#katskhi column

[artifacts-and-arthropods]

Medieval Hermitage atop Katskhi Pillar, in Georgia (South Caucasus), c. 800-900 CE: this church was built during the Middle Ages, and it sits atop an enormous limestone column that has been venerated as a "Pillar of Life" for thousands of years

Known as Katskhi Pillar (or Katskhis Sveti), this giant block of limestone is located in western Georgia (the country, not the state), about 10km from the town of Chiatura.

The church that stands atop Katskhi Pillar was originally constructed during the 9th-10th centuries CE. It was long used as a hermitage for Stylites, who are sometimes referred to as "Pillar Saints" -- Christian ascetics who lived, prayed, and fasted atop pillars, often in total isolation, in an effort to bring themselves closer to God. The Stylite tradition originated in Syria during the 5th century CE, when a hermit known as Simeon the Elder purportedly climbed up onto a pillar and then stayed there for nearly 40 years, giving rise (no pun intended) to Christian Stylitism.

Stylitism managed to survive for about 1,000 years after its inception, but it began to die out during the late Middle Ages, and by the end of the 16th century, it had essentially gone extinct.

Researchers don't really know how the monks who built this Medieval church originally gained access to the top of Katskhi Pillar, or how they were able to transport their building materials up to the top of the column. Evidence suggests that there were still monks/Stylites living atop Katskhi Pillar up until the 1400s, but the site was abandoned shortly thereafter. Georgia fell under Ottoman rule during the same period, but it's unclear whether or not that may have played a role in the abandonment of the site.

The hermitage at the top of Katskhi Pillar lay abandoned for nearly 500 years after that; no one was able to reach the top of the pillar, and very little was known about the ruins that lay scattered at the top, as knowledge of the site's origin/history was gradually lost over time. There are many local legends that ultimately arose in order to fill in those blanks.

The abandoned hermitage was not visited again until July 29th, 1944, when a mountaineer finally ascended to the top of the column with a small team of researchers, and the group was able to perform the first archaeological survey of the ruins. They found that the structure included three hermit cells, a chapel, a wine cellar, and a small crypt; within the crypt lay a single set of human remains, likely belonging to one of the monks who had inhabited the site during the Middle Ages.

A metal ladder (the "stairway to Heaven") was ultimately installed into the side of the pillar in order to make it easier for both researchers and tourists to gain access to the ruins.

The hermitage at the top of Katskhi Pillar actually became active again in the early 1990's, when a small group of monks attempted to revive the Stylite tradition. A Georgian Orthodox monk named Maxime Qavtaradze then lived alone at the top of Katskhi Pillar for almost 20 years, beginning in 1995 and ending with his death in 2014. He is now buried at the base of the pillar.

The hermitage is no longer accessible to the public, and it's currently uninhabited, but it is still visited by local monks, who regularly climb up to the church at the top of the pillar in order to pray. There is also an active monastery complex at the base of the pillar, where a temple known as the Church of the Simeon Stylites is located.

The Church of the Simeon Stylites: this church is located within an active monastery complex that has been built at the base of the pillar; several frescoes and religious icons decorate the walls of the church, and a small shrine containing a 6th century cross is located in the center

There are many lingering questions about the history of Katskhi Pillar, particularly during the pre-Christian era. There is at least some evidence suggesting that it was once the site of votive offerings to pagan deities, as a series of pre-Christian idols have been found buried in the areas that surround the pillar. According to local tradition, the pillar itself was once venerated by the pagan societies that inhabited the area, but it's difficult to determine whether or not those claims may simply be part of the mythos that surrounds Katskhi Pillar, particularly given its mysterious reputation.

