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Abandoned church with defensive tower in Zhamushi, now being used as a pisty, as seen during the trek from Mestia to Zhabeshi, in Svaneti region, northwestern Georgia.
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Gergeti Trinity Church, located in Georgia, is situated on a mountain top near the village of Gergeti, near Stepantsminda Kazbegi in the Caucasus, at an altitude of about 2,170 meters. This area is popular with hikers and photographers for its breathtaking views and historical value. The Georgian Orthodox church was built in the 14th century and is a beautiful example of medieval Georgian architecture. The church is an important national symbol of Georgia and attracts many pilgrims and tourists every year. Behind Gergeti Trinity Church lies Kazbek (in Georgian: მყინვარწვერი, Mkinvartsveri), with an altitude of 5,054 meters one of the highest and most famous mountains in Georgia and the Greater Caucasus. Although the mountain is hidden in this photo, Kazbek is known for its impressive presence and mythological significance. Kazbek is an extinct stratovolcano. The name Mkinvartsveri means the icy peak in Georgian. The mountain is popular among mountaineers and adventurers. The standard route for climbing usually starts from Stepantsminda, with the Gergeti Trinity Church as the starting point. Kazbek is often covered in snow and ice, which adds to the spectacular and mysterious appearance of the region. On clear days, the summit offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Caucasus.
1. centre Gergeti Trinity church: a heavenly landmark in the Caucasus, 2. top left Hand in hand, descending from the majesty of mount Kazbek 5054m, 3. Kanitha's fairy steep ascent to Gergeti Trinity church, 4. Gergeti Trinity church – a majestic jewel in the Caucasus mountains, 5. Golden peak of Kazbek (5054m) at first light of dawn, 6. Pilgrim’s Cross beneath the majestic mount Kazbek 5054m, 7. Gergeti Trinity church – sacred Georgian haven beneath the Majesty of Kazbek (5054m), 8. Ancient spiritual tradition: a new Priest ordained at the Gergeti Church, 9. The Bishop and the sacred light: ordination by candlelight in Gergeti church, 10. The Bishop, engaged in sacred rituals in the small chapel of Gergeti Church, 11. Kanitha’s ascent to Gergeti Trinity Church – Following the meltwater path through the majestic Caucasus, 12. Gergeti Trinity church: a lone sanctuary in the majestic Caucasus, 13. Illuminated Gergeti Trinity church and Mount Kazbek (5054m) under the crescent moon.
De Gergeti Trinity Church, gelegen in Georgië, bevindt zich op een bergtop bij het dorp Gergeti, nabij Stepantsminda Kazbegi in de Kaukasus-regio, op ongeveer 2170 meter hoogte. Het eerste zonlicht van de ochtend op de voorgrond van de foto versterkt het mystieke karakter van de locatie, terwijl de besneeuwde bergtoppen en de donkere silhouetten van de kerk de dramatische sfeer van het landschap benadrukken. Dit gebied is geliefd bij wandelaars en fotografen vanwege het adembenemende uitzicht en de historische waarde. De indrukwekkende besneeuwde toppen van de Kazbek op de achtergrond worden verlicht door de gouden gloed van de opkomende zon. De Georgisch-orthodoxe kerk is gebouwd in de 14e eeuw en is een prachtig voorbeeld van middeleeuwse Georgische architectuur. De kerk is een belangrijk nationaal symbool van Georgië en trekt jaarlijks veel pelgrims en toeristen. Achter de Gergeti Trinity Church ligt de Kazbek (in het Georgisch: მყინვარწვერი, Mkinvartsveri), met een hoogte van 5.054 meter een van de hoogste en bekendste bergen in Georgië en de Grote Kaukasus. Hoewel de berg op deze foto verscholen is, staat Kazbek bekend om zijn indrukwekkende aanwezigheid en mythologische betekenis. Kazbek is een uitgedoofde stratovulkaan. De naam Mkinvartsveri betekent de IJzige Top in het Georgisch. De berg is populair onder bergbeklimmers en avonturiers. De standaardroute voor de beklimming begint meestal in Stepantsminda, waarbij de Gergeti Trinity Church als startpunt dient. Kazbek is vaak bedekt met sneeuw en ijs, wat bijdraagt aan de spectaculaire en mysterieuze uitstraling van de regio. Op heldere dagen biedt de top een prachtig panoramisch uitzicht over de Kaukasus. Deze foto toont de Gergeti Trinity Church, één van de meest iconische en spirituele plekken in Georgië, met de imposante Mount Kuro op de achtergrond. Mount Kuro, zichtbaar op de achtergrond, stijgt tot 3.980 meter en vormt een dramatische en ruige omlijsting van dit heilige bouwwerk. Aan de linkerkant van het klooster is een herdershond te zien, een trouwe metgezel van de kloosterpriesters. De besneeuwde pieken en steile rotsen onderstrepen de eenzaamheid en grootsheid van deze plek.
