Intent on seeing the Goris Cave Dwellings, we embarked on an overnight trip which would take us out to Akhaltsikhe and back again seeing the beautiful terrain, wonderous caves and some more fantastic monestaries and cathedrals.
The Goris Caves are thought to have been in use since the 4th Century BC with the area and features of the caves increasing over time. They are inhabited, albeit sparsely, even now with 5 Orthodox monks living on the premesis today. The caves were used as fortress, habitation and religious activity at various times over the years. They were each carved from the soft volcanic rock. They span an area of approximately 10 stories in height and half a mile in length. I love cave dwellings, so get ready for lots of pics!
We had a special treat overnight, as our hotel was just outside the entrance to the Akhaltsikhe castle and still inside the castle walls. Our guide was very knowlegeable but basically we were just overwhelmed again and again by the natural beauty of this country. The tour guides will tell you how many different groups have occupied Georgian lands over the centuries and tried to keep it for their own. Riding about amongst the gurgling rivers, green hills, and majestic peaks, it is not difficult to understand why. The Georgians have maintained a very strong sense of identity, however, and are dermined to continue to be Georgian. Whatever it takes.
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, site of the first seat of Christianity in Georgia, sits at the center of the town of Mtskheta. We are viewing it here from the Monestary on the hill above. Apparently, back in the day, there was a zipline carrying supplies (and people) between the twoSvetitskhoveli Cathedral from outside the old walls. It happened to be the weekend before Easter (orthodox) when we were there and the parishoners were attending masses that can last up to 5 hours. There are no pews in the Georgian Orthodox churches and people stand and walk around during the masses.The Georgian version of Prometheus stands in Borjormi Central ParkAccessed from the extensive grounds of a ritzy hotel (we had to buy a coffee so we could walk the grounds), this is a former Romanove palace that was co-opted by Stalin, who was obviously living just like one of the people. It is defunct at this time and stands closed to the public.Soviet era train station out in the country, fallen into a bit of a state of disrepair….The whimsical Akhaltsikhe castle has been many things over time, a Christian Monestary, an Islamic school, and not sure what else. Our guide says it has been updated very recently so not neccessarily “authentic” but a beautiful place to wander around and take pictures. Inside the complex, this mosque was modelded after the Hagia Sofia in Istanbul.Akhaltsikhe view.So many stunning viewpoints inside AkhaltsikheAkhaltsikhe Gardens also lovely with view of countrysideApparently, the Soviets were quite fond of running gas and water lines above ground. WE have seen this in many of the former soviet areas, the yellow pipes on the left are water and the red on the right are gas. Very strange thing to see.Me exploring Akhaltsikhe CastleApparently, during the time that there was an Islamic school on the grounds, this beautifully carved area served as the game room, or social relaxation spaceThis is an important place in the history of the Georgian Orthodox religion. According to the story, Steve enjoying a rest on some 4th century ruins in the hillsFabulous Viewpoing of the Goris Cave DwellingsHere we are inside the cave complex.As you can see, the carved rooms were pretty extensive. This one even has benches for gatheringI just love contemplating what life might have been like here. They certainly had a nice view.Amazing, this is actually an active chapel in the complexThis little carved house is actually where they would keep a body after someone died before bringing it down from the mountain to bury.Again, so extensive, this is a room down in the tunnels.Our guide took us on a secret staircase that went all the way through the many levels of the system and out at the bottom.There are actually 5 Orthodox monks inhabiting the caves today. Here we can see a private residence where tourists are not welcome but looks like he has a very pleasant balcony!More large chambers for activities or living, but probably for activities given the size of the spaceThese two rooms had a window in between. They are very large chambers so probably used for something other than sleeping. Note Steve waving to me from the next chamberMost of these rooms would have had wooden doors back in the height of the complex’s use. Here you can see one of the cave entryways with door in tact. Not sure if this is original door.Typical entryway. Earthquakes have nibbled away at the face of the dwellings and many just have a hole where the door was but they probably mostly would have had more extensive entryways like the one shown here.Enjoying a fabulous fish lunch with our guide, Vazha after seeing the caves.Little castle we stopped to get a pic of on the side of the road
Kathleen
