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12 იანვარი 2016
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Gergeti Trinity Church - one of the World's most beautiful churches
It is possibly the setting, in the green and white Caucasus mountains, below the summit of Mt Kazbegi, that makes Gergeti Trinity Church quite so magnificent. Dating from the 14th century, it has a separate bell tower, and is often used as a navigation point for trekkers, who make a three-hour mountain climb to reach it. While religious services were banned during the Soviet era, it is once again used as a place of worship.
Gergeti Trinity Church is a popular name for Holy Trinity Church near the village of Stepantsminda in Georgia. The church is situated on the right bank of the river Chkheri (the left tributary of the river Terek), at an elevation of 2170 meters, under Mount Kazbegi.
From Stepantsminda, , you can hike to Gergety Holy Trinity Church at 2170 meters. The walk is about 6.5 km up, and the same way back. One way takes about 1.5 hours of walking. If you are not used to trekking in the mountains, there are special 4X4 taxi's going up. Even if you are not an enthusiastic hiker, the hike up to Gergeti Trinity church is very nice. The view of the church, and mount Kazbegi, from the opposite hill is magnificent. There is no need of guide. Ypu have to take some water and snacks with you, because there are no any shops near the church.
The Gergeti Trinity Church was built in the 14th century, and is the only cross-cupola church in Khevi province. The separate belltower dates from the same period as the church itself. Its isolated location on top of a steep mountain surrounded by the vastness of nature has made it a symbol for Georgia. The 18th century Georgian author Vakhushti Batonishvili wrote that in times of danger, precious relics from Mtskheta, including Saint Nino's Cross were brought here for safekeeping. During the Soviet era, all religious services were prohibited, but the church remained a popular tourist destination. The church is now an active establishment of the Georgian Orthodox and Apostolic Church
Source: Telegraph. Wikipedia