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Night view of Makarska, a port town by Adriatic coast, in Split-Dalmatia County, southern Croatia.
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View of Dreizinnenhütte / Rifugio Locatelli Hut, a mountain hut at the foot of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks of Lavaredo), part of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in South Tyrol, northern Italy.
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Ship cruising in Adriatic sea, near the town of Hvar, on the island of Hvar, part of Split-Dalmatia County, in southern Croatia.
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Previously, I shared a photo of Ayaz Kala, one of the defensive hilltop forts of ancient Khorezm. In contrast, this image shows Toprak Kala, a much larger and more complex site that once served as the capital of the Khorezmian Kingdom between the 1st and 3rd centuries CE.
Located about 35 km northeast of Khiva, in the Karakalpakstan region of Uzbekistan, Toprak Kala was not built for defense but for governance, ceremony, and daily life. The site includes the remains of a palace, temples, and residential buildings, all made from mudbrick. It was an organized urban center with a clear layout, wall paintings, and columned halls.
Unlike Ayaz Kala's remote, elevated position, Toprak Kala sits on open desert ground, closer to the once irrigated fertile lands. Today, the ruins are quiet and mostly untouched, offering a unique window into what life might have looked like in this once-powerful desert capital.
Georgian couple in traditional costume, getting married at Motsameta Monastery, located 6 km northeast of Kutaisi, in Imereti region, western Georgia.
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Aerial view of Holy Trinity Church, a Georgian Orthodox church sitting on top of Mount Sameba surrounded by the vastness of nature, 8 km from Batumi, the capital city of Adjara region of Georgia.
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Aerial view of Camogli, a fishing village and tourist resort located on the west side of the peninsula of Portofino, in the Metropolitan City of Genoa, Liguria region, northern Italy.
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Summer scenery at Val Di Funes, a storybook valley situated beneath the majestic peaks of Odle Group, part of the Dolomites mountains, in South Tyrol, northern Italy.
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A beautiful blue pond in Caucasus mountains, as seen on top of Chkhunderi Pass (2655m), during the trek from Adishi to Iprali, in Svaneti Region of Georgia.
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Dusk light over the uninhabited island of Pomeštak, near the western edge of the island of Mljet, in Dalmatia region of Croatia.
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Aerial view of Isola Bella (lit. 'beautiful island'), one of the Borromean Islands of Lake Maggiore, 400 metres from the lakeside town of Stresa, in Verbano-Cusio-Ossola province, Piedmont region, northwestern Italy.
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Aerial view of the beautiful coastline of Jerolim island, part of Pakleni (Paklinski) islands, located off the southwest coast of the island of Hvar, opposite the entrance to the Hvar harbour, in southern Croatia.
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Somewhere along the winding roads of southern Uganda, en route to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The road winds through vibrant farmland and dramatic skies. Moments like this make the journey as memorable as the destination.
Aerial view of Volosko, a former fishing village and now a popular tourist resort, part of the city of Opatija, situated on Kvarner coast, in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, southern Croatia.
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The towering peaks of the Seceda mountain (2519m), in the Odle (needles) group, part of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, situated within the Puez-Odle Nature Park, South Tyrol, northern Italy.
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Part of: "arbores - trees" / abseits ausgetretener Pfade / Simmeringer Haide / die Farbe Schnee ist nicht weiß
DMC-G2 - P1550168 19.2.2013 #agricultural #agriculture #equipment #rural #ländlich #landwirtschaft #gerät #gerätschaft #glashaus #gewächshaus #baum #tree #snow #winter
Summer landscape in Devil's Valley in the Caucasus mountains, located by the Georgian Military Highway between the ski resort town of Gudauri and the Jvari pass, in Stepantsminda District, Mtskheta-Mtianeti region of Georgia.
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A spring day exploring the back roads and scenic byways in Baker County Oregon.
Spent the day enjoying the arrival of Spring in Baker County Oregon. Wildflowers are starting to bloom and birds are starting to arrive for spring migration. Spotted a few new arrivals including white crowns yellow headed, redwing, and brewer’s blackbirds, and found ourselves under the watchful eye of several Great Horned Owls.
