Since the beginning of the 19th century, the Georgian Military Highway has been called the main route through the Main Caucasian ridge. In fact, the road connecting the North Caucasus with the Transcaucasus has existed since antiquity. It was also described by ancient historiographers.
The path is not easy: more than 200 km through the valleys of mountain rivers, gorges and passes. Over the centuries of its existence, its history has been replenished with myths and legends, and the road itself - with sights. The most interesting of them:
Ermolovsky stone
If the Darial Gorge is considered the most remarkable place on the Georgian Military Road, then the Ermolovsky Stone is the main, and natural, attraction of this gorge. It is located near the checkpoint on the Ossetian side.
There are many versions of the appearance of a huge boulder. The story about the collapse of the glacier on Kazbek seems more likely. The glacial breakthrough brought a giant piece of granite with a volume of about 6 thousand cubic meters to the Terek floodplain. Its approximate weight is estimated at 16 tons. The time when he appeared is unknown. In any case, General Ermolov, after whom this granite mass is named, commanded the Russian Caucasian corps until 1827. And he loved to sit on this "pebble" very much.
During the defense of the Caucasus in 1942, a firing point (bunker) was made of stone. With two cannons, "magpies", light machine guns and an anti-aircraft mount on top. Today it is a well-maintained landmark with walking paths and stairs. And the stone is crowned with a metal cross.
Mount Kazbek
This inactive stratovolcano is one of the Caucasian five-thousanders. The majestic mountain is surrounded by stories, legends, keeps many mysteries. In addition, it is a picturesque place from any point of view. The name is Russian, the rest of the peoples living on both sides of Kazbek have their own names for this mountain.
In one of the rocks there is an ancient monastery cave Betlemi, at an altitude of about 4 thousand meters. There is a small chapel just below. It is modern, but beautifully blended into the surrounding rocks. And above the picturesque mountain village of Gergeti stands the most beautiful Trinity Church, one of the oldest Georgian churches.
Cross pass
The highest point of the road, a pass over the Main Caucasian ridge. At the beginning of the 19th century, it was called Gudaurskiy. In 1824 it was decided to fix the highest point of the pass. A stone cross was erected at this place, and the pass changed its name. The severe beauty of these places was seen by A. Griboyedov, A. Pushkin, M. Lermontov. The latter even captured the pass in the picture. However, the poet generally dedicated several oil paintings to the Caucasus.
Not far from Gudauri, next to the road, there is a mineral waterfall. You will not pass by. Compared to Borjomi, the water is less tasty. But it's worth a drink. If only because there is a serpentine ahead, the Gudaur abyss.
Gudaur abyss
Named for the highest mountain village on the road. Zemomletsky descent begins behind the village. This is a real serpentine road with a height difference of a thousand meters. The six tiers of serpentine are a great example of 19th century engineering. They were cut into the rocks according to the project of the Russian engineer Statkovsky.
The road descends like a serpentine into the Aragvi gorge. From the observation platforms, and there are two of them above the abyss, a beautiful view of the river valley opens. The expression “breathtaking” is about the Gudaur Abyss.
Ananuri fortress
A whole castle complex of the late feudal era. The watchtower appeared on the banks of the Aragvi in the 13th century; the citadel was completely rebuilt by the 16th century. It blocked the way from the Darial Gorge and was considered the main outpost of Transcaucasia from the north. There are many glorious and difficult pages in the history of Ananuri.
Today it is an interesting tourist destination. History buffs are attracted by the well-preserved upper part of the fortress. The main thing is that the tower, built in the 13th century, has survived. As evidence of the quality of the work of the ancient builders. In addition to the tower, preserved:
- walls of the fortress;
- temple-burial vault of local nobility;
- the temple of the Assumption of the 17th century;
- square tower;
- several small towers.
Connoisseurs of beauty come here for stunning views from the ancient walls of the fortress. And the citadel itself, on the banks of a mountain reservoir, surrounded by mountains covered with green forests, seems to be a painting of a talented artist.
The first Russian tourist to visit the fortress can be considered A. S. Pushkin. According to the chronicles, the visit took place in the spring of 1829, and the poet walked 15 km from the fortress to the nearest town.
Fortress Bebristsikhe and the city of Mtskheta
It has been documented that this fortress is one of the oldest in Georgia. And now its ancient walls rise on a steep cliff between Aragvi and the Georgian Military Highway. It was built in the 4th century as a strategically important site. Located in the narrowest part of the gorge, the citadel guarded the road and the ancient capital of Iberia, Mtskheta.
The old buildings suffered from a landslide, and now restoration work is underway in the fortress. It's worth going up anyway - because of the stunning views that open up from above.
There are also many interesting things in the ancient Georgian capital. First of all, it is worth seeing two objects from the UNESCO List:
- Svettskhoveli Temple is a famous holy place.
- The Javari Temple, which crowns the top of the mountain above the river, was built in the 1st century.
And also the Pompey Bridge - the oldest bridge over the Kura, built before our era by Roman soldiers on the orders of the commander, and named after him.
