Religious Georgia

Although deeply conservative, Georgia is  surprising tolerant when it comes to religion. Most people are Eastern Orthodox with a good choice of flavours - Georgian, Armenian and Greek. Add to this Catholic and Protestant churches and in the old city are two functioning mosques, one Shia, the other Sunni and just 200 metres apart. Throw into that mix, Yazidi Fire Temples and a large and vibrant Jewish community and you just about have something for everyone.

The oldest church dates to the 6th century, with a sprinkling of medieval buildings dating from the 10th to the 14th century. Many are tiny, but as the congregation either stands or kneels you can pack a lot of people into a small area. No comfy pews or cosy carpets (in mosques) for these folk.

The art is distinctly eastern and every church has valued icons brightly lit by numerous candles.