For more information about Baker County Oregon including local scenic byways and birding hot spots visit Baker County Tourism's website at www.travelbakercounty.com
Dusk light over the old town of Ostuni, nicknamed "the White City of Salento", in Brindisi province, Apulia region, southern Italy.
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Social Distancing along the back roads of Baker County Oregon
A beautiful Spring day exploring the back roads of Baker County Oregon . Some great wildlife and lots of wide open scenery.
Located at the intersection of three Oregon Scenic Byways Baker County is surrounded by spectacular scenery and wide open spaces. For more information about Baker County's back roads and scenic byways visit the Baker County Tourism website at www.travlebakercounty.com
Male hiker on the trail from Rifugio Puez (2,475m) To Rifugio Jimmy (2,220m), situated within the Puez-Odle Nature Park, in the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in South Tyrol, northern Italy.
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Exploring the back roads and scenic byways as winter turns to spring in Baker County Oregon.
Spent the day watching the seasons change in Eastern Oregon, with big dramatic skies and snowcapped mountain peaks. Spring is starting to arrive on the valley floor but winter is still holding on up in the Elkhorns.
For more information about Baker County Oregon including local scenic byways and birding hot spots visit Baker County Tourism's website at www.travelbakercounty.com
Beautiful fresco on the interior ceiling of the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, a Serbian Orthodox Church in Podgorica, the capital city of Montenegro.
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Aerial view of Tara bridge, a concrete arch bridge over the Tara River in Tara canyon, in Durmitor National Park, northwestern Montenegro. The bridge was built between 1937 and 1940 in former Yugoslavia. At the time of its completion, it was the biggest vehicular concrete arch bridge in Europe.
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Aerial view of the forest-shrouded Mljet, one of the most seductive of all the Adriatic islands, in Dalmatia region of Croatia.
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Social Distancing in Burnt River Canyon in Baker County
A beautiful Spring day exploring the Burnt River Canyon between Durkee and Unity in Baker County Oregon . Lots of wildlife, and it's calving season so lots of baby cows too
The Burnt River Canyon near Durkee is always one of our favorite drives for taking in the majestic scenery of Eastern Oregon and watching wildlife along the way.
For more information about Burnt River Canyon or other Baker County back roads and scenic byways visit the Baker County Tourism website at www.travlebakercounty.com
Aerial view of Volosko, a former fishing village and now a popular tourist resort, part of the city of Opatija, situated on Kvarner coast, in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, southern Croatia.
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Another favorite from our Glacier trip a few days ago. I can't wait to go back when it's warmer out!
photo rights reserved by Ben
Gergeti Trinity Church, located in Georgia, is situated on a mountain top near the village of Gergeti, near Stepantsminda Kazbegi in the Caucasus, at an altitude of about 2,170 meters. This area is popular with hikers and photographers for its breathtaking views and historical value. The Georgian Orthodox church was built in the 14th century and is a beautiful example of medieval Georgian architecture. The church is an important national symbol of Georgia and attracts many pilgrims and tourists every year. Behind Gergeti Trinity Church lies Kazbek (in Georgian: მყინვარწვერი, Mkinvartsveri), with an altitude of 5,054 meters one of the highest and most famous mountains in Georgia and the Greater Caucasus. Although the mountain is hidden in this photo, Kazbek is known for its impressive presence and mythological significance. Kazbek is an extinct stratovolcano. The name Mkinvartsveri means the icy peak in Georgian. The mountain is popular among mountaineers and adventurers. The standard route for climbing usually starts from Stepantsminda, with the Gergeti Trinity Church as the starting point. Kazbek is often covered in snow and ice, which adds to the spectacular and mysterious appearance of the region. On clear days, the summit offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Caucasus.
This photo shows Kanitha enjoying the Sun at Gergeti – Time for a Mountain Picnic! Gergeti Trinity Church, one of the most iconic and spiritual sites in Georgia, with the imposing Mount Kuro in the background. The church, which is located at an altitude of approximately 2,170 meters, was built in the 14th century and served as both a religious and defensive center. The location of the monastery makes it particularly special: it stands on a secluded hill with panoramic views of the Caucasus and the nearby village of Stepantsminda. In times of war, the church was used as a shelter for valuable relics, including the famous Mtskheta Cross. Mount Kuro, visible in the background, rises to 3,980 meters and forms a dramatic and rugged frame for this sacred structure. The snow-capped peaks and steep cliffs underline the solitude and grandeur of this place. Today, Gergeti Trinity Church is a popular destination for pilgrims and travelers. The climb to the church can be done on foot, on horseback or by 4x4, and once at the top, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking views over the mountains and valleys of the Caucasus.
