Gergeti Trinity Church

The church stands on a broad green plateau enclosed by a stone wall. The complex includes the main temple with a conical dome and a separate bell tower – both built from massive grey-beige stone blocks. The facades feature carved bas-reliefs with crosses and floral patterns. Inside, it's dim: narrow windows let in little light, and the walls bear remnants of 16th-century frescoes. The altar area is lit by candles. Photography inside is not permitted.

From the terrace in front of the church, there are views down to Stepantsminda (~400 m below), the Tergi River valley, and the surrounding Greater Caucasus ridges. On a clear day, the icy dome of Mount Kazbek is visible directly behind the church – for the classic postcard shot, climb another 10–15 minutes uphill to the viewpoint above. Morning sun lights the eastern facade; at sunset, the church turns golden-pink.

The hiking trail from Gergeti village starts along a dirt road between houses, then emerges onto an open slope with valley views. The final section is a steep climb across meadows. Along the way, you'll pass old watchtowers. The area around the church is covered in alpine meadows – carpeted with wildflowers in spring and summer.

Elevation – 2,170 m above sea level, ~400 m above Stepantsminda

Age – built in the 14th century, the only cross-dome church in the historic Khevi province

Frescoes – 16th-century wall paintings survive inside, rare for mountain churches in Georgia

Relic vault – during invasions, sacred relics from Mtskheta were hidden here, including the Cross of Saint Nino

Backdrop – direct view of Mount Kazbek's glacier and summit (5,047 m) in clear weather

Access – 1–1.5 hours on foot, 10–15 minutes by 4x4 from town

The church was built in the 14th century by an unknown architect. According to local legend, villagers could not agree on a location for the temple until a wise man from Mtskheta pointed to this mountain ledge. It became the only cross-dome church in the Khevi province. During dangerous periods – Persian, Mongol, and Ottoman invasions – the most important relics of the Georgian Church were transported here from the capital Mtskheta for safekeeping, including the Cross of Saint Nino. The two-storey structure and fortified wall provided shelter for people and valuables.

During the Soviet era, the church was closed and abandoned. Services resumed after Georgia gained independence in 1991. Today, several monks reside at the church and regular services are held. In 2018, a paved road from Stepantsminda was completed, significantly improving access but sparking debate about preserving the site's atmosphere. As of 2025, parts of the church were undergoing restoration.

From Tbilisi to Stepantsminda (150 km, 3–3.5 hours):

– Shared minibus (marshrutka) from Didube bus station – 15–20 GEL (~$6–7), departs when full, every 30–60 min in summer

– Private taxi/transfer – 150–200 GEL (~$55–74) per car

– Car rental – road is paved, any car works; winter tyres required Nov–Mar

Along the way (stops):

Ananuri Fortress, Zhinvali Reservoir, Friendship Monument

From Stepantsminda to the church (3 km):

– On foot – 1–1.5 hours up, 40–60 minutes down. Start from the main square through Gergeti village

– 4x4 taxi – 25 GEL (~$9) per person or 70–100 GEL (~$25–37) per vehicle. Taxi stand on Stepantsminda's main square

– Regular cars cannot make the ascent – 4WD only

Season: May–October – dry trail, clear views. Peak wildflower bloom: June–July.

Time of day: early morning (before 9:00 AM) – fewest tourists and best chance of clear skies. Clouds often obscure Kazbek in the afternoon.

Duration: 3–4 hours with a hike. 1–1.5 hours if arriving by 4x4.

Avoid: mid-day in July–August (11:00 AM–4:00 PM) – tour groups and crowds. Winter (November–March) – trail is snow-covered, access may be closed; ascent only on foot or by 4x4 with chains. Trail is slippery and hazardous in rain.