Culture, design & architecture

A round stone-and-concrete balcony of 1983, lined with a tile mural of Georgian and Russian history, hanging over the Devil’s Valley. Fog often hides the view in winter.

The fortress and churches of the Aragvi dukes on the river, with carved stone façades. A natural stop on the drive up.

The highest point of the road at about 2,400 m, protected by avalanche galleries, with an orange mineral spring cascading near the road.

The stone church at 2,170 m above Stepantsminda, under Mount Kazbek. If the track is snowy, ask in Stepantsminda for a local 4x4 driver, and wear proper boots.

The mountain town below Kazbek, last stop before the Russian border. Quiet, cold and beautiful after fresh snow.