Gergeti (Holy) Trinity Church (or Tsminda Sameba) is a spectacularly positioned (and much photographed) church perched on a mountain at an elevation of 2,170m. It comprises a 14th century cross-domed church and bell tower built of massive granite blocks. The site is located near the village of Gergeti in Georgia, just off the Georgian Military Highway near the town of Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) 155km from Tbilisi, relatively near the border with North Ossetia-Alania.
Sitting in such a stunning location, the church and separate bell tower (built at the same time) are an incredible feat of architecture and human dedication; a construction that has deservedly become a symbol of Georgia. The exterior of the church is beautifully carved with grape vines, animals and the Sun although this could easily be overlooked by the casual tourist whilst visiting due to the fact that the views from here are nothing short of spectacular. During the Soviet era, all religious services were prohibited, although today, the church is in active use. It can be reached via a rough mountain road by jeep or 4x4 (people at the bottom may readily take you up and down for a fee which should be agreed upon first) or to the more dedicated and able-bodied visitor by taking a steep hike from the nearby town.
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