De Gergeti Trinity Church, gelegen in Georgië, bevindt zich op een bergtop bij het dorp Gergeti, nabij Stepantsminda Kazbegi in de Kaukasus-regio, op ongeveer 2170 meter hoogte. Het eerste zonlicht van de ochtend op de voorgrond van de foto versterkt het mystieke karakter van de locatie, terwijl de besneeuwde bergtoppen en de donkere silhouetten van de kerk de dramatische sfeer van het landschap benadrukken. Dit gebied is geliefd bij wandelaars en fotografen vanwege het adembenemende uitzicht en de historische waarde. De indrukwekkende besneeuwde toppen van de Kazbek op de achtergrond worden verlicht door de gouden gloed van de opkomende zon. De Georgisch-orthodoxe kerk is gebouwd in de 14e eeuw en is een prachtig voorbeeld van middeleeuwse Georgische architectuur. De kerk is een belangrijk nationaal symbool van Georgië en trekt jaarlijks veel pelgrims en toeristen. Achter de Gergeti Trinity Church ligt de Kazbek (in het Georgisch: მყინვარწვერი, Mkinvartsveri), met een hoogte van 5.054 meter een van de hoogste en bekendste bergen in Georgië en de Grote Kaukasus. Hoewel de berg op deze foto verscholen is, staat Kazbek bekend om zijn indrukwekkende aanwezigheid en mythologische betekenis. Kazbek is een uitgedoofde stratovulkaan. De naam Mkinvartsveri betekent de IJzige Top in het Georgisch. De berg is populair onder bergbeklimmers en avonturiers. De standaardroute voor de beklimming begint meestal in Stepantsminda, waarbij de Gergeti Trinity Church als startpunt dient. Kazbek is vaak bedekt met sneeuw en ijs, wat bijdraagt aan de spectaculaire en mysterieuze uitstraling van de regio. Op heldere dagen biedt de top een prachtig panoramisch uitzicht over de Kaukasus. Deze foto toont Kanitha die geniet van de zon bij Gergeti – tijd voor een bergpicknick! De Gergeti Trinity Church, één van de meest iconische en spirituele plekken in Georgië, met de imposante Mount Kuro op de achtergrond. Mount Kuro, zichtbaar op de achtergrond, stijgt tot 3.980 meter en vormt een dramatische en ruige omlijsting van dit heilige bouwwerk. De besneeuwde pieken en steile rotsen onderstrepen de eenzaamheid en grootsheid van deze plek.
Aerial view of the beautiful coastline of Jerolim island, part of Pakleni (Paklinski) islands, located off the southwest coast of the island of Hvar, opposite the entrance to the Hvar harbour, in southern Croatia.
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Aerial view of Basilica di San Francesco di Paola, a Pantheon-style, Roman Catholic Minor basilica located to the west in Piazza del Plebiscito, the main square of Naples, the regional capital of Campania and the third-largest city of Italy.
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Dawn light over Our Lady of the Rocks, off the coast of Perast in Bay of Kotor, in Kotor municipality, Montenegro. This picturesque island was artificially created in 1452, around a rock where an image of the Madonna was found. The Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Rocks is the largest building on the islet.
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Female hiker trekking near Latpari Pass (2,834m / 9,297ft), with snow covered peaks of Caucasus mountains in background, during the trek from Iprali to Ushguli, in Svaneti Region of Georgia.
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A spring day exploring the back roads and scenic byways in Baker County Oregon.
Spent the day enjoying the arrival of Spring in Baker County Oregon. Wildflowers are starting to bloom and birds are starting to arrive for spring migration. Spotted a few new arrivals including white crowns yellow headed, redwing, and brewer’s blackbirds, and found ourselves under the watchful eye of several Great Horned Owls.
For more information about Baker County Oregon including local scenic byways and birding hot spots visit Baker County Tourism's website at www.travelbakercounty.com
A picturesque church alongside the winding road in the Dolomites mountains, in South Tyrol, northern Italy.
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Morning light over the old town of Rovinj, a popular tourist resort and an active fishing port on the western coast of the Istrian peninsula, in Istria County, Croatia.
