Javakheti Protected Areas Additional Sightseeing in the Region
While visiting Javakheti region you can visit following historic monuments:
- Akhalkalaki Local Museum – Many ancient calendars that are made of bronze are stored in the museum
- Akhalkalaki fortress remains (XI c.) – is located near Akhalkalaki.
- Vardzia rock-cut Monastery Complex (XII-XIII cc.) – distance from Akhalkalaki to Vardzia is 40 km (by any means of transport). We can also reach Vardzia through village Apnia, from where we can descend onto Vardzia via beautiful serpentine. Distance from Akhalkalaki to Apnia is 24 km, from Apnia to Vardzia – 3 km.
- Medieval Castle of Khertvisi – 25 km away from Akhalkalaki.
- Abuli Cyclopean Fortress – can be reached with any transport until village Abuli and the distance is 10 km, then 5 km on foot or on a horse. In winter you can use skiis to get there.
- Kumurdo Monastery (X c.) Distance from Akhalkalaki to village Kumurdo is 10 km. The monastery is located in the centre of the village. There is a beautiful gorge near the edge of the village. If you follow the gorge to the south, after passing 7 km you will reach village Apnia. From Apnia, via the serpentine, you can reach Vardzia.
- Samsar rock-cut Monaster (VIII-IX cc.) – the distance from Akhalkalaki to village Samsar is 22 km. It is advisable to drive a 4-wheeler car to get there.
- Satkhe Cyclopean Fortress – if you go from Tbilisi to Akhalkalaki via Tsalka, arrive in Ninotsminda, near village Satkhe you will find Cyclope Fortress.
- Toria Cyclopean Fortress – 12 km from Ninotsminda, above the village, you will find ruins of the fortress. Some walls still remain. There is a place of worship nearby.
- Kaurma Bridge (XII c.) – it is located 7 km away from Ninotsminda (length – 170 m. width – 4 m).