There are sites in Georgia that can be visited all year round. Of course, every season has its own colors and peculiarities, that’s why it’s so interesting to visit Georgia at different times of the year! Kakheti is one of the most remarkable regions of Georgia, with a plethora of historical and natural sites, and of course, wine. So, what can be seen in Kakheti in the winter? The best option to help you explore the many Kakhetian landmarks is to rent a car (with or without a driver) and travel around the towns, villages and monasteries, managing your time in your own way.

The list of must-visit sites includes:

1. The Ikalto monastery complex, founded in the 6th century. In the early Middle Ages, the complex was turned into an educational center and became home to Georgian philosopher Arsen Ikaltoeli. The great Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli also studied there.

2. The complex of Alaverdi (6th century) was founded by Assyrian Father Josef from Alaverdi, who is buried in the monastery. The St. George Cathedral was built by Kakhetian King Kvirike in the 11th century. It is 50 m high. The cathedral has retained remains of artwork of the 11th and 15 – 16th centuries. In the past, Alaverdi underwent several restorations: The battle-damaged cathedral was first restored in 1476-95; in the 17th century it was rebuilt by Persians; and fi nally in 1742 a strong earthquake destroyed the dome – the restoration was concluded by King Erekle II in 1750.

3. The Gremi monastery complex, located in Kvareli district, dates back to the 16th century. The historical complex consists of three parts: the Archangel Cathedral, the royal residence and the area where the merchants lived. In the 17th century, Gremi was the capital of Kakheti. For many years it had a booming cultural life, but as a result of internal strife and the invasion of Shah Abbas, the ancient town was destroyed.

4. Batonistsikhe in Telavi. This fortress was the residence of the Kings of Kakheti in the 17-18th centuries. In 1667, King Archil built a palace, a bath and a church there. The fortifi cation and construction of some household premises were built during the reign of Erekle II, who transformed the castle into his residence.

5. Fortress Khornabuji once served as the center of another historical Kakhetian area, Kambechovani, and has always had great strategic importance. In the 18th century, it was severely damaged by the Mongol army commanded by Berqa Khan. By the beginning of the 17th century it had been taken and garrisoned by the Persians and was only liberated from invaders by Giorgi Saakadze in 1625.

6. The Ujarma Fortress in Sagarejo. Its founder is thought to have been King Aspagur and in the 5th century King Vakhtang Gorgasali (founder of Tbilisi) declared the fortress city as his residence. This is a very interesting complex from an architectural perspective. Based on historical sources, Gorgasali was wounded in battle, brought to Ujarma and then passed away there.

7. The Nekresi monastery complex, located in Kvareli district, includes a small basilica of the 4th century, a three-church basilica of the 6th century, a peculiarly planned domed church of the 8-9th centuries, a palace of the same period, refectory, a tower of the 16th century, and more. There are interesting pieces of Georgian wall artwork of the Medieval era. Nekresi is the only Christian church where the parish can sacrifi ce pigs to God. As legend has it, during an invasion of Muslim Lezghins, the villagers found refuge within the walls of the monastery. Knowing the disgust Muslims felt for pigs, they killed them and spread the skins around the convent. The invaders were unwilling to step on the pigskin and gave up the siege. Since then, local Kakhetians sacrifi ce pigs to express their gratitude for the miraculous escape. Nowadays Nekresi is a functioning monastery.

8. Bodbe Cathedral, where St. Nino is buried. The beautiful area around the cathedral and the park are calming and peaceful. The frescoes of Bodbe are fairly new, but beautiful and located in such a way you can see all the main motifs of the New Testament. After Bodbe, head to Sighnaghi where you can explore the fascinating exhibition of the Ethnographic Museum, rare paintings by Niko Pirosmani, enjoy the regional wines and marvelous view of mountains and the Alazani Valley. Sighnaghi is charming anytime, even when snow-covered!

9. Vashlovani National Park is also good in winter. Before arriving at one of the entrances to the park, you need to register at the visitor center in Dedoplistskaro (Baratashvili Str. 5). Please have your identity document with you. The registration process is short, and the trip to the park is totally worth it – there is a very interesting landscape! At some points it’s hard to believe you are in Georgia – after all, the stories you’ve heard don’t usually include canyons, caves and mud volcanoes, do they? Inspire yourself before the visit by checking out the Vashlovani route on the TravelGIS page.

10. If you’re not bothered by wind (Kakheti in winter can be windy), and you like ancient monasteries, caves, beautiful stories and Martian landscapes, then head to David Gareji – a cave monastery on the border with Azerbaijan. You will also be surprised to see the ancient rainwater collectors and solar panels on the roof of the restored church, and astonished by the frescoes in the caves and epic views of Georgia on the one side and Azerbaijan on the other!