Each year, people around the world celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25. While that’s likely not the exact date that Jesus Christ was born, plenty of other historical events have taken place on Christmas Day over the centuries. Library of CongressA Christmas tree in Washington, D.C., with the Washington Monument in the background. 1923. From coronations to key military battles, Dec. 25 has seen its share of history. William the Conqueror became the King of England on Christmas Day 1066, forever changing the history of Britain. And George Washington’s decision to cross the Delaware River on the evening of Dec. 25, 1776, may have secured America’s independence. The festive date has also marked times of great sorrow. The murder of JonBenét Ramsey remains one of America’s most tragic mysteries. And Dec. 25, 2008, brought an end to the career of Eartha Kitt, whose sultry voice lives on in holiday songs like “Santa Baby.” Go inside 11 of the joyful, devastating, fortuitous, and sometimes world-changing events that have taken place on Christmas Day throughout history. 800 C.E.: Charlemagne Is Crowned ‘Emperor Of The Romans’ Public DomainItalian Renaissance painter Raphael’s 16th-century painting of Charlemagne’s coronation on a wall of the Papal Palace in Vatican City. On Dec. 25, 800 C.E., Charlemagne was crowned “Emperor of the Romans” by Pope Leo III during Christmas Day mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Though he was technically the emperor of the Carolingian Empire, he’s often considered the first Holy Roman Emperor, as the Carolingian territory later came to be known as the Holy Roman Empire. After the death of his father in 768 C.E. and brother in 771 C.E., Charlemagne became the ruler of the Frankish kingdom. During his reign, he expanded his territory into Lombardy, Bavaria, and Saxony, forming a massive empire that stretched across much of western Europe. He sought to convert all of his subjects to Christianity, and he gifted large amounts of money and land to the Catholic Church. In recognition of his efforts, Pope Leo named him emperor. It’s said that the king knelt to pray at mass on Christmas Day, and as he rose, the pope crowned him and declared him “emperor of the Romans.” Public DomainA 16th-century portrait of Charlemagne by Albrecht Dürer. Some historians believe that Charlemagne was in on the plan, while others insist that he was completely surprised by the action. Regardless, the ruler took the opportunity to try to rebuild the Western Roman Empire, which hadn’t had an emperor since Romulus Augustus was deposed in 476 C.E. Charlemagne’s new title didn’t really give him additional authority, but it did throw him into conflict with the Byzantine Empire. Still, he spent the next 14 years making the most of his role. His reforms sparked the Carolingian Renaissance, an intellectual revival that saw an increase in literature, music, and art. And even 1,200 years after his death, Charlemagne remains one of the most famous figures in European history. The post 11 Historic Events That Took Place On December 25, From Key Military Battles To Disturbing Murders appeared first on All That's Interesting.

Throughout history, various Christmas traditions have faced legal restrictions or outright bans due to religious, social, or political factors. In 17th-century England, Puritans prohibited Christmas celebrations, viewing them as unbiblical and promoting idleness. Similarly, in 1659, the Massachusetts Bay Colony enacted a law fining individuals who observed Christmas, considering it a pagan festival (history.com). These ...

From hairstyles to music, nearly everything about the ’80s was louder and bolder than today — and that included holidays. Christmas in the 1980s, in particular, had a sort of analog warmth that can’t be replicated in the modern digital age. Tree lights were bigger and burned brighter, the wrapping paper was metallic, and children’s wish lists were dominated by Cabbage Patch Kids, Transformers, and, of course, the Nintendo Entertainment System. Some of the most iconic festive movies of all time were released that decade, from A Christmas Story to National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Mattel released the first limited-edition holiday Barbie. There was no social media to scroll through while gathered around the tree. It was a different era — one that many wish they could return to. Go back in time to Christmas in the 1980s through our curated gallery of vintage photos below: Click here to view slideshow The Golden Age Of The Holiday Catalog In the modern age, it's difficult to tell when the "Christmas season" actually begins. Many retailers begin selling festive decorations well before Halloween even comes around, and the increasingly commercialized holiday shopping season is a constant flood of advertisements and push notifications. An Amazon alert about a deal is admittedly far less exciting than what kids had during Christmas in the '80s. For a child in the 1980s, the start of the holiday season was a bit easier to define. It wasn't with the first snowfall or the appearance of mall decorations. No, the Christmas season began with a distinctive, heavy thud in the mailbox: the holiday catalog. It hardly mattered which catalog it was — though the Sears Wish Book was particularly popular. Nearly every retailer, from major department stores to toy-specific retailers, sent out hundreds of colorful pages that included the hottest holiday gifts. Mike Chaput/Flickr Creative CommonsA young boy plays his new Operation game on Christmas morning. In many ways, it was like an analog version of the internet. But it had a certain charm about it that felt warmer and more wholesome than the detached, digital onslaught of ads we deal with today. It was more than just a collection of deals. Holiday catalogs offered children a unique opportunity to not-so-subtly hint at which gifts they wanted by circling "must-haves" with a felt-tip marker or "accidentally" leaving pages dog-eared for their parents to find. Going through the catalogs was a childhood ritual, and for parents, the feeling of seeing their kids' handwriting in the books provided a more intimate connection than simply seeing a new item appear on an Amazon wish list. This wasn't the only ritual that defined Christmas in the 1980s, though. Long before we could access nearly any movie with the click of a button, families had to gather around the television together at a specific time for the yearly cycle of holiday specials. The Lost Magic Of The 1980s Christmas TV Special The 1980s were the peak era for children's Christmas specials, turning prime-time television into a mandatory family event. Because there was no streaming or DVR, catching these programs required punctuality — if the TV Guide said Rudolph came on at 8 p.m., you were in your pajamas and seated cross-legged on the floor at 7:59. It was the decade where the slightly jerky, stop-motion magic of Rankin/Bass productions reigned supreme. Characters like the Heat Miser, Hermey the Misfit Elf, and Bumble were cultural icons that only visited your home once per year. Of course, there were also the cartoon staples — Garfield, The Smurfs, or Mickey's Christmas Carol — all interspersed with commercials for sugary cereals and fast-food holiday glasses. Though it may have seemed like no big deal at the time, these shows created shared cultural moments for kids around the globe, all watching the same claymation figures wobble across their screens at the same time. vainglory/Flickr Creative CommonsA family Christmas photo dated to 1988 or 1989. Maybe it's nostalgia, or perhaps it's pessimism about the current state of technology and the world, but there was something special about the way we celebrated Christmas in the 1980s. Toys were more exciting. Video games were simple but revolutionary. In today's world, companies know everything about us. They don't need to send a catalog. They target us with ads every moment of the day. We don't gather around the TV together at certain times; we binge tens of hours of content all at once, then watch someone online talk about it instead of sharing our own thoughts with our friends and families. Like many things, Christmas has lost some of its charm. It has been commodified. But the more we remember how it used to be, the more we can try to bring that feeling back. After this look back at Christmas in the 1980s, see the rise and fall of Blockbuster through our gallery of vintage photos. Then, check out 40 more vintage Christmas images that will have you ready to set out the milk and cookies. The post 44 Vintage Photos Of Christmas In The 1980s, Before The Rise Of Amazon And Social Media appeared first on All That's Interesting.

  From the earliest known human settlements to the grandeur of the mighty Ottoman Empire, Türkiye has just about seen it all. It has been the link between East and West since time immemorial, and it boasts a flurry of exquisite historical sites that tell the stories of human, social, and cultural evolution. Visiting every site in the entire country in one fell swoop is near-impossible, even for the most avid historian. Instead, grouping the most noteworthy by region might make itinerary planning infinitely more manageable.   In this guide, we’ll do just that.   Türkiye’s History Hagia Sophia, photo by Meyra. Source: Pexels   Türkiye’s history is layered with civilizations that shaped the world on a broader scale. The land has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with some of the world’s earliest known settlements discovered here. It was home to the Hittites, followed by the Greeks and Romans, who left behind monumentally impressive cities. The Byzantine and Ottoman empires would go on to define much of its medieval and early modern history, shaping both its architecture and culture.   Different regions enjoyed (and endured) distinct historical influences, which is why the country boasts such inherent regional differences. From the people to the traditions, daily habits, food, and even landscapes, Türkiye is essentially three worlds rolled into one.   West (Aegean & Marmara): The regions most influenced by the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, given their proximity. Highlights like Ephesus and Pergamon are found here. East (Anatolia): Marked by early civilizations like the Urartians and later heavily shaped by the Seljuks and Ottomans. North (Black Sea): A blend of Greek, Pontic, and Ottoman heritage, with many more medieval castles and fortresses.   