Georgian culture is an exotic, mysterious and ancient culture stretching back for millennia. Elements of Anatolian, European, Persian, Arabian, Ottoman and Far Eastern cultures have influenced Georgia’s own ethnic identity resulting in one of the most unique and hospitable cultures in the world. Georgian culture is world renowned for being accommodating and tolerant. Traditionally, Georgian people consider guests to be a gift from God and their welcoming amiability is immediately apparent upon a traveler’s arrival.

Throughout history, pockets of isolation in the remote mountain areas have maintained much of their primeval peculiarity. These gems of antiquity offer the tourist a glimpse into the authentic Georgian condition.

One marvel at the uncanny combination of Georgia’s ancient and modern characteristics. Stark progress in recent years has spawned impressive infrastructural development while bolstering cultural and historic preservation making all that Georgian culture has to offer easily accessible.

Georgia’s strategic geographic location between Europe and Asia is one of the primary reasons for its diverse, yet distinct, cultural features. Its vector on the historic Silk Road enabled important trade connecting the north, south, east and west. This junction of commerce along with Georgia’s own bounty of resources combined to form a definitive amalgamation of cultures.

Recognition of Georgian culture has piqued international interest placing Georgia at the forefront of heritage tourism and research to become one of the great cultural legacies of the modern world.

Georgian monumental architecture, world famous polyphonic singing and traditional music, book miniature, rich spiritual and secular literature, colorful folk dances and ballet, theatre and cinema, jewelry, metal works, enamels, and paintings all bear trademark qualities of this ancient culture.

The period between the eleventh and twelfth centuries was the Renaissance of the Georgian state when monks in academies, churches, and monasteries put forward new humanistic ideas. Even during the Middle Ages, philosophy and historiography, theology and law, poetry and art, all flourished in Georgia.

Architecture, astronomy, geography and other disciplines of knowledge were being developed. Applied art from this period forward, especially jewelry manufacturing and the art of metallurgy (chasing), still prospers today.

Blossoming of secular culture occurred in the nineteenth century when Georgian writers and artists, influenced by European trends, enriched the treasury of national art. Two of the most significant entries in the treasury of spiritual Georgian culture are the traditions of musical and dancing folklore.

Today, Georgian culture is richer than ever. For any traveler seeking a completely original destination with diverse cultural influence, Georgia is an accessible and affordable choice.