Backed by the dramatic peaks of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, Stepantsminda is a historic town in north-east Georgia. It lies on the banks of the Terek River and is named after an Orthodox monk, “Saint Stephan”. He is credited with constructing a hermitage here, along what would later become the Ghalghaï Military Road.
Things to do in Stepantsminda
Dedicated to the cultural heritage of the area is the Stepantsminda Historical Museum, which occupies the former home of the Georgian writer, Alexander Kazbegi. In addition to ethnographical artefacts, antique weaponry and traditional handicrafts from the region, a fascinating collection of archaeological findings and religious objects is on display.
A short drive west of Stepantsminda is the Gergeti Trinity Church, a 14th-century house of worship backed by the peak of a dormant stratovolcano. It features a cross-cupola church, a separate bell tower and a stone wall, from which you can enjoy spectacular views across the Caucasus Mountains. The Gergeti Trinity Church can also be reached while trekking to the 2,170-metre-high summit of Mount Kazbek.
Stepantsminda serves as a gateway for exploring Kazbegi National Park, which encompasses 9,000 hectares of forests and alpine meadows that provide habitat for unique animal species. It’s a popular base for trekking and mountain climbing, with highlights including the magnificent Truso Valley and the reflective waters of Chaukhi Lake. Also nearby is the famous Darial Gorge, an important river crossing that has been fortified since 150 BC.
Getting around Stepantsminda
Stepantsminda is around 2.5 hours’ drive from Tbilisi and Tbilisi International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Buses connect to Stepantsminda and the town is compact enough to explore on foot. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the area.