Top Sites in Western Türkiye (Aegean & Marmara)   Troy Photo of Troy’s amphitheater by Brian Harrington Spier. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Troy is a historic city near the Dardanelles Strait in northwestern Türkiye, where history and myth collide. It was an important center of trade and warfare long before the famous conflict between the Greeks and Trojans. Archaeologists have discovered nine layers of settlements, each built on top of the previous one, dating from the Early Bronze Age to the Roman Period. This shows that Troy was not just one city but a series of civilizations, each contributing to its history before being conquered, destroyed, or abandoned.   Troy likely reached its peak around 1700-1200 BCE, coinciding with the legendary Trojan War. While the details of the war are partly mythological, there is evidence that the city was destroyed around 1180 BCE, possibly by the Sea People or the Mycenaean Greeks.   Various civilizations laid some kind of claim to Troy, from the Persians to Alexander the Great. Eventually, the city became a regional capital under Roman rule, and its legacy was recognized even by Julius Caesar and Emperor Augustus.   Ephesus Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities, boasts the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Source: World History Encyclopedia   Once a thriving city of commerce and philosophy, Ephesus would eventually become a major Christian center. However, it was first one of the most important cities in the Roman Empire. It was a place of wealth, power, and ideas where merchants, philosophers, and pilgrims crossed paths. The grand Library of Celsus, with its elegant façade still standing, once held thousands of scrolls and is believed to have been one of antiquity’s greatest libraries.   The extraordinary Library of Celsus, photo by Benh LIEU SONG. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Nearby, you’ll see a massive amphitheater, once capable of holding 25,000 people, which hosted political debates, theatrical performances, and gladiatorial contests.   More importantly, Ephesus was home to the Temple of Artemis. Although not much of it remains, ancient writers described it as a breathtaking structure, larger than the Parthenon, where worshippers honored the powerful goddess. You’ll just have to use your imagination.   Pergamon A powerful Greek kingdom and later a Roman stronghold, Pergamon is home to the steepest ancient theater in the world. Source: World History Encyclopedia   High above the forested plains hugging the Aegean coastline, Pergamon is one of ancient Greece’s most important symbols. It was once the heart of a powerful kingdom and a city renowned for its art, education, and military might. Its acropolis still commands jaw-dropping views and is lined with temples and palaces. Pergamon also boasted a library believed to rival Alexandria’s. Scholars believe the word parchment (from pergamena) was derived from here, as the city developed a method of writing on animal skins when Egypt cut off its papyrus supply.   The jaw-dropping Altar of Zeus, a reconstruction in the Pergamon Museum, Berlin, photo by Garret Ziegler. Source: Smart History   Pergamon was also home to the Great Altar of Zeus, a colossal masterpiece of Hellenistic sculpture, now controversially housed in Berlin’s Pergamon Museum (much like the Gate of Babylon).   The Hagia Sophia (Istanbul) Constantinople, later Istanbul, was the heart of the Byzantine Empire, Greece has never quite come to terms with losing the ancient city in 1453. Source: Pxhere   Few cities have shaped history quite like Istanbul, especially where Europe is concerned. The city once known as Byzantium, then Constantinople, has stood at the junction of Europe and Asia for eons, a monumental prize sought by emperors, sultans, and conquerors for centuries. As the capital of the Byzantine Empire, it became a beacon of culture, trade, and religion before transforming into the heart of the Ottoman Empire.   Today, Istanbul still thrives under the influence of its layered past, and nowhere better captures that than the Hagia Sophia.   The Hagia Sophia was built by Emperor Justinian in 537 CE and was the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand years. Its large dome appears to float above the spacious interior, and beautiful golden mosaics shine in the light. When the Ottomans captured the city in 1453, they turned it into a mosque, adding minarets and beautiful Islamic calligraphy. This transformed the building into a stunning blend of two cultures and religions.   Topkapi Palace (Istanbul) The administrative and royal center of the Ottoman Empire, Topkapi Palace, is filled with opulent rooms, stunning Islamic art, and the legendary Spoonmaker’s Diamond, photo by Ninara. Source: Wikimedia Commons   For nearly 400 years, Topkapi Palace was the beating heart of the Ottoman Empire—where sultans ruled, grand viziers plotted, and the empire’s most influential figures lived in opulent splendor. Built by Mehmed the Conqueror after he seized Constantinople, the palace became a sprawling complex of pavilions, lush courtyards, and endless chambers. From here, the empire was governed at its height, stretching from Hungary to Arabia, with envoys and ambassadors bringing gifts and saucy secrets to the sultan’s court.   