Gremi

გრემი

The evocative 16th-century royal citadel and Church of the Archangels, once the capital of the Kakhetian kingdom. Its brick tower rising above vineyards offers a vivid glimpse into medieval Georgian history.

Things to do

• Church of the Archangels — Explore the beautifully preserved 1565 brick church with faded frescoes at the heart of the citadel complex.
• Climb the bell tower — Ascend the three-storey tower for sweeping views over the Alazani Valley and surrounding vineyards.
• Visit the museum — See archaeological finds, coins, weapons and household items from Gremi's golden age in the tower's small museum.
• Walk the citadel ramparts — Stroll the fortified walls and imagine the once-thriving trading town that was destroyed by Shah Abbas in 1615.
• Photograph the citadel from below — Capture the iconic silhouette of red-brick walls rising above green vineyards from the roadside approach.
• Wine tasting nearby in Nekresi and Kvareli — Combine your visit with tastings at cellars in the surrounding Kakheti wine region, Georgia's heartland of viticulture.

Food to try

• Khinkali — Juicy Georgian soup dumplings twisted at the top, eaten by hand and best paired with a pinch of black pepper.
• Mtsvadi — Kakhetian pork or veal skewers grilled over grapevine cuttings, a regional specialty served with tkemali sauce.
• Churchkhela — String of nuts dipped in thickened grape juice, a sweet snack sold along the roadsides of Kakheti.
• Qvevri wine — Try amber and red wines fermented in traditional clay qvevri vessels, a UNESCO-recognized Kakhetian method.
• Shoti bread — Canoe-shaped bread baked on the walls of a clay tone oven, best eaten fresh and warm.
• Khachapuri — Cheese-filled bread that pairs perfectly with a glass of local Saperavi or Rkatsiteli wine.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress modestly for the church — Cover shoulders and knees, and women may be asked to wear a headscarf when entering the active church.
• Respect the supra tradition — If invited to a Georgian feast, expect elaborate toasts led by a tamada (toastmaster) and generous hospitality.
• Bring cash — Small entrance fees and rural vendors near Gremi often don't accept cards, so carry Georgian lari.
• Combine with Kakheti day trips — Gremi pairs well with nearby Nekresi Monastery, Kvareli, and Telavi for a full day exploring wine country.

Nearby

• Tsinandali Estate — 10 km
• Telavi — 13 km
• Nekresi Monastery — 14 km
• Kvareli — 17 km