Sources & More Info:

BBC: Georgia's Daring, Death-Defying Pilgrimage

CNN: Katskhi Pillar, the Extraordinary Church where Daring Monks Climb Closer to God

Radio Free Europe: Georgian Monk Renews Tradition, Lives Atop Pillar

Architecture and Asceticism (Ch. 4): Stylitism as a Cultural Trend Between Syria and Georgia

Research Publication from the Georgian National Museum: Katskhi Pillar

Journal of Nomads: Katskhi Pillar, the Most Incredible Cliff Church in the World

Georgian Journal: Georgia's Katskhi Pillar Among World's 20 Wonderfully Serene and Secluded Places

[unknowntchiatura]

 ჭიათურის რაიონში მრავალი ისტორიული და არქიტექტურული ძეგლია, რაც ადასტურებს, რომ ამ მხარის მოსახლეობა საუკუნეების მანძილზე აქტიურად მონაწილეობდა ქართველი ხალხის მატერიალური და სულიერი კულტურის შექმნაში. ძეგლთა შორის რამოდენიმე უნიკალურია. განსაკუთრებულ ინტერესს იწვევს კაცხის სვეტი (სოფ. კაცხში). მდ. კაცხურას პირას აღმართულია ქვის გიგანტური, 40 მეტრამდე სიმაღლის სვეტი, რომლის თხემზე ასვლას მხოლოდ ალპინისტები ახერხებენ. საინტერესოა ვახუშტი ბატონიშვილის ცნობა სვეტის შესახებ: “ხრამსა შინა არს კლდე აყვანილი, ვითარცა სვეტი ფრიად მაღალი, მის კლდის თხემსა არს ეკლესია მცირე, არამედ ვერღარა აღვალს კაცი, არცა უწყიან ხელოვნება აღსვლისა”. კაცხის სვეტი საქართველოში ქრისტიანობის მიღებამდე ყოფილა საკულტო ნაგებობა, ქრისტიანობის დამკვიდრების შემდეგ აქ აუგიათ სამლოცველო, რასაც მოწმობს სვეტის აღმოსავლეთ მხარეზე ამოკვეთილი ბოლნური ჯვარი. სვეტის თხემზე ნა��ოვნია ორი პატარა ეკლესია, პირველი - V, მეორე - VI საუკუნეების; აკლდამა, მარნის ნაშთები და ქვევრები. კაცხის სვეტის სახელი დაკავშირებულია ერთ-ერთი ასირიელი მამის სვიმონ მესვეტეს სახელთან.

 There are many historical and architectural monuments in the Region of Chiatura, which proofs that population of this Georgian area, took active part in forming material and spiritual culture of the whole Georgian nation. Among these monuments several are unique, especially interesting is column of Katzki. One can see huge 10 sm. high column and to conquer this column is possible only for alpinists, the very interesting is information of Vakushti Bagrationi about it “inside the canyon there is the very rock, at the top of this rock is church, and no one can get there.” Before the Georgia had become Christian religion the column of Kazkhi had some spiritual meaning, on the east side of the rock is printed Bolnuri cross and on the top of it is found two little churches, the first one of fifth century and the second of sixth, there are found also tombs, the remaining of wine-cellar and pitchers. 

ჭიათურა. (2006). ჭიათურა: ჟურნალ-გაზეთის გამომცემლობა შპს “P.S.”-ის (”პოსტსკრიპტუმი”).

ფოტო ©: Tabagari

[g00glemaps]

Katskhi Column, Georgia.

[kochamchleb]

[newsagg]

Hidden in the countryside of the nation of Georgia, the 130-foot Katskhi pillar of rock is home to one of the world's most isolated churches, where monks make perilous ascents toward the heavens on a prayer pilgrimages. #katskhi #column #georiga #planets #largest #isolation #churches #journey - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOhTFA8xpPM

[quebeccharlie]

Overcast Clouds, 22°C

Katskhi Column, Georgien

Gemäß Wetterbericht soll es nun im zweiten Anlauf mit Swanetien klappen. Bei eher feuchtem Wetter stehen heute die gut 300km zurück nach Kutaissi an. Um die stark befahrene E60 zu umgehen, lasse ich mich von Google Maps auf eine kleine Straße etwas weiter nördlich lotsen. 