Walking through Topkapi today, you can wander into the Harem, where the sultan’s wives and concubines lived under the watchful eyes of the all-powerful eunuchs. The Imperial Treasury holds some of the world’s most extravagant jewels, including the Spoonmaker’s Diamond, a dazzling 86-carat gem shrouded in legend. The Holy Relics Room contains items believed to belong to the Prophet Muhammad, making it a site of deep religious reverence among Muslims the world over.   Hierapolis & Pamukkale Built atop natural hot springs, Hierapolis was a sumptuous spa city of the Greco-Roman worldhot, photo by the Archive Team. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Few places blend history and nature as beautifully as Hierapolis and Pamukkale. Perched high above Türkiye’s famous white travertine terraces, Hierapolis was an ancient Greco-Roman spa city where people flocked to bathe in mineral-rich thermal waters, believing in their healing powers. Founded by the Attalid kings of Pergamon in the 2nd century BCE and later expanded by the Romans, it became a retreat for the elite—complete with temples, baths, and a sprawling necropolis where many chose to be buried, hoping for eternal rest in this sacred land.   One of the city’s highlights is its well-preserved Roman theater, a grand structure with elaborate carvings. The necropolis, stretching for well over a mile, is one of the best-preserved in Türkiye, filled with sarcophagi, tombs, and massive funerary monuments. But perhaps the most fascinating part of Hierapolis is the Plutonium, an ancient cave dedicated to Pluto, the god of the underworld, where priests performed rituals amid toxic fumes believed to be divine.   Pamukkale’s pools, photo by Kubilay Bal. Source: Unsplash   Just below the ruins, Pamukkale’s dazzling white terraces, created by the buildup of calcium deposits from thermal waters, are surreal. You can walk barefoot across the pools, soaking in the same warm waters that have drawn people here for thousands of years.   East (Anatolia)   Göbekli Tepe (c. 9600 BCE) Göbekli Tepe is the world’s oldest known temple complex, predating Stonehenge by 6,000 years, photo by Zhengan. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Hidden beneath the rolling hills of southeastern Türkiye, Göbekli Tepe has managed to rewrite everything we thought we knew about early civilization. Built an astonishing 6,000 years before Stonehenge, this temple complex wasn’t created by settled farmers but by hunter-gatherers. This challenges the long-held belief that organized agriculture led us to create organized societies. Instead, it suggests something rather revolutionary—that it was the human desire to gather and worship that sparked the shift to farming, not the other way around.   The site consists of massive T-shaped limestone pillars, some towering over 16 feet high, arranged in circular enclosures. Each pillar is decorated with intricate carvings of animals like lions, vultures, snakes, and wild boars, hinting at a sophisticated belief system tied to life, death, and the overall natural world. No signs of permanent settlement have been found, reinforcing the theory that this was purely a sacred place where ancient people came together for rituals long before the first cities even existed.   Hattusa (c. 1600 BCE – 1200 BCE) Hattusa was the capital of one of the great civilizations of the Bronze Age, photo by Bernard Gagnon. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Hattusa was the heart of the Hittite Empire during the Bronze Age, rivalling great cities in ancient Egypt, Persia, and Babylon. It was protected by colossal fortifications that protected grand palaces and temples. Inside, archaeologists discovered archives filled with thousands of cuneiform tablets detailing Hittite laws, treaties, and myths. One of the most notable of these tablets is the Treaty of Kadesh, which is recognized as one of the earliest known peace agreements made with Pharaoh Ramesses II of Egypt.   You’ll enter Hattusa by passing through the Lion Gate, where two massive stone lions have stood guard for over 3,000 years. Further in, the King’s Gate shows a relief of a warrior deity, while the vast Great Temple once buzzed with priests making offerings to the storm god. A short drive away is the Yazılıkaya rock sanctuary, with striking carvings of Hittite gods. This was a sacred open-air temple where important ceremonies were held.   Hattusa is about a three-hour drive from Ankara. The site is spread out, so driving or cycling between the ruins makes for a much easier visit.   Ani (10th – 13th century CE) Dubbed the “City of 1,001 Churches,” Ani was a medieval Armenian capital along the Silk Road, Photo by Heidi B. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Once a busy stop on the Silk Road, Ani was a city of great wealth, power, and faith—so grand it earned the name “City of 1,001 Churches.” Now abandoned, its hauntingly beautiful ruins stand against the endless Anatolian steppe.   At its height, Ani was the capital of the Bagratid Armenian Kingdom, home to tens of thousands of people and filled with stunning architecture that rivaled the great cities of its time. The cathedral and its stunning dome still dominate the skyline, while the Church of St. Gregory of Tigran Honents hides intricate frescoes that have miraculously survived centuries of neglect and decay.   