By G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff
G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation
The Georgian Military Road, a historic 210-kilometer route through Georgia's breathtaking Caucasus Mountains, is a scenic wonder that holds the legacy of an ancient path used by traders and invaders alike. Despite its beauty, this road remains one of the least traveled gems of Georgia, weaving through lush valleys, rivers, and towering mountain landscapes. Along the way, visitors encounter picturesque villages, Georgian Orthodox churches with barrel domes, and bus stops adorned with colorful mosaics that recall the Soviet era. Mirian Takvarelia, a seasoned driver with GoTrip Georgia, describes this journey as one that only needs to be experienced once to foster a lifelong love for the Caucasus.
The Georgian Military Road connects Tbilisi, Georgia’s vibrant capital, to Vladikavkaz in Russia, serving as the only direct overland link between the two countries. This road has witnessed centuries of conflict and cultural exchange, tracing back to the Roman and Persian empires. In the 18th century, it became a significant military route for the Russian Empire, now recognized as the Georgian Military Road, and remains an essential route for trade and cultural connectivity between Asia and Europe.
The journey begins in Mtskheta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the historical seat of the Georgian Orthodox Church since the 4th century. Mtskheta offers visitors a glimpse of Georgia’s rich religious history, with highlights like the 6th-century Jvari Monastery overlooking the confluence of the Aragvi and Kura rivers, a powerful symbol of Georgia’s conversion to Christianity. Travelers here can explore the Svetitstkhoveli Cathedral, believed to house the robe of Jesus Christ, and the Samtavro Monastery, where Georgia’s first Christian king, Mirian, and his queen Nana are buried. Mtskheta’s historic center is lined with traditional jewelry, local crafts, and vendors offering the unique taste of Georgian wine ice cream.
Further along the route, Soviet mosaics mark deserted bus stops, with some of the most intricate designs in remote villages like Tsikhisdziri. These mosaics depict everything from Georgian legends to Soviet political motifs, illustrating a visual history that’s rapidly disappearing from the region. Takvarelia, well-versed in these vanishing artifacts, takes visitors to Tsiskari, an abandoned Young Pioneer Camp, where vibrant panels of Georgian life and folklore stand in contrast to the camp's desolation.
A culinary highlight of the journey includes stopping in the village of Pasanauri, famed for its khinkali dumplings. With the right technique, each dumpling explodes with flavor, a delicate balance of dough, meat, and juice that embodies Georgian cuisine. Further up the road lies the Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument, a massive concrete structure with elaborate mosaics portraying the historic ties between Georgia and Russia. Though imposing, the monument offers panoramic views that showcase the Caucasus Mountains' serene grandeur.
In the final stretch, Takvarelia leads travelers to the remote Truso Valley. Known for its mineral springs, medieval watchtowers, and vibrant red-tinted mountains, Truso is a secluded paradise that borders both Russia and the breakaway region of South Ossetia. With views of abandoned villages and the crystal waters of the Terek River, Truso Valley captures the timeless charm of Georgia’s Caucasus Mountains, a fitting close to a journey through the Georgian Military Road—a road that promises unforgettable vistas and the allure of an ancient, untamed land.