Auf dem Weg liegt das Säulenkloster  Kazchi, das Wetter n leichtem Nieselregen aber nicht allzu einladend für ausgiebige Besichtigungen ist.

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[tamboradventure]

My 15 Favorite Things to See and Do in Georgia

Posted: 12/28/2019 | December 28th, 2019

Once part of the Soviet Union, Georgia is a destination full of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and plenty of surprises. It’s home to an award-winning wine industry and the cool capital of Tbilisi, which has a stunning Old Town and vibrant nightlife.

And to top it all off, the Caucasus Mountains offer incredible hiking and climbing for anyone looking to explore the outdoors.

Georgia deserves all the praise it gets. It really is jam-packed with activities and attractions and is slowly starting to get on people’s radar. I loved my time there, and my only regret is that I didn’t have more of it (but I guess that’s just a reason to go back, right?).

It may not be one of the most obvious places to travel, but if you want an eclectic destination that doesn’t have a lot of crowds and is safe, inexpensive, and filled with great food and drink, Georgia is it! I can’t recommend it enough.

Here’s a list of what I consider to be some of the best things to see and do in Georgia:  

1. Visit Tbilisi

Georgia’s capital is home to just over a million people and has started to gain a reputation as a progressive city that offers an amazing blend of old and new.

Tbilisi is surrounded by hills, one of which is home to the ruins of Narikala Fortress, which dates back to the fourth century. Take the cable car up for amazing views overlooking the city and the Mtkvari River. And the restored historic Old Town is full of colorful window frames, gorgeous balconies, ornate spiral staircases, and intriguing alleyways to explore.

In contrast with this history, there are also lots of modern sights to see in Tbilisi, like the ultramodern bow-shaped Peace Bridge and a growing number of trendy bars and restaurants. If you’re looking to party the night away, be sure to visit Bassiani, one of the most popular nightclubs in town.  

2. Try a Sulfur Bath

Tbilisi is known for its sulfur baths, natural hot springs with minerals that are said to help with problems such as joint pain, arthritis, eczema, and dry skin. They have been a staple of the city since it was founded and are now a popular pastime for tourists and locals alike. (There are actually over two thousand mineral springs throughout Georgia, so you can have a spa day outside Tbilisi as well.)

The baths underneath the Narikala Fortress are the easiest place to try this popular Georgian tradition; you can also get a traditional scrub and massage. The baths are easy to spot: they have large brick domes rising out of the ground that cover the healing waters.

Expect to pay at least 50 GEL (Georgian lari) ($17 USD) for a budget bathhouse or 100 GEL ($34 USD) for a nicer one.  

3. The Chronicle of Georgia

Just outside Tbilisi, the Chronicle of Georgia is made up of 16 enormous pillars and columns with carved images that illustrate the nation’s history, each of which is over 30 meters tall! Some people call this “Georgia’s Stonehenge,” but there’s nothing ancient or mystical about it — the memorial was built in 1985 by a Georgian sculptor (although it was never finished).

It’s easy to reach the Chronicle by taking the metro and then walking a short distance. In addition to seeing this unusual monument (which is free), you’ll also get a beautiful view over the city and the Tbilisi Sea.  

4. See Mtskheta

Mtskheta was an ancient capital of Georgia and today is known as the religious center of the country. It’s about a half-hour north of Tbilisi and is home to historic churches and beautiful buildings from the Middle Ages (some of them are UNESCO World Heritage sites as well). The entire city was also declared a Holy City by the Georgian Orthodox Church in 2014.

One of the best things to do in Mtskheta is to go up to Jvari Monastery on the hilltop, most famous for being where Christianity was declared the official religion in 319 CE. The monastery itself was built in the sixth century and has survived nearly unchanged since then. From here you’ll be treated to stunning views over the town and the two rivers that meet at Mtskheta.

Also, don’t miss a visit to the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (which dates to the 11th century) and the fourth-century Samtavro Monastery.  

