GUERGUÉTI TRINITY CHURCH (TSMINDA SAMEBA)

The small church of the Holy Trinity (Tsminda Saméba), commonly called the Church of Guerguéti by the Georgians, has an unforgettable location. It is a kind of coat of arms of the Georgian Caucasus, and thus of the whole country. Perched on a promontory with the summit of the Kazbek, prodigiously dominating Stepantsminda and the Darial procession, it seems made to be painted. Going up to the church is a superb hike, directly from Stepantsminda. The beauty of the place - and of the church itself - really makes it the number one attraction in the whole region.

Tsminda Saméba is located at an altitude of 2,170 m and dates back to the 14th century.

In Soviet times, there was a cable car that went up to Tsminda Saméba from Khazbégui. Perhaps fortunately for the setting, it no longer works, so the church is the object of a hike (6 to 7 km round trip). To get there, you have to cross the Terek from the main square of Stépantsminda. Then you have to go straight up to the village of Guerguéti. At the top of the village, going straight ahead is a short cut (about half an hour walk). Taking the path on the right, which can be walked on by 4x4s, is less steep but takes 20 minutes more.

For those who do not enjoy hiking or have difficulty climbing, it is also possible to take a taxi that will take you directly to the foot of the church. In any case, a visit that cannot be missed.