5 / 5 - One review
How to get there
1 hour north of Tbilissi by road
When to go
All year round
Minimum stay
One day
Ananuri (Georgia)
©
Nicolas Landru
Practical information on Ananuri
Reviews of Ananuri
Ananuri, a highlight of the Georgian Military Road, is a symbolic place for the country. This ecclesiastical fortress which dominates over Lake Jinvali is incredibly photogenic.
My suggestion:
Explore all of the nooks and crannies of the fortress, and, in particular the little church: it is full of mediaeval frescos in excellent condition! Also, go to the tower to admire the view over the lake and the ruins of the town.
My review
Ananuri makes the cover of many tourist posters about Georgia. Is it surprising? This church fortress signifies a large part of the country's attractions! Situated in the heart of the Aragvi Valley, on of the most famous in the Greater Caucasus, on the legendary Georgian Military Road which leads to Kazbegi and to Vladikavkaz in Russia, combines military art with religious art, mountain architecture with that of the lowlands.
The geographical location of the Ananuri church-fortress, above the Jinvali Lake, mixed with its appearance of a fortified castle with defensive towers and orthodox churches, makes it truly spectacular. Besides, it is easy to access: you can just stop of the main road to get there...
Inside the complex, the two churches (from the 13th and 17th centuries) are little jewels, as well as the defensive tower which foreshadowed the mountain villages of the Greater Caucasus. I went up the tower within the walls for a view point. Below, the tower helped me discover an even more vast archaeological site: the ruins and the foundations allow you to imagine the era when Ananuri was a prosperous town...
©
Nicolas Landru