5. Eat Khachapuri

There are all kinds of traditional Georgian foods you can try, but the one that all visitors seem to leave Georgia raving about is khachapuri. It’s basically a cheesy bread that can come with various toppings and in various shapes, sometimes looking a bit like a pizza and other times more like a big bread roll.

Every region of Georgia has its own version, but probably the most famous is Adjarian khachapuri. It comes in a kind of boat shape and is first filled with cheese and then topped with an egg.

Another popular food you’ll want to try is kudari, which is a large leavened bread pocket stuffed with meat (usually pork or lamb) and vegetables.  

6. Visit the Vadrzia Cave Monastery

The Vadrzia Cave Monastery is located near Aspindza in the south of Georgia, about four hours from Tbilisi by car. It’s one of the most famous monasteries in the entire country. Built in the 11th century, it’s a system of caves dug into the side of Erusheli Mountain. Originally, the complex included 13 levels and over 6,000 apartments. These were used to help protect the locals from the Mongols, who ravaged the entire region in the 12th century.

These days — after earthquake damage and raids from invaders — there are around three hundred surviving apartments and halls that can still be accessed. Additionally, the underground Church of the Dormition is still intact, which is home to murals depicting historical scenes of Georgian royalty.  

7. Hit the Slopes

Georgia probably isn’t your first thought for a skiing holiday. However, the country is rapidly becoming well known in Europe and Asia as a fun and affordable ski destination, and more lifts are being added each season. It shares the highest mountain range in the region and has plenty of snow in the winter, making it a great place to ski. Plus, it’s a whole lot cheaper than many options in Europe.

At the moment there are four main ski resort areas: Gudauri, Mestia, Goderdzi, and Bakuriani. There’s even a ski school with English-speaking instructors in Gudauri, which is only a two-hour drive from Tbilisi. You can get lift passes for as little as 30 GEL ($10 USD).  

8. See the Katskhi Pillar

For a particularly unique sight, head to western Georgia’s Katskhi Pillar. This huge limestone monolith is a natural tower that stands over 130 feet high. You can reach Katskhi in a couple of hours from Batumi or in about three and a half hours from Tbilisi.

But that’s not all — built on the top of this narrow pillar is a church complex dating back to the seventh century. Until 2015, a monk actually lived up on top, but these days the monks sleep in the monastery at the bottom — and only monks are allowed to climb up the steel ladder on the side as part of their daily pilgrimage to pray in the church. The buildings were refurbished recently, and a visitor center is in the works.  

9. Go Hiking or Trekking

If you like hiking or trekking, then you’re going to love Georgia. The Caucasus Mountains stretch from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea — over 1,000km — so there are plenty of possibilities.

The most popular multi-day trek is walking from Mestia to Ushguli (4 days). There are enough villages along the route that you don’t need to camp. Not surprisingly, the scenery along the way is magnificent.

As Georgia is a hiker’s paradise, there are literally dozens of other hiking possibilities, so look around and see what kind of trek fits what you’re after. Some suggestions worth considering are Omalo to Shatili (5 days), Chaukhi Pass (1-2 days), and Svaneti to Racha (a challenging 3-4 days).  

10. Try Georgian Wine

It’s said that Georgia has the oldest winemaking history in the world. Georgians have been making wine for over 8,000 years, so you can bet they’re pretty good at it by now. They use qvevri (clay pots buried in the ground) to ferment grapes for a unique taste. The climate in Georgia is perfect for winemaking, too, so it’s no wonder that Georgian wine is starting to win awards internationally.

There are five main wine regions in Georgia, but the largest and most visited is Kakheti in the east. Technically you can make it a day trip from Tbilisi, but it deserves more than just a few hours. If you want to explore the vineyards, then pick either Sighnaghi or Telavi as a base.  

11. Explore the Coast

If you’re looking for some rest and relaxation, Georgia even has a beach resort region along the coast. At Batumi, located on the Black Sea, you’ll find subtropical temperatures perfect for swimming. It can get quite humid in summer too.

