Khurtisi castle and mount Shani: a timeless gateway to the Caucasus

photo rights reserved by Ben

Khurtisi Castle is located near the Jvari Pass in the Kazbegi region of northern Georgia. This historic fortress once played a crucial strategic role in guarding the mountain passage. Although the castle is now in ruins, its remains still bear witness to the rich history and importance of the Caucasus as a trade route. The remains show a typical medieval Georgian architectural style, with sturdy stone walls and a strategic location on a hill, which offers a magnificent view of the surrounding valley. Khurtisi Castle is a place where history and nature harmoniously merge, with a serene and timeless atmosphere against the backdrop of the imposing Mount Shani. Mt. Shani, a majestic peak of approximately 4,451 meters high, is located in the vicinity of the Jvari Pass and is considered one of the prominent mountains in the region. The mountain not only offers a challenge to experienced mountaineers, but also acts as a visual icon in the landscape. The snow-capped peak of Mount Shani towers over the valleys, with sheer rock faces and glistening ice fields, creating an impressive backdrop for the historic Khurtisi Castle.

The Jvari Pass, located at 2,379 meters, is part of the Georgian Military Highway, a historic route that connects Tbilisi to Vladikavkaz in Russia. The pass is known for its spectacular views, with winding roads that wind through deep gorges and past picturesque villages. Together, Khurtisi Castle and Mount Shani create a unique blend of history, culture and natural beauty, making the Jvari Pass an unforgettable destination.

Khurtisi Castle ligt nabij de Jvari-pas in de regio Kazbegi, in het noorden van Georgië. Het is een historisch fort dat ooit een strategische rol speelde bij het bewaken van de doorgang door de bergen. Het kasteel, hoewel tegenwoordig een ruïne, getuigt van de rijke geschiedenis en het belang van de Kaukasus als handelsroute. De overblijfselen tonen typische middeleeuwse Georgische bouwstijl, met robuuste stenen muren en een strategische ligging op een verhoging, wat een prachtig uitzicht biedt over de vallei. Het kasteel is een plek waar geschiedenis en natuur samenkomen, en het biedt een serene, tijdloze sfeer tegen de achtergrond van de ruige berg Shani. Mount Shani is een indrukwekkende piek die tot ongeveer 4.451 meter reikt. De berg ligt dicht bij de Jvari-pas en wordt beschouwd als een van de prominente toppen in de regio. Shani is niet alleen een uitdaging voor bergbeklimmers, maar het is ook een visueel icoon voor de omgeving. Het wordt vaak bewonderd door reizigers die de Georgian Military Highway volgen. De besneeuwde top van Mount Shani torent majestueus boven de omliggende valleien uit, met steile rotswanden en glinsterende ijsvelden. Het is een perfecte achtergrond voor het historische Khurtisi Castle. De Jvari-pas 2.379 meter hoog maakt deel uit van de Georgian Military Highway, een historische route die Tbilisi met Vladikavkaz in Rusland verbindt. De pas staat bekend om zijn adembenemende uitzichten, met kronkelende wegen die door diepe kloven en langs pittoreske dorpjes slingeren.

Taken in: Georgia / Mtskheta-Mtianeti / Khurt’isi (show map)

Taken on: October 19, 2023

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Camera: Canon EOS 6D, f/11.0, 1/1000 sec, 130mm, ISO 100 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Canon EOS 6D
Aperture:	f/11.0
Exposure Time:	0.001 sec (1/1000)
Focal Length:	130mm
ISO:	100
Exposure Bias:	-4/3 EV
Flash:	Off, Did not fire
Exposure Program:	Program AE
Exposure Mode:	Auto
Metering Mode:	Multi-segment
White Balance:	Auto
Color Space:	sRGB
Software:	PaintShop Pro 24,00
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