The city’s formidable walls, considered impenetrable at the time, failed to stop a series of invasions—Byzantines, Seljuks, Mongols—all of whom left their indelible mark. Yet, by the 14th century, Ani was in steep decline, eventually forgotten to time.   North (Black Sea)   Sumela Monastery (4th century CE) Carved into a cliffside in the Black Sea region, Sumela Monastery is a spectacular showpiece of monastic life in the Byzantine era, photo by Rotadefterim. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Sitting high on a sheer cliff in Türkiye’s Black Sea region, Sumela Monastery seems almost otherworldly—a hidden sanctuary suspended between the sky and the forested slopes below. Founded in the 4th century CE, this Byzantine monastery was a place of devotion, scholarship, and solitude, where monks withdrew from the world to seek spiritual enlightenment.   The complex is carved into the rock face and is an amazing work of architecture. Walking up the winding path to the entrance, you’ll go through stone archways and enter the main chapel. Inside, you’ll find bright frescoes on the walls and ceilings. These paintings, which date from the 14th to 18th centuries, show well-known biblical scenes like the Annunciation, the Transfiguration, and the Last Judgment. Although the colors have faded a bit, they are still very impressive.   Gallipoli (20th century CE) A pivotal World War I battlefield, Gallipoli saw fierce fighting between the Ottoman army and Allied forces. Today, the memorial sites honor both sides of the conflict, especially the ANZAC troop, photo of Lone Pine Cemetery at Anzac Cove by Esther Lee. Source: Flickr   History may remember Gallipoli as a brutal battlefield, but nowadays, it is a place of remembrance. In 1915, this rugged peninsula became the stage for one of World War I’s bloodiest campaigns, as Allied forces—primarily ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) troops—landed on its shores, aiming to seize control of the Dardanelles Strait. Facing fierce resistance from Ottoman forces under Mustafa Kemal (later Atatürk, the founder of modern-day Türkiye), the campaign dragged on for eight grueling months, marked by trench warfare, unimaginable losses, and acts of bold bravery on both sides.   The Gallipoli you visit today is a beautiful yet somber open-air memorial, with cemeteries, trenches, and monuments dotting the vast surrounding landscape. The ANZAC Cove memorial honors the thousands of young soldiers who fought and fell here, while the Turkish 57th Infantry Regiment Memorial pays tribute to the Ottoman troops who defended their homeland. At Çanakkale Martyrs’ Memorial, the words of Atatürk echo a rare sentiment in war: “There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets… they lie side by side here in this country of ours.”

  The country of Georgia is perhaps best known as the birthplace of Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin. While Stalin is associated with his hometown of Gori, Georgia has much more to offer. The capital, Tbilisi, is a cosmopolitan city with Persian, Turkish, and Russian influences, while nearby Mtskheta is known for churches and monasteries. Stepantsminda is famous for mountain views, Telavi for wine and architecture, and Kutaisi combines ancient origins and medieval grandeur. Batumi on the Black Sea Coast is a unique destination reminiscent of Las Vegas and Dubai.   1. Tbilisi The Kura (Mtkvari) River in Tbilisi, photograph by Jimmy Chen, 2025. Source: Jimmy Chen   According to tradition, Tbilisi was founded on the Kura or Mtkvari River by King Vakhtang Gorgosali during the 5th century CE. The city owes its name, which means “warm place” in Old Georgian, to the natural sulfur springs in the area. Tbilisi’s hot springs encouraged the development of the baths in the Abanotubani district, attracting visitors seeking cures for their ailments over the centuries. Visitors to the historic Chreli Abano baths can book private rooms favored by the likes of Alexander Pushkin and Alexandre Dumas.   While Tbilisi became the capital of Georgia in the 6th century, its strategic location made it an enticing target for neighboring empires. Over the centuries, the city came under Persian, Arab, and Turkish control. Tbilisi’s importance as a political and commercial center also made it a cosmopolitan city. Tbilisi became the capital of an independent Georgian state once again in 1122, following Georgia’s victory over the Seljuk Turks at the Battle of Didgori in 1121. Tbilisi flourished during Georgia’s Golden Age in the 12th century and was the capital of King Tamar the Great at the turn of the 13th century.   Georgia’s Golden Age came to an abrupt end in the 1220s with the arrival of the Mongols. Tbilisi largely remained under foreign domination until the second half of the 18th century, when the eastern half of Georgia regained independence during the reigns of Teimuraz II and Erekle II.   The 1783 Treaty of Georgievsk, which made Georgia a Russian protectorate, did not prevent the Qajar sultanate of Iran from sacking the city in 1795. The event precipitated the Russian annexation of Georgia in 1801. Apart from a brief period of independence after World War I, Tbilisi and Georgia remained under Russian or Soviet control until 1991.   The Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi, photograph by Jimmy Chen, 2025. Source: Jimmy Chen   Aside from the aforementioned sulfur baths, the imposing Narikala Fortress and the nearby Mother of Georgia Statue are major landmarks of Tbilisi. The city’s past as an important trading center along the Silk Road is reflected in an old caravanserai near Sion Cathedral. The redeveloped caravanserai is home to several shops, the Tbilisi City Museum, and the Tbilisi Wine Museum, where visitors can enjoy a glass of wine while learning about the oldest winemaking culture in the world.   The National Museum of Georgia, the Georgian Museum of Fine Arts, and the National Gallery of Georgia are all located on Rustaveli Avenue. Constructed in the 19th century by the Russian authorities, Rustaveli Avenue is the city’s main thoroughfare. It​​ also houses the Viceroy’s Palace and the Parliament Building, which were the site of anti-government protests in 2024-2025. The National Gallery and the Art Museum of Georgia, located near Liberty Square, exhibit artworks by Niko Pirosmani, Georgia’s most famous artist, Niko Pirosmani.   Across the river from the Narikala Fortress, an imposing equestrian statue of Tbilisi’s founder, King Vakhtang Gorgasali, stands near the historic Metekhi Church. Further to the north, the 87-meter-tall Holy Trinity or Sameba Cathedral is one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. The cathedral was built between 1995 and 2004 to commemorate the 2,000th anniversary of Christ’s birth. The raised platform at the ground level offers an excellent view of Mtatsminda, Tbilisi’s ‘holy mountain’ featuring an iconic TV Tower and Ferris Wheel.   2. Mtskheta Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, Mtskheta, photograph by Jimmy Chen, 2025. Source: Jimmy Chen   Located about 10 miles northwest of Tbilisi on the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, Mtskheta was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Georgia (known as the Kingdom of Iberia) from around the 3rd century BCE until the 6th century CE. The city’s ancient citadel was located on the southern bank of the Mtkvari River at a site known as Armazi.   Mtskheta is known for several churches and monasteries, the earliest of which were founded in the years following the Christianization of Iberia in 337 CE. The magnificent Svetitskhoveli Cathedral stands on the site of the first Christian church in Georgia. A second larger church was built on the site by Vakhtang Gorgasali in the 5th century. The current structure dates from the 11th century and was the largest church in Georgia until the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi was constructed.   Famous Georgian kings, including Vakhtang Gorgasali and Erekle II, were buried at Svetitskhoveli, as were many other members of the Bagrationi dynasty, which ruled Georgia (in part or in whole) from the 9th century to the 18th century. The area around the cathedral includes a row of souvenir stalls, several cafes and restaurants, and a wine shop of the Winery Khareba, one of the largest wineries in Georgia.   Samtavro’s Convent, Mtskheta, photograph by Jimmy Chen, 2025. Source: Jimmy Chen   Other well-known religious sanctuaries in and around Mtskheta include Samtavro’s Convent, founded in the 4th century CE by King Miriam III, the first Christian king of Georgia. Miriam III and his wife, Queen Nana, were buried in the monastery grounds. The convent is located on the road to the Shio-Mgvime Monastery, an important monastic site founded in the 6th century CE by the eponymous St. Shio, one of the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers who are known for the development of monasticism in Georgia.   Located on a rocky mountaintop on the eastern bank of the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers, the Jvari Monastery or Monastery of the Cross dates from the 6th century CE and has remained largely unchanged over the centuries. The monastery owes its name to a cross erected by St. Nino, the female saint credited with bringing Christianity to Georgia, on the site of a former pagan temple. While the interior of the main church is rather plain, Jvari Monastery is known for its panoramic views of the city of Mtskheta and the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers below.   3. Stepantsminda Gergeti Trinity Church and Mount Kazbek, Stepantsminda, photograph by Jimmy Chen, 2025. Source: Jimmy Chen   The town of Stepantsminda, which continues to be known colloquially by its former name of Kazbegi, is located on the Terek River near the Russian border. Best known for the 14th-century Gergeti Trinity Church that overlooks the town, Stepantsminda is surrounded by tall peaks of the Caucasus range, including Mt. Kazbek (5,054m) and Mt. Shani (4,451m). During the summer months, the town is a popular base for hikers and mountaineers.   