You can chill out at a beach resort near Batumi or explore some of the craziness this part of Georgia has to offer (it’s sometimes described as the Las Vegas of the Black Sea). The region is home to some unique architecture and a number of casinos, though it also has the enormous Batumi Botanical Gardens, which boasts one of the most diverse ranges of flora you’ll see in a botanical garden anywhere.  

12. Visit Gergeti Trinity Church

Built in the 14th century, this church tucked away near Mount Kazbek is perched almost 2,200 meters above sea level and draws crowds from all over the country. It’s one of the most picturesque spots in all of Georgia, offering stunning views of the mountain range (which you’ve probably seen on Instagram).

While you can visit on a day trip from Tbilisi, a better idea is to head to Stepantsminda and stay there overnight. That way, you can see the church in the morning (which offers great light for photos) while beating the tourist crowds that will eventually arrive from the capital.  

13. The Caves of Gareja

Located near the border with Azerbaijan, this is a Georgian Orthodox complex that dates back to the sixth century. Here you’ll find hundreds of small rooms, small chapels, churches, and monastic living quarters carved out of the rock face.

The monastery survived incursions from the Mongols and Persians but was shut down under Soviet rule and used for military training (which caused a lot of damage to the buildings).

Today, you can visit the complex on a day trip from Tbilisi. The journey takes around three hours by bus and bus tickets cost 25 GEL ($9 USD).  

14. Visit Gori

Gori is the hometown of Joseph Stalin, the brutal Soviet leader. Located 90 minutes from Tbilisi, the city is home to the popular Stalin Museum, which has lots of artifacts (including the wooden hut where he was born) and information about his life — all of it whitewashed and biased, of course.

Here you’ll also find a World War II museum that focuses on the achievements of the Red Army, as well as Gori Fortress, a citadel that dates back to the 17th century and offers a panoramic view of the region.

Although it’s close enough for a day trip from Tbilisi, you can stay in this small city of just 50,000 for a day or two if you want to get away from the crowds.  

15. Get Outdoors in Svaneti

This is one of the most beautiful regions in the entire country. Tucked away in the northwestern corner of Georgia, you’ll find many tiny villages and incredible hiking here. There are also several UNESCO heritage sites in the area, including watchtowers that date back to the 12th century. You’ll also be completely enveloped by the Caucasus Mountains, which provide both a picturesque backdrop and stunning views.

Stay in Mestia, a tiny village of fewer than 2,000 people, and head out on foot or by car to explore the region. You’ll also find some of the best cheese in the country, made by traditional methods kept alive by the Svans (an ethnic subgroup). The region is one of the most remote areas in Georgia — see it before the tourists arrive.

***

This list just scratches the surface when it comes to the incredible things to see and do that Georgia has to offer. There are dozens more historical sites, monasteries, caves, and castles to see and a whole lot more stunning landscapes to explore. (And the country is quite safe too.)

Whether you just have a few days to enjoy Tbilisi and its surroundings or a couple of weeks to cover more of rural Georgia too, you are not going to be disappointed!

Book Your Trip to Georgia: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation To find the best budget accommodation, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the most comprehensive inventory. Some of my favorite places to stay in Costa Rica:

Fabrika (Tblisi) – This hostel is also a bar and co-working space housed in an old Soviet warehouse. It’s got a cool vibe and the people here are wonderful. This is the best place to stay in the country if you ask me.

Temi Hostel (Kutaisi) – This hostel is small but the staff are great and it’s clean and cozy. It’s in a great location too.

Boutique Hotel and Medusa Hostel (Batumi) – This place is relatively new so the beds are comfy and have curtains and the place is well maintained. The staff are super helpful and will make sure you have an amazing visit to Batumi.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

World Nomads (for everyone below 70)

Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

Want More Information on Georgia? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Georgia for even more planning tips!

