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Photo: Paata Vardanashvili from Tbilisi, Georgia, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The cathedral was built in the late 7th century, on the roots of an oak tree, according to a legend that there was a church on this site, as early as the 1st century CE. The apostle Andreas is said to have converted local people to Christianity under this oak tree, which is also the namesake of this monastery, Tschkoni (Georgian "oak") and didi (Georgian "big") = "big oak". Today's complex is surrounded by a wall which surrounds the main church, built in the 10th century and containing frescoes from the 14th-17th centuries, with a small side church and a free-standing bell tower, both of which are more recent.
Martvili Monastery is a Georgian monastic complex located in the village of Martvili in the Martvili District of the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti Province (Mkhare) of Georgia. It sits upon the highest hill in the vicinity and was of strategic importance.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Gachedili, გაჭედილი
A place of waterfalls, where you can swim, and the footprints of dinosaurs. But else just a sight of 20 min.
Hot Springs
A hidden gem in the middle of nowhere. Sulphur fountains, white cascades, and hot river pools. It is not frequented by many tourist, mostly by locals. But in 5 years time expect a paid car park and 10 lari entrance—promised! Bring a towel, and a shovel if you want to help. The great thing is the clean river nearby, which cools down the body after having had a hot bath or tested your strength under the boiling shower.