Stepantsminda (literally Saint Stephen) is named after a Georgian Orthodox monk who founded a hermitage on the site. The name Kazbegi, adopted in 1925 during Soviet rule, was the surname of a Russian officer who controlled the town at the turn of the 19th century. One of his descendants was the Georgian writer Alexander Kazbegi, who is commemorated by a statue in the city. The protagonist of Kazbegi’s 1883 novel The Patricide, a Caucasian bandit named Koba, was a major inspiration to the young Ioseb Jughashvili (Joseph Stalin), who used the name Koba as a revolutionary pseudonym.   Stepantsminda is located on the Georgian Military Highway, which was built at the turn of the 19th century to facilitate the movement of Russian troops during the protracted Russo-Circassian War. The Russo-Georgian border is located at the Dariali Gorge, around 10 kilometers north of Stepantsminda. Visitors to the nearby Dariali Monastery, founded in 2010, may also have an opportunity to visit the monastery’s wine cellar.   Treaty of Georgievsk Monument, photograph by Jimmy Chen, 2025. Source: Jimmy Chen   The Georgian Military Highway, which connects Tbilisi to the Russian town of Vladikavkaz, is one of the most scenic roads in the whole of Georgia and carries a substantial amount of freight traffic between the two countries. Key points of interest on the route include the Ananuri Fortress and the nearby Zhinvali Reservoir, the town of Pasanauri (famous for its khinkali dumplings), and the ski resort of Gudauri.   A few miles north of Gudauri near the Jvari Pass is the so-called Russo-Georgian Friendship Monument, erected in 1983 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Treaty of Georgievsk between Georgia and the Russian Empire. The interior of the circular monument consists of a colorful tiled mural depicting scenes from Russian and Georgian history. The monument is also known for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and is also a popular site for paragliding.   4. Telavi Palace of King Erekle II, Telavi, photograph by Jimmy Chen, 2025. Source: Jimmy Chen   The city of Telavi is the administrative center of Kakheti, Georgia’s premier wine region. Although less of a tourist destination than Sighnaghi, Telavi is of greater historical and political significance. The town was an important political center from the 8th to the 13th centuries CE, and the nearby Ikalto Academy was one of the most prestigious centers of learning during Georgia’s Golden Age.   Telavi’s fortunes declined in the 15th century after the Kingdom of Georgia was divided into the three kingdoms of Kakheti (in the east), Kartli (in the center), and Imereti (in the west). In the early 16th century, the kings of Kakheti moved their capital to a more defensible site at Gremi. Telavi’s fortunes were revived following the construction of the Batonistsikhe fortress complex by King Archil of Kakheti in the 1660s.   One of the only surviving royal residences in the entire country of Georgia, the fortress at Telavi is closely associated with King Erekle II, who reigned as king of Kakheti in 1750-1762 and a unified Kartli-Kakheti in 1762-1798. A skillful politician, Erekle gained effective autonomy from Persian rule and reformed his kingdom along European (Russian) lines. While Erekle is celebrated as one of Georgia’s greatest kings, his decision to sign the Treaty of Georgievsk with Russia in 1783 contributed to the kingdom’s annexation to Russia shortly after his death in 1801.   Monument to King Erekle II, Telavi, photograph by Jimmy Chen, 2025. Source: Jimmy Chen   Erekle’s Palace and the recently refurbished Telavi History Museum within the walls of the Batonistiskhe Fortress are the main attractions of the city. Other sites include a 900-year-old plane tree a short walk from the fortress, the produce market at the Telavi Bazaar, and St. Mariam’s Orthodox Church. Telavi is known for architecture from different periods of Georgian history, and the picturesque Cholokashvili Street in the Old Town is distinguished by attractive balconies that overhang the road.   Owing to its location in the heart of Kakheti, Telavi is an excellent base from which to explore Georgia’s wine region. Inside the city, visitors can sample wines at Dakishvili’s Wine and Chocolate bar or book a gourmet cheese tasting at Odlisi, a romantic bar and restaurant on Cholokashvili Street run by an entrepreneurial mother-daughter team serving cheese made by their husband/father.   Telavi is a short drive from the Tsinandali Estate, which once belonged to Alexander Chavchavadze. A 19th-century Russian-born Georgian aristocrat, Chavchavadze was a distinguished poet and an accomplished military officer who served in the 1812 campaign against Napoleon. The historic house is home to a museum and a winery founded by Chavchavadze, which continues to produce some of Georgia’s best-known wines. Another popular wine destination is the Kvareli Wine Cave, operated by Winery Khareba. The cave offers wine tastings and tours of its 7.7km tunnel complex.   5. Gori Joseph Stalin Statue near the Stalin Museum, Gori, photograph by Jimmy Chen, 2025. Source: Jimmy Chen   The city of Gori, located 50 miles west of Tbilisi, is best known as the birthplace of Joseph Stalin. The house where the notorious Soviet dictator was born in 1878 is preserved in Stalin Park, and the nearby Stalin Museum was founded in 1957, a few years after his death in 1953.   