About Georgian Chacha
Chacha (Georgian: ჭაჭა) is a strong spirit made of the grape residue (pomace) left after making wine. Chacha is often made at home in a mini still. By the American definition, it qualifies as “moonshine” but unlike the production of “moonshine” in the United States, distilling chacha is not illegal in Georgia and many families continue the tradition. To most … Continue reading
About Development – Tbilisi Public Service Hall
The largest public service hall in Georgia officially opened in Tbilisi on 21 September 2012. Designed by the Italian architect Massimiliano Fuksas it is a stunning example of contemporary architecture in Georgia. The concept of the Public Service Hall is a Georgian innovation that has attracted much interest from other countries and Public Service Award from the United … Continue reading
About History – “Oath and Silver Eaten”
Hidden away from the outside world and only accessible by road for five to six months a year is the extraordinary land of the Khevsurs – Khevsureti. It is a place where ancient pagan traditions survive, and medieval fortress towers stand testament to centuries of conflict with neighbors and peoples of the North Caucasus. The practice of raiding each … Continue reading
About Architecture – Restoration of Dartlo Village
Earlier this year the Municipal Development Fund of Georgia (MDF) launched a project to restore the vernacular architecture of the medieval village of Dartlo village in Tusheti. The initiative is part of a larger project, called “Kakheti Regional Development Project” that is developing tourism in Kakheti. Dartlo village is one of the most beautiful villages in Tusheti. Situated … Continue reading
About Achievements – Restoration of Telavi
Celebrations were held in the town of Telavi in Georgia’s Kakheti Region to mark the completion of the first stage of the restoration of the town. Telavi (Georgian: თელავი) is the largest town in Georgia’s Kakheti region. Restoration works began in March of this year and stage 1 (the town center) was completed in September. An electric … Continue reading
About Recreation – “Aqua Lazika”
The most advanced water park in Eastern Europe has opened in Georgia’s newest city, Anaklia City Resort, on the Black Sea coast. Officially opened by Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili in August, the water park features a host of exciting water slides, including Family Rattler™, Master Blaster®, Boomerango™, AquaPlay AP350, AquaLoop™, Family Wave Pool, Inner-Tube Slides, Speed … Continue reading
About Architecture – Sarpi Border Checkpoint
Located on the Black Sea coast, at the border between Turkey and Georgia, the Sarpi Border Checkpoint is a stunning example of contemporary Georgian architecture. Designed by J. MAYER H. architects and completed in November 2011, the 40 meter high tower consists of multiple levels overlooking the Black Sea coastline. Sarpi is a major business travel … Continue reading
About Culture – Atengenoba Festival
Around 100 days after Easter an ancient festival called “Atengenoba” (Georgian: ათენგენობა) takes place in villages in Tusheti (Georgian: თუშეთი), an isolated mountainous region in the north east of Georgia where life has remained largely unchanged for centuries. Although the Tush are Christian, their culture has retained elements of Georgia’s pre-Christian beliefs and pagan practices still persist. Each village … Continue reading
About Sights – Uplistsikhe Cave City
Literally meaning ‘fortress of the lord’, Uplistsikhe (Georgian: უფლისციხე) dates back as far as the Iron Age and is one of the oldest urban settlements in Georgia. Situated 10 km east of the town of Gori on a rocky promontory above the river Mtkvari, the city stood directly on the path of the old Silk Road and was … Continue reading
About Art – “Statue of Love” in Batumi
A 7 meter steel sculpture of a man and a woman stands on the seashore boulevard of Batumi (Georgian: ბათუმი) on the Black Sea coast of Georgia. Created by Georgian artist Tamar Kvesitadze (Georgian: თამარ კვესიტაძე), the figures move toward each other and merge into one piece every 10 minutes. The Statue of Love sculpture (Georgian: სიყვარულის ქანდაკება) is inspired by the … Continue reading
About Architecture – New Bridge over the River Borjomula
A new pedestrian bridge is to be built across the River Borjomula near Borjomi Park in the spa town of Borjomi (Georgian: ბორჯომი) in Samtskhe – Javakheti region of Georgia. Borjomi is famous for its mineral springs which were discovered over one thousand years ago. The water is of volcanic origin, pushed up to the surface from 1500m below ground by … Continue reading
About Sights – Okatse Canyon
Construction of a new tourist attraction at Okatse Canyon (Georgian: ოკაცეს კანიონი) in Imereti region in Georgia started this month. A 1km long walkway suspended along the edge of the canyon will enable visitors to explore this natural wonder and its beautiful waterfalls. The facilities will include a visitor center, exhibition hall, a café, and an … Continue reading
About Sights – Katskhis Sveti
Katskhis (Georgian: კაცხის სვეტი) is a limestone rock pillar located at the village of Katskhi in the western Georgian region of Imereti, close to the town of Chiatura. The 40 metres (130 ft) high rock has been venerated as the Pillar of Life, symbolizing the True Cross. It remained unclimbed by researchers until 1944. The location is not characteristic for churches … Continue reading
About Achievements – Gallup Poll Confirms Georgia’s High Level of Citizen Safety
Research conducted by Gallup Poll in 2011, finds that citizens of Georgia have the highest feeling of personal security among citizens of 143 countries in the world. Georgia is now one of the safest places in Europe and its capital, Tbilisi, has become one of the safest capitals in the Western world. Significant improvements in public safety … Continue reading
About Sights – Rabati Castle – A Jewel in the Crown
The President of Georgia described the recently restored Rabati Castle as a “crown of restoration in Georgia”. Built in the 13th century, Rabati castle developed under the influence of different cultures over subsequent centuries and this is reflected in its architecture. Within the 7 hectares castle complex there is a Church, a Mosque, a Minaret and a Synagogue. … Continue reading
About Tbilisi – A Smart City
In his blog, “Smart Cities for Dummies,” published last November, Dan Hoornweg contends: “At its core a smart city is a welcoming, inclusive city, an open city. By being forthright with citizens, with clear accountability, integrity, and fair and honest measures of progress, cities get smarter.” Tbilisi is fast becoming known as a smart city … Continue reading
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