Exploring Gremi Church and Museum
The Gremi Fortress and Royal Tower is a UNESCO heritage site that was built in 15-16th century. It was once a residence of the kakhetian kings of the renowned ancient Kakheti kingdom. The Fortress is surrounded by walls that has a a secret passage underground and we were able to explore the church, the castle, and the tower which structures are now being preserved as a museum.
Gremi Church and Museum
Upon walking to the church, we found out there was a wedding going on, oh such a lucky day to witness it. It's an Orthodox wedding so it's kind of a different than the ones I use to see. I was able to get a picture with the bride before it starts so I think it will be a good luck for me (hopefully). There aren't a lot of people present so I guess it is a private one or it's just how they do it traditionally. There were two priests who officiated the wedding ceremony. The bride and groom were standing beside each other and on their sides were also the bridesmaids and groomsmen facing the priest listening intently as to what was being read.
We weren't able to finish it because it could go on for a few more minutes or hours so we proceed to see the other parts of the fortress. The main part of it is a castle with a tower where the royal families lived. It is now a museum and I paid 3 GEL for an entrance fee.
I was welcomed by a dimly lit room that could have been used as the reception or living area before. We first take a look at the 3D projection on how the fortress was built. There were some painted old portraits on the wall of of the Kings and Queens who ruled the Kakheti Kingdom. A set of an armour suit and a gown with a crown is also displayed. It is some of the stuff that they were able to preserve and that were the real ones used way back 16th century.
We proceed through a narrow stair leading to the higher floors and from there saw some other interesting stuffs. One is a comfort room that has a built in toilet seat made for royalties, it has a table with some containers one resembling like a kettle. It could have been there for a purpose of having theavailability of warm water needed for washing, by merely seeing it makes me imagine how they've live before. I'm glad they were able to preserve it and the younger generations can see it. It made me realize how lucky we are today living in comfort and convenience.
We went up further to the tower and its wide enough for a room. There are window openings overlooking the town and mountains. Looking at the refreshing scenery from way up there, I felt like a princess being in a real castle tower. It feels wonderful to be there and if not for those noisy students who were having an excursion, I could have stayed more. We went around and explored the other parts of the castle. The walls, stairs and even the windows look old but still gives this elegant ambience of the place. We finished the tour and walked back down going to the car.
Tasting Churchkela
Upon walking down on the side of the fortress, I saw these vendors on the side with some delicious looking street foods. I found out that those strange looking candlesticks with red to orange color is none other than the famous Georgian sweet delicacy "churchkela". Out of curiosity, well they said it's a must try food in Georgia, I bought one and some other dried fruits and roasted nuts.
We went back to the car and started on our next destination. I took out the churchkela and took my first bite. Well, the outer part is not that soft, maybe because it was exposed in a cold environment so while chewing it feels like eating rubber (lol). It has good taste though, has a sweet and sour taste of grapes and the walnuts inside are good.
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