Churches and Monasteries

The Saint John evangelic Lutheran church in Aizpute is one of the oldest churches in Courland, historical region of Latvia.  On a rainy day I took my DSLR camera and headed to Aizpute Church mound to photograph this ancient site. Latter I was surprised to learn that on this place, prior a church were built was an ancient Curonian castle. Church mound in Aizpute This church is built on a mound, you can see a view from this mound in above image River Tebra near Aizpute church And what a…

When I was back in Germany and visited Germany's most visited landmark - The Cologne's Cathedral my travel mate said to me - it (Cologne's Cathedral) doesn't impress me as much as Valtaiķi church in Latvia. I looked at her - and asked, what? Seriously? Yes, she replied - the stained glass at Valtaiķi church are more impressive than here at Cologne.  I was left with no options and decided to visit this church by my own. Unfortunately, as usual in Latvia, this church was closed and I hadn't any…

I have been into church photography lately and during our latest trip to Germany/ The Netherlands I had a chance to visit the Cathedral of Cologne. I was hoping to make here some good photos but unfortunately I'm not very satisfied with result I got it was a rainy day and I didn't use any tripod. There is still plenty of room to improve my photographer skills. But since I do find this object a pretty magnificent - I just couldn't resist to add it to my blog. Front view of Cologne's Cathedral…

As I already stated in my previous blog post about Gothic Aachen Town Hall (Rathaus) in Germany this was my first time in Aachen and I had little not to say no clue what to see here. After a lovely breakfast at Oebel Backerei we decided to spend a few more minutes in this German town of Aachen. Then we discovered Aachen's Town hall and then shortly we found this magnificent Cathedral. Unfortunetly during our visit here, the church were closed because of church service was held. Anyway I…

I have been lately a lot in church photography. Perhaps Georgia as an Orthodox country has learned me this lesson. Churches are interesting for photography, I believe it's pretty hard to take a decent image of a church by not using some good lenses and a tripod. Churches looks great from a distance, they are majestic and impressive.  Kuldiga Orthodox Church As I have been taught and have find many times - a tripod is a must have for the landscape photography, unfortunately I haven't yet get…

Anchiskhati Basilica is one of the oldest (if not the eldest) Georgian Orthodox church's located in Old Town of Tbilisi. The history of this church dates back to the 6 th century AD. Though I have visited it so many times, I haven't yet effectively photographed it. Recently I acquired a new DSLR camera and soon I decided to improve my photographer skills. A walk in Tbilisi is a great both for photo - hobbyists and professional photographers.  Now back on the subject: Anchiskhati Basilica:…

Jvari monastery is a popular tourist destination in Georgia, and I believe there are two reasons of that - first it's located close to the nation's capital Tbilisi and second it offers a really scenic views to nearby city of Mtskheta and delta of Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers. Another reason to mention - the monastery is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. First time I headed here was probably back in 2011, since then I have visited this place for some couple of other times. Recently my…

Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi, commonly known as Sameba (Trinity in Georgian) probably is among the most known Tbilisi tourist attraction sites and of course it's the main cathedral of Georgian Orthodox Church. For me it's always been interesting to look at Sameba from two points of view - it's third highest Orthodox cathedral in the world and it symbolizes Georgian national and spiritual revival. Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi (Sameba) Constructed between 1995 and 2004, it is the …

Beit Rachel synagogue is located in Tbilisi Old Town on Leselidze street 28. I first discovered it a few years ago, when accidentally visited an alternative restaurant located just opposite to it. Beit Rachel synagogue is actually located just a few blocks away from Tbilisi Main Synagogue. Though this synagogue is located in the heart of Tbilisi Old Town, it's pretty well hidden from public, to find it you must enter a yard. Sign before entering a yard Inside a yard Beit Rachel…

Ananuri is a castle complex on the Aragvi River in Georgia, about 45 miles (72 kilometers) from Tbilisi.  Located on the Georgian military road heading to Gudauri and Kazbegi and later to Russia via Upper Lars. Due to its close proximity to the nation's capital, Ananuri is a popular tourist spot.  Ananuri castle complex in Georgia Ananuri was a castle and seat of the eristavis (Dukes) of Aragvi, a feudal dynasty which ruled the area from the 13th century. The castle was the scene of…