Photo credit: 3 – Marcin Konsek, 4 – orientalizing, 6 – Marco Verch, 7 – Tony Bowden, 8 – Paata Liparteliani, 9 – Levan Nioradze, 11 – tomasz przechlewski, 15 – Andrzej Wójtowicz, 16 – Florian Pinel

The post My 15 Favorite Things to See and Do in Georgia appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

from Nomadic Matt's Travel Site https://ift.tt/36hcha4 via IFTTT

[zentravel-georgia]

Travel to Georgia to Explore New Avenues of Sightseeing

Georgia is a great tourist destination where you will have plenty of activities to do when you go on a tour. The country is blessed with vast natural resources, historical monuments, caves and ruins, cultural edifices, and breathtaking natural land formations and you will find it difficult to have your full due to shortage of time. There are too many things to do in Georgia so following a pre-planned tour itinerary will be helpful for the first timers.

What can you do when you are in Georgia?

As a part of your pleasure trip to the country you can undertake the following in the travel to Georgia:

·         You can take a walking tour of the compact Georgian capital Tbilisi and walk the cobble stoned street to see ancient buildings and the folks. You will also see the most crooked clock tower in the world in the town.

·         You can visit the ancient cave town of Uplistsike and also look up the beautiful church located nearby. The caves were dug as hide outs and getaway by merchants who stayed overnight before starting on the Silk Route.

·         You can visit the age old Jvari Monastery of Mtskheta which is located in the country side of Georgia.

·         You could go to Svaneti, the home of Svan people, a fiery tribe of ancient Georgia and sightsee the most beautiful in the world situated at a height, the fairytale village of Ushguli!

·         You can go watch the Katskhi Pillar, the 40-meter tall column that supports the weight of a church precariously perched over it.

·         Or you can go to Khaketi to visit wonderful wineries and also taste some of them to get the flavor of Georgia

·         You could also practice Yoga before and after the sightseeing tours of Georgia and that will do world of good for your body and psyche

Georgia also provides enthusiasts with volunteer travels as there are several opportunities here concerning women and children. Volunteer travel in Europe in fact provides with such opportunities as there are several welfare programs that allows you take up jobs and you can sign one with your travel agent for Georgia. It serves the dual purpose of fulfilling your goal of serving the poor and downtrodden and traveling far and wide. These programs will include care of poor children who are without support or care, and women and natives who need knowledge and training that will help sustain their needs.

[makeuptips10-blog]

16 Instagram-Worthy Destinations to Visit While They’re Still Underrated

New Post has been published on https://www.claritymakeupartistry.com/16-instagram-worthy-destinations-to-visit-while-theyre-still-underrated/

16 Instagram-Worthy Destinations to Visit While They’re Still Underrated

When you love to travel, you quickly learn that a ton of other people do, too. And while bumping into other tourists can be part of the fun (so many countries, cultures and coincidences happen when talking to fellow travelers!), many jet-setters end up wishing they could find a spot or two with a few more locals and fewer out-of-towners. (Nothing cramps an idyllic Instagram like a selfie stick wandering into the shot.)

Thankfully, there are tons of underrated destinations that haven’t yet made it onto the hotspot radar—meaning you can actually escape to them, enjoy not-so-crowded spaces and snap tons of tourist-free photos.

Whether you’re into traversing mountains, hot springs and mud volcanoes, or whether you prefer visiting monasteries, sitting by the ocean and doing a little whale-watching, we can just about guarantee there’s an understated travel destination (or two!) waiting to be discovered.

Ahead, you’ll find 16 underrated travel destinations practically begging to be added to your to-visit list. It doesn’t matter if you prefer domestic or international travel, either, because all kind of travel destinations are on offer in the following slideshow.

Originally posted on SheKnows.

Domestic Destination: Theodore Roosevelt National

National parks are hugely popular in the U.S., and it can sometimes be difficult to get the peace, quiet and wildlife-viewing we crave.

