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        IN NIKORTSMINDA, a small mountain-village in the Racha region in western Georgia people mainly survive by natural household. On clear days you can see the Caucasus massive rise in the horizon. There is no jobs and no money. Still there is a prosperous social life. Many Tbilisians have bought or inherited properties here, where they set up their small summerhouses, 6-7 hours drive from Tbilisi. The

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village is isolated during the winter which can be pretty tough up here at 1400 meters. Wolves and bears can be seen occasionally. Some years ago an earthquake destroyed many of the houses. The village is very important for Georgian orthodox because of the church. The village comes to life in the summer when a lot of young boys and girls spend their summer vacation her staying by relatives or at the family dacha.

St. Nicolas Domed Church of Nikortsminda.      
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Nikortsminda domed cathedral was built in 1010-1014 by King Bagrat III. It stands out with its exterior stone carvings. Each part of the design is related to the theme of divine greatness of Christ. The interior is decorated with mural paintings of the late medieval period. Facades and annexes, besides the ornaments, are decorated with the most important relief statues from a historical evolutionary point of view. Nikortsminda is the peak of sculptural decoration of Georgian cathedrals. There are frescoes belonging to the XVII century inside the cathedral, typical examples of georgian mural painting of late epoch. From the ceiling light streams down on the late medieval paintings and decorations. The time has not moved inside the church. The sacral atmosphere is prominent. The rich and beautiful ornaments can be found everywhere, both in-, and outside.

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You can find a small and beautiful monastery an hours walk down an idyllic valley. Here the young priests preparing for becoming a real prist in Nikortsminda stayed during one year. There is a beutiful river running down the valley, and it makes a great trip to go there. It makes you think how it is possible to spend year down there especially during winter. 




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St. Nicolas Domed Church of Nikortsminda.  
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Extraorinary frescos from the 17.th century..   
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Udabno.   
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