THEY always have the best locations.
Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Sofia, Bulgaria
Cathedral St. Alexander Nevsky, Sofia, Bulgaria- massive, multi-storey, awesome.
Altar of one of the chapels in the UNESC-listed Sanahin Monsatery complex, in Armenia's Alaverdi town.
Sanahin was hyped as worth a good hour of exploring, but after 15 minutes, we were wondering where the rest was.
Haghpat Monsatery forms the other half of Alaverdi's UNESCO listing. Again, old, impressive, historical, but 15 minutes was enough. Great walk to get there though.
In the south of Armenia, no such walking to see the breathtaking Tatev Monastery. Get there instead on the world's longest cable-car ride- 5km across a deep valley.
In a location second to none, construction on Tatev began in 895, with the bulk of the structure being built through the following 3 centuries.
Hiking out of Tatev, we chanced upon the Great Hermitage Of Tatev, built in this isolated valley in the 1660s.
One of the other must-sees in southern Armenia is the Noravank Monastery. If you can't grab a ride in, the long walk is worth it anyway.
The very closed door to the main church at Noravank.
In Turkiye's easternmost city, Edirne, are many fine examples of Ottoman architecture, including the Burmali Mosque, known as the three balcony mosque, for its different deisgned minarets.
Intricate Islamic designs on the interior domes of Burmali Mosque.
Edirne Büyük Sinagogu, evidence of the once multi-cultural nature of Ottoman cities.
The greatest work by the Ottoman's greatest architect, Sinan, builder of the Sultan Ahmet Mosque in Istanbul, the Selimiye Mosque we traveled to Edirne just to see......was closed for restoration!
Still in Edirne, the interior of the 15th century Muradiye Mosque, found a pleasant urban walk away from the city's main drag.
In an area of southwest Georgia inhabited since the Bronze era, Varzdzia cave monasteries date to the 12th century, and still have 5 monks in residence.
Location, location, location.
St George Basilica, 19th century, Sighnaghi, Kakheti region of Georgia.
The Monastery of St. Nino at Bodbe is a Georgian Orthodox monastic complex walking distance from Sighnaghi. Dating to 9th century, it was remodeled in 1600s. Enjoy the views and the rose garden.
Shiomgvime Monastery is one of several striking old churches and monasteries in Mtskheta, a day trip from Georgia's capital, Tblisi.
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is the grandest and most important in the town. This 1000 year old middle ages masterpiece is UNESCO-listed.
Founded in the 6th century by David of Gareji, David Gereja monastery sits on the Georgia-Azerbaijan border. Minivans depart Tblisi in season, also visiting other historic and scenic spots in the isolated area.
Built into the mountain sides and fortified, the multi-structured complex reached ins zenith around the 13th century. Parts of the complex are in Azerbaijani territory- and they ain't giving it back.
Nekresi Monastery, near Telavi, Georgia was closed from 1811 (by Imperial Russia) until 2000. Situated up a steep hill with commanding views, most of the buildings date from the 7th to 9th centuries.