North Dakota’s Theodore Roosevelt National Park is still relatively unknown enough—and far enough away from other huge tourist destinations—that your chances increase for seeing bison, prairie dogs, wild horses and other animals.

But it’s bound to get popular, so see it while it still feels like the wide-open West.

Photo: Danita Delimont/Gallo Images/Getty Images.

Domestic Destination: Lassen Volcanic National Park

Tucked away in upstate California, Lassen Volcanic National Park is like a miniature Yellowstone that receives only a fraction of the visitors.

Climb Lassen Peak, which erupted as recently as 1915, or visit Bumpass Hell (pictured), which is currently under restoration but can be reached via the trail past Cold Boiling Lake.

Photo: Feargus Cooney/Lonely Planet Images/Getty Images.

Domestic Destination: San Luis Obispo, California

If you dream of near-perfect weather without the business of Southern California, San Luis Obispo is the place to be.

Established between Los Angeles and San Francisco, the area has 80 miles of coastline, its own enviable wine country and about 315 days of sunshine a year.

Photo: Stuart Black/robertharding/Getty Images.

Domestic Destination: Taos, New Mexico

Admittedly, Taos is a popular destination in the summertime. But fewer people think of it as a must-see place during the shoulder seasons or even the winter.

Taos Ski Valley is a fun destination for winter sports lovers, while fall and spring offer much cooler temperatures for those wanting to enjoy wine tours, peruse art galleries or lounge in the area’s hot springs.

Photo: Marc Shandro/Moment/Getty Images.

Domestic Destination: Estes Park, Colorado

When people think of winter sports in Colorado, towns like Aspen, Vail, Telluride and Breckenridge come to mind. But Estes Park—which is the gateway to the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park—has its own winter adventures, like backcountry skiing and ice climbing, not to mention a cute walkable downtown area with plenty of nearby lodging options.

But shh, most people haven’t figured that out… yet.

Photo: Dimitrios Siafarikas/EyeEm/Getty Images.

Domestic Destination: Tulsa, Oklahoma

If you want a family-friendly city to explore, Tulsa, Oklahoma, has plenty to do without being overcrowded.

They recently opened a 100-acre park called the Gathering Place, which includes a playground, boating pond and skate park. The Tulsa Zoo, located in the 2,800-acre Mohawk Park, will be a hit with any animal-loving children.

Photo: Walter Bibikow/The Image Bank/Getty Images.

Domestic Destination: Depoe Bay, Oregon

As the whale-watching capital of the Oregon Coast, there is one exceptional and obvious reason to hit up Depoe Bay: the whales. A resident pod of gray whales hangs out in the coves in the area, and there are plenty of restaurants to choose from.

Summer is the busy season, but it’s just as gorgeous in the fall and spring.

Photo: Michaelschober/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images.

International Destination: Iceland

Tourism in Iceland is booming, with about 2 million visitors in 2017, though it’s still relatively quiet compared to neighboring countries like Norway, which had nearly 15 million visitors.

So now’s the time to get to the country and see aurora borealis, geothermal spas and misty waterfalls before you have to elbow crowds out of the way.

Photo: Arctic-Images/Stone/Getty Images.

International Destination: Wales

If you’ve always wanted to explore the United Kingdom but want less of a tourist trap, get out of London and head to Wales instead.

You’ll get everything from rolling green hills to rugged coastlines, Roman ruins, castles and—if you head far enough to the northwest—a real culture shock since many people speak Welsh fluently.

Photo: Alexander Spatari/Moment/Getty Images.

International Destination: Azerbaijan

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, tourism grew by 20 percent between 2016 and 2017 in Azerbaijan, and it’s no wonder why. Visas are inexpensive and easy to obtain, and the country boasts busy cities with 19th-century buildings (city of Baku), temples, 40,000-year-old rock paintings and bubbling mud volcanoes.

The U.S. does advise increased caution due to terrorist activities in some areas, so be sure to read about the areas that are safe for tourists ahead of time.

