There are many reasons why people from different countries visit Georgia and why miss it when they leave; If you are among those who have not yet seen Georgia, here are some interesting facts you need to know.

Georgia is an ancient country. The country is situated at the strategically important crossroads where Europe meets Asia. Georgia has a unique and ancient cultural heritage, and is famed for its traditions of hospitality and cuisine.

The first Europeans come from Georgia. An archeological expedition in Dmanisi found the oldest human skulls in the Caucasus, suggesting that a man from Africa traveled to Europe through Georgia. The 1.8 million-year-old skulls are the remains of a human couple of Georgians called Zezva and Mzia. It is without a doubt that Georgia is a homeland of the first European.

The legend of the Golden Fleece (Greek legends tell of a fabulously wealthy land called Kolkheti or Kolkha from which Jason stole the Golden Fleece from King Aieti helped by the king’s daughter Medea). The ancient kingdom of Kolkheti comprised the land bounded by the Black Sea to the west, the Caucasus Mountains to the north, the Surami Range to the east and the Meskhetian Mountains to the south. Today, the area is part of Georgia. The Kolkhetian people flourished and developed an expertise in the smelting and casting of metals long before this skill was mastered in Europe. They attracted the attention of Greek traders and adventurers who traveled to the kingdom to seek out the rich natural resources, including gold.

The Georgian language is among 14 unique languages in the world and has its own alphabet introduced in 5th century BC.

The Georgian Orthodox Church is the oldest in the East. In 337 Georgia adopted Christianity. In the 5th century (around 466-68) the Georgian Church gained autocephaly (became independent).

The name of the capital Tbilisi is linked to natural hot springs that were discovered during King Vakhtang’s hunt in the 5th century AD. The word “tbili” in Georgian means warm, while “Tbilisi” would translate as “warm location.”

It’s the cradle of winemaking. Georgia has been producing wine for at least 8,000 years and is considered to be the birthplace of the beverage.

Georgian Architecture is mainly represented by the numerous churches. The main types of churches are basilica and the central-dome church. For those, who are interested to get familiar with Georgian architecture, we would recommend visiting the towns of Tbilisi and Mtskheta.

Georgia has a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. An ancient city and former capital Mtskheta, the massive cathedral complex Gelati Monastery, and the mountainous region of Upper Svaneti.

Georgia is a mountainous country. It has Europe’s highest permanent settlement. The village named “Ushguli” are the highest permanent settlements in Europe at 2,100 meters above sea level.

Georgia has 12 different climate zones, ranging from subtropical to alpine to semi-desert, and has 49 types of soil. This makes Georgia one of the most ecologically diverse places in the world.

Georgia is rich with underground waters, there are mineral and thermal waters (Borjomi, Utsera, Nabeglavi, Sairme, Zvare, Nunisi etc.).

Georgia is known for its choral folk music, catching the attention of UNESCO which listed it on the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2008.

It is an undiscovered heli-ski destination. Mountainous places, spectacular views, and wide open slopes make Georgia’s ski resort an excellent destination for heli-skiing and freeriding lovers. The winter season promises a lot of fun for adrenaline lovers.