Churches and Monasteries

I was not familiar with the name of this place, until during a recent hiking trip in Georgia and latter at home using Google Maps I learned this place is known as Saint George Church. The name I used to knew it - was something like this - there is that lovely women monastery up there in Borjomi. And I'm still preferring this name of describing this place instead of Saint George Church.  The Sadgeri St. George Church is the XV century monument. It is located in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region,…

Lēnu church (Latvian: Lēnu baznīca) is located in Latvia, historical region of Courland in Skrunda municipality. I first discovered this place either in 2013, or 2014, and in fact I was surprised to learn than in Western Latvia (Courland) there are actually Catholic churches (turns out - there are, and a lot) Lenu church At time (On June 6, 2015)  I visited this church a festival called Night of Churches happened, which basically means that this festival promotes awareness of Latvian…

Temple of Saint Seraphim of Sarov is located close to Borjomi (some 1.5km) in Georgia. You can get here either by car or as I prefer - by foot using Borjomi - Baghi - Tba - Tsemi road. That's actually exactly we did at the end of September during our hiking tour in Borjomi. I must admit this was not the first time for me at this place, but prior to that I didn't know the name and meaning of this place. Now I know, so the place is actually called the Temple on Saint Seraphim of Sarov and is…

Akhtala monastery was our third and last stop during our short one day trip to Armenia, before returning to Tbilisi. Prior to Akhtala monastery we visited Haghpat monastery and Sanahin monastery. The truth is - our trip was made especially to visit Akhtala because of a barbeque festival was held here. I will cover some details (and photos) about that festival in some of the next blog posts, but today I decided to share some photography I captured here at Akhtala. Just like Haghpat and Sanahin…

Sanahin monastery is located in province of Lori in Armenia, close to Georgian border. Sanahin monastery was second site we visited during our short one day trip to Armenia, just shortly after we visited Haghpat monastery. I was so eager to master a photography using my DSLR camera and a tripod (it's damn hard to use a tripod in 30 minutes sightseeing tour) so I didn't actually paid much attention on history a local guides were telling about this place. After all I prefer to do Wikipedia…

Haghpat monastery, together with Sanahin monastery, are placed on UNESCO's World Heritage List since 1996. At the start of September we booked a one day tour from Tbilisi to Armenia, and I had chance to visit both Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries. Since this time I was less into history, more into photography, that's what I exactly did - I photographed both places. Today I will start with photography of Haghpat Monastery in Lori province. Landscape at Haghpat monastery Look at the fog! I…

Cirava Evangelic Lutheran Church is located in historical region of Courland in Latvia. Cirava church is closely located to Cirava manor complex, those of you traveling to Latvia and especially to Courland, it's woth to pay a visit to Cirava as well. Cirava Church​ This massive church has been built in 1780-1781, and had been rebuilt in 1876 and 1888. The church is known for its exquisite Rococo altar, pulpit and organ. Read more (In Latvian) Architectural monument Cirava church…

Some time ago I visited a lovely town Saldus (located some 100km from capital Riga), one of the main sights here is a church - St. John's Church of Saldus. As usual I took my camera and made a few shots here. The altarpiece at Saldus St. John's church Author of this altar painting is made by J. Dering (19th century). Read more: Churches in Saldus  Saldus St. John church This church building is the oldest building of the town and the first stone made church in Saldus built in 1615, but…

History of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Skrunda dates back to 1668 as stated on official Skrunda municipality website. I took my camera and went to memorize this place.  Skrunda church Bell tower of Skrunda Church Back view of Skrunda Church Burial near Skrunda church According to the inscription on the cross - pastor Johann Daniel Goldmann is buried here Skrunda church I hadn't a chance to enter this church (ups, doors were closed) but according to Skrunda municipality  …

I was surprised to learn that this church is more than 500 years old. Prior I learnt that I was even more surprised to learn that Dobele town has a lovely historical centre. This church is located just next to this historical centre. I took my camera and tried to make some great pictures here. Dobele Evangelical Lutheran Church I believe all is said with just this one photo. Just marvellous. Entrance at this church Info table This church is now already 520 years old Back view As…