Gergeti Trinity Church

One of Georgia's most cherished and well-known sights is Gergeti Trinity Church, which is located in a tranquil and isolated area of the Caucasus with Mount Kazbek looming over it. The church, which is perched on a 2,170-meter-high peak, offers amazing views of the magnificent mountains that surround it and the glittering Chkheri River that flows below.

The Gergeti Trinity Church was built in the 14th century by an unknown architect and is the only cross-cupola church in Khevi province. The separate bell tower dates from the same period as the church itself but was built somewhat later. Its isolated location on top of a steep mountain surrounded by the vastness of nature has made it a symbol for Georgia. The iconic view of the church and Mount Kazbek is one of the best examples of the harmonic combination of architecture and the landscape, so typical for the architecture of Georgia. The church ensemble includes the church itself, the bell tower, and the surrounding wall. The church is a cross-in-square temple with three rectangular and one rounded (containing the apse) arms, and two entrances, from the south and from the west. Each arm has a window. Additional five windows of the lobate provide sufficient illumination. The lobate is rather stumpy, slightly narrowing in the upper part. The facade is clad in dark-grey stone. Only traces of the original murals remain.

Visitors can drive to the top of the mountain or climb the steep mountainside to get to the chapel. The Gergeti Trinity Church is a photographer's paradise because of its remote location and breathtaking beauty on display.

Location: Oni, Georgia

Architect: Unknown