Also along the Debed Gorge, a short distance away from the Sanahin and Haghpat Monasteries, is the newer Akhtala Monastery, probably built between 1212 and 1250, although there has been an earlier 10th C structure here, too – quite likely as part of a fortress. The main feature here, besides its once again spectacular location, … Read more
In the Debed Gorge, in the northeast of Armenia, we admire yet more monasteries and churches, but also some characteristic Soviet remnants. So far the landscape has been pretty dry – what do you expect, in August with 30+ degrees? -, but towards the northeast of Armenia, things change. Well, sort of. It begins with … Read more
The cave monastery in Vardzia is one of the main attractions in Georgia, not in the least because of the beautiful frescos in the rock-church of the Assumption. Having come from the coast and the Adjara region, and across the Goderji pass, the countryside has changed dramatically. No more lush green hills, but dry mountains, … Read more