International Destination: Republic of Macedonia

Photo: Time E White/The Image Bank/Getty Images.

International Destination: Georgia

Speaking of beautiful religious buildings, Georgia has truly beautiful monasteries and churches, including Katskhi Pillar, a small church sitting on top of a more-than-100-foot-tall limestone rock column.

The capital, Tbilisi, is incredibly diverse, as the country borders Russia, Armenia, Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Photo: Dmytro Kosmenko/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images.

International Destination: Bhutan

Just east of Nepal, Bhutan is a predominantly Buddhist country with stunning temples, rice farms and dotsho (“hot baths, often prepared using heated river stones”). Bhutan has also imposed a pretty hefty daily fee for your visa (around $250), which includes a required tour guide in order to move between cities.

The good news is that the price tag is helping the country focus on monitoring the influx of tourism so it won’t become crowded like other popular destinations.

Photo: Lightphoto/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images.

International Destination: Belize

Certainly, Belize already has its fair share of tourism but has been plagued with perceptions that it’s dangerous to visit.

That’s starting to change, according to statistics from the Ministry of National Security (though the U.S. still advises increased caution). And the area’s most attractive features, like Mayan ruins, the Great Barrier Reef that runs the length of the coast, delicious food and low population density is bound to attract more visitors.

Photo: Rebecca E Marvil/Getty Images.

International Destination: Tunisia

Tunisia once had rather impressive tourism numbers, but the country’s revolution—and in more recent years, terrorist attacks—limited the flow of tourists.

That’s starting to change. The U.S. government still advises increased caution, so do your homework, but it’s a beautiful place to visit.

Try exploring the cave homes of Matâma (a genius way to withstand the heat), exploring the Holy City of Kairouan (considered the fourth-holiest city of Islam) or even lounging at one of the many beachfront resorts.

Photo: Max Shen/Moment/Getty Images.

International Destination: Romania

Romania has a little bit of everything for everyone. Love history and castles? Romania’s got ’em. Nature and hiking more your thing? Plenty of that too. Into the spooky stuff like vampires and ghosts?

Romania is the place to visit for fans of the supernatural. Make sure to check out Bran Castle (aka Dracula’s house), Ochiul Beiului Lake in Cheile Nerei-Beusnita National Park and the ultra-creepy Hoia Baciu forest.

Photo: Jeremy Woodhouse/Getty Images.

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Source: https://stylecaster.com/up-and-coming-travel-destinations/

[travelgeorgiagr-blog]

Ο βράχος Katskhi αυξάνεται απότομα 40 μέτρα από τους λόφους της Κεντρικής Γεωργίας. Η μυθική του αύρα τον έκανε τόπο λατρείας, καθώς οι άνθρωποι εγκαταστάθηκαν στην περιοχή πριν από την άφιξη του χριστιανισμού, η στήλη για μεγάλο χρονικό διάστημα χρησίμευε ως ειδωλολατρικό άγιο μέρος και, πιθανότατα, χρησιμοποιήθηκε για ιεροτελεστίες. Η στήλη Katskhi είναι εισηγμένη στην πολιτιστική κληρονομιά της UNESCO

The Katskhi Pillar rises sharply 40 meters from the hills of Central Georgia. His mythical aura made him a place of worship, as people settled in the area. Before the arrival of Christianity, the column for a long time served as a pagan holy place and, most likely, was used for fertility rites. Katskhi's column is listed on UNESCO cultural heritage

[unknowntchiatura]

Katskhi pillar კაცხის სვეტი

©: ZuraFPV

[unknowntchiatura]

კაცხის სვეტი

Column of Katskhi

ფოტო ©: ლევან ნიორაძე/Levan Nioradze  

[unknowntchiatura]

კაცხის სვეტი

Column of Katskhi

ფოტო ©: ლევან ნიორაძე/Levan Nioradze  

[unknowntchiatura]

კაცხის სვეტი

Column of Katskhi

ფოტო ©: Robbie RG Commercial