Things to do in Kvemo Aranisi

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Georgia

Ananuri Fortress Complex

Ananuri Fortress Complex is located on the banks of the Aragvi River, approx. 70 km north of Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, and adjacent to the Zhinvali Reservoir. It is a nearly unavoidable stop when traveling north along the Georgian Military Highway toward Kazbegi. Since the 13th century, this has been a castle and military fortress for the feudal lords of the Aragvi dynasty, with the existing walls and main structures mostly dating back to the 16th–17th centuries. It consists of two castles, upper and lower, and continuous walls. The lower castle with its round tower is now just ruins, while the side along the ridge, along with the square Sheupovari tower, is well-preserved. Climbing the tower offers a panoramic view of the turquoise Zhinvali Reservoir and the mountains on the opposite bank. The scene featuring the walls, church domes, and the surrounding landscape makes this a popular location for travelers in Georgia.

Zhinvali Water Reservoir

Zhinvali Water Reservoir is an artificial lake in the Caucasus Mountains of Georgia, formed by a hydroelectric dam built on the Aragvi River during the Soviet era. The dam is over 100m high. Construction began in the 1970s and was completed in the 1980s. In addition to generating electricity, it also supplies drinking water to Tbilisi. The reservoir's water is a turquoise blue-green all year round, and its narrow, long surface winds through the mountains. On sunny days, the lake is as smooth as a mirror, reflecting the shadows of the mountains and clouds. It is one of the classic stops on the way from Tbilisi north to Kazbegi and Gudauri via the Georgian Military Highway, and most day tours stop here for sightseeing after entering the mountains.

No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Georgia

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is located in Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia, approx. 20 km from the capital, Tbilisi, and is one of the largest surviving medieval church structures in Georgia. It is renowned for its magnificent stone architecture and exquisite carved decorations. The building features a traditional Georgian cross-dome layout, with a towering central dome and heavy stone walls that create a solemn appearance. The exterior walls are decorated with crosses, reliefs, arched windows, and symbolic stone carvings, showcasing the unique style of medieval Georgian architectural art. The interior of the cathedral preserves murals, religious icons, and historical relics, with some decorations reflecting artistic styles and religious traditions from different periods.

Ananuri

Lake Ananuri is located about 70 kilometers north of the Georgian capital Tbilisi, and is the only way from Tbilisi to the Kazbegi Mountains area in the north. A very famous scenic spot on the shore of Ananuri Lake belongs to the Ananuri Castle at the western end of the lake, which has been included in the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 2007.

No. 18 of Best Things to Do in Georgia

Jvari Monastery

Jvari Monastery stands on a rocky hilltop overlooking the ancient city of Mtskheta. At the foot of the mountain lies the confluence of the Aragvi and Kura rivers. From the platform in front of the church, you can look down at the two rivers flowing together. When the water levels are right, their distinct colors are visible, and you can take in the rooftops of the ancient city and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral on the opposite bank. Inside the church, beneath the dome, the stone pedestal that once held Saint Nino's Cross remains, now topped with a wooden cross. The lintel on the south facade features a relief of two angels holding up a cross, while the east wall displays statues of the nobles who funded the church's construction and ancient Georgian inscriptions, all of which are worth a closer look. It remains a pilgrimage site for the Georgian Orthodox Church to this day, and the views of the river confluence and the panoramic cityscape are best captured in the soft light of early morning or evening.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Georgia

Chronicles of Georgia

Chronicles of Georgia stands on the top of Ghani Hill in the northern suburbs of Tbilisi, right next to the Tbilisi sea, and is a massive sculpture complex that sculptor Zurab Tsereteli began building in 1985. 16 bronze pillars, each approx. 35 m high, form an open array on the vast hilltop, looking like Stonehenge from a distance, and are therefore also known as the "Chronicles of Georgia". The pillars are covered with bronze reliefs from bottom to top: the lower sections depict biblical stories and the life of Christ, while the upper sections feature Georgian kings, queens, commanders, saints, and poets, interspersed with scenes of daily life such as grape harvests and festive feasts. Beside the pillar array stand the Grapevine Cross of Saint Nino and the Church of the Annunciation.

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Georgia

Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi

Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi stands on Elia Hill on the left bank of the Mtkvari River and is the main cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church. The church adopts the traditional Georgian cross-dome architectural style, with the central dome covered in gold leaf and a gilded cross standing at the top, reaching a total height of nearly 100 m including the underground section. Thanks to its massive size and commanding position, its golden dome can be seen from almost anywhere in the city of Tbilisi. The interior of the church is also worth a close look. In the northeast corner, there is a mosaic icon of the Virgin Mary; the southeast corner houses a display case with a cross and a handwritten Bible; and the northwest corner displays a model of the holy city of Jerusalem made of mica. The church also has several chapels underground, and the main murals were painted by contemporary Georgian artists in a traditional style. In addition to the main cathedral, the entire complex includes auxiliary facilities such as a separate bell tower, a monastery, and a seminary, which are quite impressive in scale. As the mother church of the Georgian Orthodox Church, the cathedral hosts Orthodox rituals and religious activities all year round. The interior murals and mosaic decorations create a solemn religious atmosphere, and from the cathedral's platform, you can overlook the city of Tbilisi and the scenery on both banks of the Kura River.

Zhinvali Dam

No. 16 of Best Things to Do in Georgia

Tbilisi sea

Tbilisi sea is a large artificial reservoir located in the northeastern suburbs of Tbilisi. Built in the 1950s, it still serves as a source of urban water supply. Beaches, lawns, and walking paths are distributed around the lake, making it a popular spot for locals to cool off and play in the water during the summer: some sunbathe on the beach or go swimming, while others have picnics or play beach volleyball. Sailboats, jet skis, and water skis can often be seen crossing the lake, and interested visitors can also find places to experience water sports by the lakeside. In the evening, the lake surface reflects the distant mountains and the setting sun, making it very pleasant to sit on the shore and watch the sunset.

No. 3 of Night Attractions in Georgia

Bridge of Peace

Bridge of Peace is a pedestrian bridge over the Kura River in downtown Tbilisi, featuring an arched body with a steel frame and glass canopy. The bridge is approximately 150m long, connecting Rike Park on the riverbank with the streets of the Old Town, and is also considered a pedestrian passage between the new city and the old city. It was designed by an Italian architect. The entire steel structure was prefabricated in Italy and then transported to Tbilisi for on-site assembly. After its completion in 2010, it quickly became a highly recognizable modern landmark of the city. Its rounded, undulating shape is often compared to a marine creature arching its back, which is why it earned the nickname "Shrimp Bridge."