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photo rights reserved by Ben
The David Gareja Monastery complex is remote and isolated in the rugged, semi-desert landscape of eastern Georgia, close to the border with Azerbaijan. The area is characterized by dry hills, barren plains and steep cliffs, far from any town or village. It is precisely this remoteness that contributes to the spiritual atmosphere of the place — an ideal refuge for monks seeking refuge from the world. The silence, the arid landscape and the ancient caves make David Gareja a place of deep peace, contemplation and mysticism. Founded in the 6th century by the Syrian monk David Garejeli, the monastery is partly carved into the sandstone cliffs of a rugged, semi-desert landscape. Inside the monastery there is a sloping rock face with carved cells, chapels and caves that served as living and praying rooms for monks. Some are decorated with ancient frescoes. In this photo we see Kanitha at the entrance to a simple, carved cell in the monastery complex. The small round opening in the sandstone rocks gives access to one of the many caves that were once used by monks as living or prayer rooms. This cave cell is typical of the early architectural style of the monastery, everything here is sober and purposeful — no unnecessary decoration, just rock, silence and devotion. The shapes are rough and natural, as if the space had formed itself out of the mountainside. In addition to its historical and architectural value, the monastery is still a lively religious place today. Georgian Orthodox monks still live in the complex. They lead a secluded and sober life, dedicated to prayer, study and maintenance of the monastery. During our visit to David Gareja we were the only visitors. In silence we walked through the empty monastery, past rough rock walls and ancient cells. Kanitha paused for a moment at a small cave cell — simple, carved out of the rock — and you immediately felt how monks once lived here in solitude. Everything breathed peace and devotion. The view over the silent, empty plain was breathtaking. A place where time seems to stand still — and you stand still for a moment too.
While exploring the remote David Gareja Monastery, we were the only visitors. In complete silence, we wandered through ancient rock-cut cells and chapels. Kanitha paused at the entrance of a simple cave cell — a powerful reminder of the monks’ quiet, devoted lives. Surrounded by vast, empty desert views, it felt like time stood still.
Het David Gareja-kloostercomplex ligt afgelegen en geïsoleerd in het ruige, halfwoestijnachtige landschap van Oost-Georgië, vlak bij de grens met Azerbeidzjan. Deze omgeving wordt gekenmerkt door droge heuvels, kale vlaktes en steile rotspartijen, ver weg van dorpen of steden. Juist die verlaten ligging draagt bij aan de spirituele sfeer van de plek — een ideaal toevluchtsoord voor monniken die zich willen terugtrekken uit de wereld. De stilte, het dorre landschap en de eeuwenoude grotten maken David Gareja tot een plek van diepe rust, contemplatie en mystiek. Het klooster werd in de 6e eeuw gesticht door de Syrische monnik David Garejeli en is deels uitgehouwen in de zandsteenrotsen van een ruig, halfwoestijnachtig landschap. In het klooster is er schuin oplopende rotswand met uitgehouwen cellen, kapellen en grotten die dienden als woon- en gebedsruimten voor monniken. Sommige zijn versierd met eeuwenoude fresco’s. Op deze foto zien we Kanitha bij de ingang van een eenvoudige, uitgehouwen cel in het kloostercomplex. De kleine ronde opening in de zandstenen rotsen geeft toegang tot één van de vele grotten die ooit door monniken werden gebruikt als woon- of gebedsruimte. Deze grotcel is typisch voor de vroege bouwstijl van het klooster, alles is hier sober en doelgericht — geen overbodige versiering, enkel rots, stilte en toewijding. De vormen zijn ruw en natuurlijk, alsof de ruimte zich als vanzelf uit de bergwand heeft gevormd. Naast zijn historische en architectonische waarde is het klooster ook vandaag de dag nog een levendige religieuze plek. Er wonen namelijk nog altijd Georgisch-Orthodoxe monniken in het complex. Ze leiden een teruggetrokken en sober leven, gewijd aan gebed, studie en onderhoud van het klooster. Tijdens ons bezoek aan David Gareja waren we de enige bezoekers. In alle stilte liepen we door het lege klooster, langs ruwe rotswanden en eeuwenoude cellen. Kanitha stond even stil bij een kleine grotcel — eenvoudig, uitgehouwen in de rots — en je voelde direct hoe monniken hier ooit in afzondering leefden. Alles ademde rust en toewijding. Het uitzicht over de stille, lege vlakte was adembenemend. Een plek waar tijd lijkt stil te staan — en je zelf ook even stilstaat.