Guardian, The Independent, Forbes, National Geographic, Culture Trip, etc. often publish the articles about famous Georgian wine, tourist attractions, ancient traditions still preserved in Georgia’s mountains and special hospitality characteristic for the Georgian people.
This time, Forbes explores the wine regions of Georgia, which, according to the publication, “are worth the journey.”
“Along the way you’ll experience Georgia’s natural beauty, the monasteries and churches that dot the hillsides and rivers — even monasteries that make wine — and learn the ways of the Supra, a true Georgian feast,” reads the article written by Adam Morganstern, the journalist and professional photographer.
The journalist starts his journey in Georgia with one of the most distinctive and important wine regions, Kakheti, which is considered to be the hub of winemaking.
Read more from source: Forbes: Why Georgia is the next great food and wine destination
Works on Gelati Monastery bring international standards to site; Agenda.ge
The Gelati Monastery, one of Georgia’s major cultural heritage sites, is undergoing efforts to place it among monuments enjoying tourist infrastructure and support of highest quality.
Major restoration and conservation works, ongoing for years at the UNESCO World Heritage List monument, are ensuring preservation of the building’s construction, while its surrounding area is being renovated.
The National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Georgia today released a short video featuring the 12th century monastery under specialist work.
The state agency said groups of architects and restoration experts were involved in the years-long process supported by World Bank, the Embassy of the United States in Georgia and the Municipal Development Fund of Georgia.
Particular aspects of the work include conservation of the stone material of the main monastery, while its roof structure is also under expert attention.
The overall project for the site also includes construction of a visitor centre in the area, to be placed within the encompassing Kutaisi Historical and Architectural Museum and Reserve.
Read more from source: Works on Gelati Monastery bring international standards to site (VIDEO)
Day Trips from Tbilisi Georgia; Jen; Venturists
Tbilisi Georgia is beginning to show up on the not-to-be-missed destination lists for more and more travelers. This Eurasian country, seated between Turkey, Russia and the Black Sea, has much to offer a would-be visitor. It has an ancient old town with steamy sulfur baths, a rich wine-making tradition, fascinating history including a fairly recent transition from communism to a democratic republic, and fantastic regional cuisine. While this list provides reasons enough to plan a trip to this lesser known destination, Tbilisi also gives access to a number of day trips that offer a completely different experience outside the Georgian capital. Here are a few of Tbilisi’s most popular day trips that give you a few more reasons to consider discovering Georgia.
David Gareja Monastery
The David Gareja Monastery, which was named after its founding father and one of the original preachers of the Christian gospel, was constructed in the 6th century. The most impressive characteristic of the site is that it’s literally built into the stone hillside border between Georgia and Azerbaijan. The cave complex is composed of hundreds of cells, living quarters, churches, chapels, and dining areas.
Source: Day Trips from Tbilisi Georgia
State of conservation of Historical Monuments of Mtskheta; Unesco
In February 2018, a joint UNESCO/ICOMOS/ICOMOS reactive monitoring mission will take place to the World Heritage property “Historical Monuments of Mtskheta” (Georgia), as requested by the World Heritage Committee to assess current conditions at the property.
The World Heritage property of the Historical Monuments of Mtskheta was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1994 and on the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2009.
In this context, the Georgian authorities developed reinforced collaboration with the World Heritage Centre through the signature, in October 2015, of an agreement for technical assistance by UNESCO to Georgia within the framework of a project “Cultural Heritage Advisory Service to the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation (NACHP)” financially supported by the World Bank.
This technical assistance, primarily intended to lead to removing the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger, had larger objectives: to enhance the institutional and technical capacity of the national and local authorities, to ensure cross-institutional collaboration, and to ensure long-term planning and the reinforcement of management mechanisms and capacities required to deal with the integration and sustainable implementation of heritage protection and development needs.
Source: State of conservation of Historical Monuments of Mtskheta
10 Days Caucasus Itinerary: Linking Asia & Europe; Andrew Darwitan; Scarlet Scribbles
The fabled lands of Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan are unheard of by many, but this mountainous region harbors some of the world’s most stunning landscapes and ethno-cultural treasures where Christian and Muslim heritages intersect, millennia-old civilization thrives between wealthy metropolises, and the boundaries of Europe and Asia blur.
To help you plan your visit to Caucasus, I am sharing my Caucasus itinerary. I will also assign a rating of 1-3 hearts as a recommendation of how much I love each site.
Day 1: Baku
After a brief transit in Istanbul, I arrived via Turkish Airlines in the perpetually windy city of Baku (♥♥)in Azerbaijan, awashed in oil capital and ever-growing skyline of skyscrapers. But it’s a city which doesn’t forget its heritage, with a well-preserved cultural hub in its old walled city which has made its way into the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Visit Georgia: Our favourite travel memories from the Junior Eurovision host country; Deban Aderemi; wiwibloggs
It’s the Caucasus nation that has won the Junior Eurovision Song Contest three times — more than any other country. And over the weekend the Republic of Georgia finally hosted the contest in Tbilisi. The stunning capital is an increasingly popular tourist destination — and it’s also a gateway to other wonders, including the awe-inspiring scenery in Kazbegi, the religious gems of Jvari, and the buzz-worthy wine culture of Chateau Mukhrani.
