Its very noticable that the country has a long history of invasions. No church or monastry that is not fortified and strategically located. Georgia still feels threatened, not without reason. The last few centuries by Russia, its mighty neighbour to the north. Georgian orthodox faith functions as a rallying point, helping Georgians retain thier uniqueness.
View of the capital, Tbilisi.
The 14th century Tsminda Sameba church in Gergeti, against the backdrop of the Caucasus mountains.
The typical balconies betraying Persian influence, in the old part of Tbilisi.
Georgian orthodox priest leading a church service.
Ticket conductor in the train wagon with which Stalin travelled to China, in the Stalin museum.
The Ananuri monastery complex, fortified, like most old religious buildings in Georgia.
Wedding ceremony in an orthodox church.
Georgian orthodox priest leading a wedding ceremony, Bride and groom wear crowns.
Three generations of Georgian orthodox females wearing head scarves, on pilgrimage to the Tsmida Sameba church.
Interior of the church of the Archangels in Gremi, an earlier capital that was sacked by the Persians late 18h century.
An elderly woman devotedly listening to the church service.
Religion is very much alive, also for the young and hip.
The beauty of the Caucasus mountains lures tourists to various outdoor sports.
Local entrepeneurs quickly latch onto this trend.
Traces of gletsjers in the mountain side.
Georgia is popular with Asian tourists.
Also many tourists from the Islamic world come to visit, and like their western counterparts, they enjoy snapping old churches and castles.
Beggars at a church.
Dozing artist in the centre of Tbilisi, waiting for tourist to buy one of his paintings.
Wall-painting of Saint George, Georgia's patron saint, slaying the dragon in the 11th century Alaverdi cathedral.
