The ancient church called ‘’Gorijvari’’ stands between the Trialeti Mountains and the river bank of the Mtkvari, close to the town of Gori in Georgia. Today, Gorijvari Monastery is increasingly recognized as one of the most scenic viewpoints in the Shida Kartli region, attracting both travelers and drone photography enthusiasts.
The church is named after Saint George and was originally built in the 12th century. Over the centuries, it has faced multiple destructions — first burned down by the Turks, later rebuilt, and then damaged again by a powerful earthquake in 1920. The current structure dates back to the 1980s restoration, preserving its historical and cultural significance.
At the end of January 2022, while traveling around Gori, we were searching for interesting sightseeing spots, and Gorijvari Monastery appeared on our radar. At that time, we didn’t attempt to reach the monastery itself. Instead, I captured the site from a distance using a drone — and even from afar, it looked impressive and worth visiting.
It was only in April 2026 that we finally reached the Gorijvari Monastery site — and surprisingly, it turned out to be much easier than we had previously thought. There is actually a well-maintained road leading all the way up to the monastery, making it accessible by car and suitable for most visitors.
This time, I was able to fly my drone again, capturing stunning panoramic views over Gori and the surrounding landscapes. The conditions, however, were quite challenging — the wind up there was strong, making drone flights a bit tricky but still manageable.
I would rank this place alongside iconic locations like Gergeti Trinity Church near Kazbegi. Gorijvari has strong tourism potential, especially considering its proximity to Gori and the breathtaking views from the top. With further development — perhaps something similar to Rooms Hotel Kazbegi — the Shida Kartli region could significantly boost its tourism appeal.
Gorijvari Monastery is located in the Shida Kartli region, within Gori Municipality, near the village of Didi Gorijvari, about 4 km from Gori. Thanks to the improved road access, reaching the monastery has become straightforward, making it an easy addition to any Gori travel itinerary.
