Picture of Georgia
Caption: Exploring Southern GEORGIA
Caption: I was recently invited to explore the country of Georgia by @Steller and the Georgia National Tourism Administration.
As well as exploring the whole country with a group of talented photographers and videographers, we were each given a particular region to explore for 24 hours.
This was #DigitalDay. A 24-hour period to explore and shoot and preserve the moment is photographic history.
I was given the honour of exploring Southern Georgia, and all the hidden gems in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region.
Caption: Akhaltsikhe Castle
Picture of Akhaltsikhe Castle
Caption: Akhaltsikhe Castle, also known as Rabati Castle, is a medieval fortress from the 9th century.
The original name was Lomsia, which means "lion" in Georgian.
Picture of Akhaltsikhe Castle
Picture of Akhaltsikhe Castle
Picture of Akhaltsikhe Castle
Caption: Sapara
Monastery
Picture of Sapara Monastery
Caption: Sapara Monastery is a Georgian Orthodox monastery hidden away in the trees and mountains of the region.
It has existed since at least the 9th century and many of the monks from here have risen to be hugely important figures in the religious history of the country.
Picture of Sapara Monastery
Caption: Khertvisi
Fortress
Picture of Khertvisi Fortress
Video of Khertvisi Fortress
Caption: Khertvisi Fortress is one of the oldest fortresses in Georgia.
The first metioned was from the 10th century, and the church within the complex was built in 985.
The current fortress walls date from 1354.
Picture of Khertvisi Fortress
Caption: Vardzia
Picture of Vardzia
Caption: Perhaps the jewel of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region is the stunning are of Vardzia.
At the end of a river valley, cut into the Erusheti Mountain, is a cave monastery city.
Most of the construction and excavation happened in the latter half of the 12th century.
The caves stretch half a kilometre along the side of the mountain and can have up to 19 levels.
A small number of monks still live and work here.
Picture of Vardzia
Picture of Vardzia
Video of Vardzia
Caption: Exploring the caves and passageways of Vardzia.
Picture of Vardzia
Caption: Even if you have nothing on your itinerary and are just passing through southern Georgia, the natural landscapes of Samtskhe-Javakheti are a sight to behold.
Picture of Saro
Caption: The nature in this region can leave you standing in awe.
Picture of Paravani Lake
Caption: A river winds its way into the Paravani Lake.
Picture of Vardzia
Caption: A vulture takes off along the Kura River valley.
Picture of Samtskhe-Javakheti
Caption: Thank you for taking the time to read my story.
I hope you are inspired to visit the country of Georgia one day and create your own Steller stories about your adventures!
For more information on visiting this beautiful country, visit georgia.travel.
Caption: #EmotionsAreGeorgia
#DigitalDaysCountryofGeorgia
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