Gergeti Trinity Church (also known as Tsmida Sameba) is the name of 14th century Holy Trinity Church on north-eastern Georgia near the Gergeti village. The church is located at an altitude of 2170 meters, under the glacier Kazbegi (5047 m) on the right bank of Chkheri River.
The Gergeti Trinity Church is the only cross-cupola church in Khevi province. The separate bell tower dates from the same period as the church itself. Its isolated location on top of a steep mountain surrounded by the vastness of nature has made it a symbol for Georgia. The 18th century Georgian author Vakhushti Batonishvili wrote that in times of danger, precious relics from Mtskheta, including Saint Nino’s Cross were brought here for safekeeping. During the Soviet era, all religious services were prohibited, but the church remained a popular tourist destination. The church is now an active establishment of the Georgian Orthodox Church.
The church is a popular waypoint for trekkers in the area, and can be reached by a steep 3 hour climb up the mountain, or around 30 minutes (6 km from the central square in the village Stephantsminda) by jeep up a rough mountain trail.
Stepantsminda is a small subalpine town on the altitude 1740 m above sea level in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region of north-eastern Georgia. The town is part of the Khevi province. It is the center of the Kazbegi Municipality. Driving distance from Tbilisi is 160 km (3 h). If you drive to Russia through Larsi border, or just want to enjoy Georgian
