Mtskheta-Mtianeti Region

    Mtskheta-Mtianeti-is a region in eastern Georgia comprising the town of Mtskheta, which serves as a regional capital, together with its district and the adjoining mountainous areas. Area - 805,5 sq.km. Population - 65,200. Average summer temperature: +25, +35◦. Average winter temperature: - 1, 10◦ The district and regional center – Mtskheta, (the number of population - 7, 7 00)
Health Resorts: Prophylactic and cardiologic resorts in Saguramo and Karsani. Prophylactic and climatic resorts in Tskhvarichamia, Zedazeni, Tsitsamuri, Tserovani and Tskhvarichamia. 

                                                                  General city and resorts of region                 

    Mtskheta-one of the oldest cities of the country of Georgia is located approximately 20 kilometers north of Tbilisi at the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. The city is now the administrative centre of the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region. Due to its historical significance and numerous ancient monuments, the "Historical Monuments of Mtskheta" became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. Remains of towns at this location have been dated to earlier than the year 1000 BC, and Mtskheta was capital of the early Georgian Kingdom of Iberia during the 3rd century BC – 5th century AD.

    Gudauri-is a ski resort located on the southern slopes of The Greater Caucasus Mountain Range in Georgia. The resort is situated in the Stepantsminda District, along the Georgian Military Highway near the Cross Pass, at an elevation of 2,196 meters above sea level. Gudauri lies 120 km to the north of the capital Tbilisi. The trip from Tbilisi to Gudauri usually takes two hours by car. The resort offers high quality skiing opportunities. The slopes of Gudauri are completely above the tree line and are best for free-riders and are generally considered to be avalanche-safe. The ski season lasts from December to April. 

    Stepantsminda-is a small town in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region of north-eastern Georgia. Historically and ethnographically, the town is part of the Khevi province. It is the center of the Kazbegi Municipality. The town is located along the banks of the Thergi River, 157 kilometers (98 miles) to the north of Tbilisi at an elevation of 1,740 meters (5,710 feet) above sea level. Stepantsminda’s climate is moderately humid with relatively dry, cold winters and long and cool summers.

    Shatili-is a historic highland village in Georgia. It is located on the northern slope of the Greater Caucasus mountains, in the historical Georgian province of Upper Khevsureti, which is now part of the modern-day region of Mtskheta-Mtianeti. Located in the deep Arghuni gorge at approximate 1,400 meters, the village is actually a unique complex of medieval-to-early modern fortresses and fortified dwellings of stone and mortar which functioned both as a residential area and a fortress guarding the northeastern outskirts of the country.

                                           Architectural monuments of the region

    Svetitskhoveli-Cathedral northwest of the nation's capital of Tbilisi. Svetitskhoveli, known as the burial site of Christ's mantle, has long been the principal Georgian church and remains one of the most venerated places of worship to this day. 
The current cathedral was built in the 11th century by the Georgian architect Arsukisdze, though the site itself is even older dating back to the early 4th century and is surrounded by a number of legends associated primarily with the early Christian traditions. It is the second largest church building in the country is listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other historical monuments of Mtskheta.

    Jvari-is a Georgian Orthodox monastery of the 6th century near Mtskheta. Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, eastern Georgia. For another, Jerusalem-located Georgian monastery with the same name, see Monastery of the Cross. Jvari Monastery stands on the rocky mountaintop at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, overlooking of Mtskheta, which was formerly the capital of the Kingdom of Iberia. According to traditional accounts, on this location in the early 4th century Saint Nino. The cross was reportedly able to work miracles and therefore drew pilgrims from all over Caucasus. Jvari was listed together with other monuments of Mtskheta in 1996 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    Shio-Mgvime-is a medieval monastic complex in Georgia, near the town of Mtskheta. It is located in a narrow limestone canyon on the northern bank of the river Mtkvari some 30 km from Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital. According to a historic tradition, the first monastic community at this place was founded by the 6th-century monk Shio, one of the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers. The church has an octagonal dome covered with a conic floor and once housed a masterfully ornate stone iconostasis which is now on display at the Art Museum of Georgia in Tbilisi.

    Ananuri-is a castle complex on the Aragvi River about 45 miles from Tbilisi.Ananuri was a castle and seat of the eristavis (Dukes) of Aragvi, a feudal dynasty which ruled the area from the 13th century. The castle was the scene of numerous battles. The fortifications consist of two castles joined by a crenellated curtain wall. The upper fortification with a large square tower, known as Sheupovari, is well-preserved and is the location of the last defense of the Aragvi against the Shamshe. The lower fortification, with a round tower. In 2007, the complex has been on the tentative list for inclusion into the UNESCO World Heritage Site program.

    Gergeti-is a popular name for Holy Trinity Church near the village of Gergeti in the Georgia. The church is situated on the right bank of the river Chkheri. At an elevation of 2170 meters, under Mount Kazbegi. 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 church is a popular waypoint for trekkers in the area, and can be reached by a steep 3 hour climb up the mountain, or around 30 minutes by jeep up a rough mountain trail. 

     Mount Kazbek-is a dormant stratovolcano and one of the major mountains of the Caucasus It is the third highest mountain in Georgia and the seventh highest peak in the Caucasus Mountains. The summit lies directly to the west of the town of Stepantsminda and is the most prominent geographic feature of the area. Kazbek is located on the Khokh Range, a mountain range which runs north of the Greater Caucasus Range, and which is pierced by the gorges of the Ardon and the Terek.whose base lies at an altitude of 1,770 meters (5,800 feet).

    Bazaleti Lake-is a lake in eastern Georgia some 60 km northwest of the nation's capital Tbilisi. The surface area of the lake is 1.22 km². and its maximum depth is 7 m. The area around the lake housed a flourishing medieval town and is surrounded by many legends. Currently, the area is a popular recreational area served by a modern tourist complex. According to local legend, a golden-haired child is lying in a golden crib on the bottom of the lake. The lake was formed from his mother's tears. The story is retold in a Georgian poem.

    Trusso-is a mountain valley in the Caucasus. It is situated on the territory of Georgia. Trusso in the gorge rises from the glaciers of the nearby mountain range is one of the river Terek Kazbek. Trusso only about 2379 m high pass cross over which runs the Georgian Military Road, accessible.