So when Georgia’s National Tourism Board invited us to fly over earlier this fall, we couldn’t say no. Below you can see some of our favourite memories from our trip, mixed with some of our recent coverage from the contest. Junior Eurovision may be over, but Georgia’s tourism industry is here to stay. Let’s do this!
THE TBILISI CABLE CAR
Visiting Ancient Ushguli, Georgia’s Village in the Clouds; Georgian Journal
Ushguli, highest Georgian village located in Svaneti has been featured by Cntraveler, luxury and lifestyle travel magazine. Recognized as the Upper Svaneti UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ushguli is one of the highest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe.
Author of the article is Benjamin Kemper, food and travel writer. According to the article, a visit to Tusheti means the equestrian adventure of the one’s life.
Here is what the article says:
As globalization and development creep in, an ancient community asks itself what’s gained—and lost.
When their horse let out a wheeze and keeled over dead in the snow, Aluda and Gegi Charkseliani knew they were in trouble. The nearest hospital was still ten miles away, and a friend writhing in abdominal pain between them in the saddle needed a doctor badly.
5 new UNESCO World Heritage Sites worth a visit; Rebecca Shapiro; Intrepid Travel Blog
The Acropolis in Athens. The Great Wall in China. The Galápagos Islands in South America. What do all these destinations have in common? Well, aside from being truly iconic, they’re all UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
These landmarks are all officially recognized by the United Nations, and for good reason: they’re of special cultural or physical significance. And, as you can imagine, the UNESCO list they feature on basically equates to a ton of bucket list destinations.
Luckily, there’s no need for that bucket list to get stale with the same old sights. UNESCO is always updating its list of ‘New Inscribed Properties’, and just days ago it published its official list for 2017, adding over 20 heritage treasures to it. We’re a fan of all the entries (of course) but thought we’d highlight five that are particularly worth a visit. Enjoy!
Gelati Monastery, Georgia
Here Are UNESCO’s Newest World Heritage; National Geographic
Discover which cultural and natural wonders made the prestigious list this year.
Each year the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization convenes to determine which sites will be granted World Heritage status in recognition of their outstanding value to humanity. Sites are carefully selected based on six cultural and four natural criteria, ranging from masterpieces of human creative genius to landscapes of exceptional natural beauty.
The 2017 selections span time, geography, and culture—a treasure trove of new destinations to add to your travel wish-list. Discover the ancient ruins, cave paintings, religious ceremonies, and wildlife oases that reveal some of the most compelling chapters of human history.
THE ENGLISH LAKE DISTRICT
Found in northwest England, these picturesque landscapes were shaped by glaciers from the Ice Age and modern agricultural systems.
Gelati Monastery, Georgia, removed from UNESCO’s List of World Heritage in Danger; Webwire
The World Heritage Committee, meeting in Krakow since 2 July, has decided to remove Georgia’s Gelati Monastery from the List of World Heritage in Danger.
A decision adopted on Sunday, introduced a major reduction in the boundaries of the Georgian site of Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery, inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1994 and on the List in Danger in 2010. The new boundaries exclude Bagrati Cathedral, which has undergone major reconstruction detrimental to its integrity and authenticity. The decision retains the Monastery of Gelati’s World Heritage standing as a site of outstanding universal value.
Founded in 1106 in the west of Georgia, the Monastery of Gelati is a masterpiece of the Golden Age of medieval Georgia, a period of political strength and economic growth between the 11th and 13th centuries. It is characterized by the facades of smoothly hewn large blocks, balanced proportions and blind arches for exterior decoration.
Wall Street Journal and National Geographic to Make Film about Georgia’s Ushguli; Thea Morrison; Georgia Today
Media outlets, the Wall Street Journal and National Geographic, are to make a short film about Georgia’s mountainous village Ushguli in the Upper Svaneti region.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ushguli is one of the highest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe. Compared to somewhat more developed towns like Mestia, Ushguli has been “saved” by its particularly inaccessible location, which helped preserve the village’s timeless feel.
The press tour of journalists to Ushguli was organized by Georgia’s National Tourism Administration (GNTA) under the Ministry of Economy.
The guests will prepare a short film and article about Ushguli, which will be included on the Wall Street Journal, National Geographic and Star Airlines websites and social media.
Six guests were involved in the tour, including National Geographic journalist Robert Reid, who participated in a specially organized horse race.
UNESCO Moves to Protect Georgian Christian Monuments; Delia Gavrilescu; Argophilia Travel News
UNESCO has awarded historical monuments of the ancient capital of Georgia, Mtskheta special enhanced protections in light of armed conflict. The new status of three epic monuments there is seen as a plea from the UNESCO World Heritage for combatants to refrain from fighting in the areas where these monuments are found.
The three Mtskheta monuments join an exclusive list of worldwide sites receiving enhanced protection in armed conflict, based on The Hague Convention. Within the ancient city are three of Georgia’s and the world’s most precious edifices; the Samtavro Monastery, Shiomghvime Monastery, Antioch Church and Svetistkhoveli Cathedral. These three monuments join the current list of sites with enhanced protection also include; the 13th Century Castel de Monte citadel in south-east Italy, city Paphos in Cyprus and the 15th Century Palace of the Shirvanshahs in Azerbaijan’s capital Baku.
