Stepantsminda

Stepantsminda

Stepantsminda is unique on the map of Georgia, not only because it is only eleven kilometers from the country's northern border, but also because one of the oldest crossroads between Europe and Asia passes through it. The date of the foundation of Stepantsminda is unknown, but a treasure from the 6th-5th century BC was found there. The main attraction of the town is Kazbegi Peak, otherwise known as Mkinvartsveri, which has been attracting the attention of mountain lovers since time immemorial. The view is truly unforgettable from the highest point of the mountain at 5,054 meters. From the city, there are many tourist routes. Legend has it that Stepantsminda received its name from a monk named Stephan, a Georgian Orthodox monk who built a hermitage on the site of what later became the Georgian Military Highway. It became controlled by a local feudal magnate, the Chopikashvili Clan, who were responsible for collecting tolls from travelers passing through the area in the end of the 18th century. The people of the region revolted against Russian rule after the expansion of the Russian Empire into the Kingdom of Georgia in the early 19th century. But the local lord, Gabriel Chopikashvili, son of Kazi-Beg, was unwavering in his loyalty to Russia and helped put down the rebellion. In exchange, he was promoted to officer in the Russian army. He took the family name of Kazbegi, and the village that was under his control was often called by the name "Kazbegi" as well. In 1925, under Soviet rule, the name was officially changed to Kazbegi, but in 2006 the town was returned to its original name of Stepantsminda.