The museum, which retains many of its Soviet-era attributes, provides a detailed overview of Stalin’s life and career, from his education at a Georgian Orthodox seminary to his revolutionary activities as a young man and his rise to power to become the leader of the Soviet Union following the death of Vladimir Lenin in 1924. Stalin continues to be regarded as a local hero in his hometown, and the museum does not dedicate much space to the atrocities and purges committed by his regime.   A short distance from the border with the breakaway region of South Ossetia, Gori was briefly occupied by Russian forces during the Russo-Georgian War of August 2008, which resulted in the de facto independence of the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.   Gori Fortress, photograph by Jimmy Chen, 2025. Source: Jimmy Chen   While the Stalin Museum is by far the most popular destination for foreign tourists, Gori is also known for its distinctive hilltop fortress, dating to the 7th century CE. This fortress offers a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. Other key landmarks include the Cathedral of Saint Mary and the State Historical Ethnographic Museum.   Gori is a short distance from the ancient cave town of Uplistsikhe, a unique site rivaled only by Vardzia in the south of the country. The site served as the principal political center for the Georgian kingdom of Kartli between the 8th and 10th centuries CE and was the location of King Tamar’s first coronation in 1178. The site was abandoned following Mongol raids in the 14th century.   Another historic site near Gori is the Ateni Sioni Church, built on a hillside in the Ateni gorge. This 7th-century church resembles Jvari Monastery in Mtskheta and is best known for its 11th-century frescoes, which are among the best-preserved examples of Georgian church art.   6. Kutaisi Bagrati Cathedral in the Snow, Kutaisi, photograph by Jimmy Chen, 2025. Source: Jimmy Chen   The city of Kutaisi in western Georgia is one of the oldest cities in the country. Archaeological evidence indicates that the city served as the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Colchis during the 6th century BCE. In Greek mythology, Colchis is best known as the destination of Jason and the Argonauts in their quest for the Golden Fleece. Gold artifacts unearthed from Kutaisi and the important religious site of Vani may offer some archaeological evidence for the legendary tale. Kutaisi’s ancient past is commemorated by the Colchis Fountain in the city center.   After three centuries of Arab rule, much of Georgia was reunited by King Bagrat III at the beginning of the 11th century. Since the city of Tbilisi remained in Muslim hands, Kutaisi served as the capital of the Kingdom of Georgia between 1008 and 1122. The Bagrati Cathedral on the northern bank of the Rioni River was founded by Bagrat III in the early 11th century.   Kutaisi flourished during the reign of King David IV the Builder, who founded the nearby Gelati Monastery in 1106. One of four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Georgia, Gelati served as the royal mausoleum of the Bagrationi dynasty between the 12th and 15th centuries. Both David the Builder and his great-granddaughter Tamar the Great were buried at Gelati.   In 2012, President Mikheil Saakashvili moved the Georgian Parliament to a purpose-built modernist structure in Kutaisi on the site of a former Soviet war memorial. This experiment was unpopular and short-lived, and the Parliament returned to Tbilisi in January 2019.   7. Batumi Palm Trees in a snowy Batumi, photograph by Jimmy Chen, 2025. Source: Jimmy Chen   Located on the Black Sea coast in the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, Batumi is Georgia’s second-most populous city. Known as Bathys (from Bathys limen or ‘deep harbor’) in antiquity, the city was the site of a Greek colony in Colchis. The Roman fortress of Gonio-Apsaros, located 10 miles south of the city, is believed to be the burial site of Saint Matthias, one of the Twelve Apostles.   Batumi was part of various Georgian kingdoms until 1703 when it became part of the Ottoman Empire. It served as a provincial port on the Ottoman frontier until it was annexed by the Russian Empire in 1878. At the turn of the 20th century, Batumi became the main Russian port for the export of oil from the Baku oil fields.   After 70 years of Soviet rule between 1921 and 1991, the politician Aslan Abashidze turned Adjara into his personal fiefdom. Abashidze fell from power in 2004, and Georgian government forces took control of Adjara. Batumi has experienced rapid development since 2010, with high-rise apartments and hotels towering over the 19th-century Old Town.   Nicknamed the Las Vegas of Georgia, Batumi’s economy is highly dependent on gambling and tourism. Major attractions include the Adjara State Museum, Europe Square, and the Statue of Ali and Nino (named after the protagonists of a 1937 romance novel by the writer Kurban Said about a Muslim Azeri boy and a Christian Georgian girl). The Batumi Boulevard, which extends for seven kilometers along the coast, is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.   Batumi is unique among Georgian cities in having a subtropical climate. The author just happened to visit the city during a once-in-a-decade snowstorm in late February 2025 that caused his rental car to be stuck in the snow for two days.