Just North of Tbilisi

Posted on February 21, 2015 by Steven

About 20 km north of Tbilisi, hidden in a valley, is the town of Mtskheta ….

The small town was once the seat of government for Georgia and, now, most of its monuments and cathedrals are part of the UNESCO world heritage sites.

The most famous (and hardest to get to) is the Dschwari (or Jvari) Monastery. It is located on a rocky mountain top overlooking the city below. The name is translated as Monastery of the Cross.

In the historical center of town there is another well-known cathedral…

Svetitskhoveli Cathedral

This cathedral is known as the burial place for Christ’s mantle, and is the main Georgian church and one of the most venerated places of worship in the country.

The Samtawro Church is best known as the burial place of the famous Georgian monk –Gabriel.

This interesting and old city (one of the oldest continuously populated cities in the world) is easily reached from Tbilisi by public transportation.. Buses run frequently and are very inexpensive..usually from 4 to 7 leira each way. Or you can hire a driver for the day. It will cost from 100-125 leira for the whole day, but is well worth because it makes it easy to get to the mountain top and the Dschwari Monastery..

Happy Travels!

Photography as Art Fine Art America

Photo of the Day – Rome

Posted on December 15, 2014 by Steven

As I said.. I will be getting back into the groove here.. and I am usually as good as my word..lol

This is a scene from the terrace of our hotel..it’s actually a small and old church hidden away in an alley.. Unfortunately, I never could get inside..

Happy Travels!

Photography as Art

For anyone that may be looking for more of my “Black and White” photos..feel free to stop by Hotshoe and follow along..

Return to Italy

Posted on December 7, 2014 by Steven

I love visiting Italy… The history… the architecture… the food… Everything about Italy just begs to be explored.

This was my second trip to Italy, and like the first, it began in Rome … The home of the Coliseum, The Pantheon, Vatican City .. and countless statues and monuments paying tribute to the past of the glorious Roman Empire.

A quick word.. The public transportation system in Rome is hard to beat… so forget the expensive cabs heading to the center from the airport.. The Leonardo Express takes about a 1/2 hour non-stop to Roma Termini..and costs just 12 Euros..Buses are even cheaper but I like trains..

Anyway..we took the above mentioned train from the airport to the main train/bus staion – Roma Termini..

I usually stay in the Mecenate Palace Hotel, which is a 5-8 minute walk from the station.. It’s a nice hotel, excellent staff and a wonderful rooftop terrace where you can look out over the city.. The view from the room, as always, was amazing.. The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore sits right across the street..

View from our window

It’s a wonderful, if smaller, cathedral and the entry is free..

It was a great way to start a trip.. especially since it was raining sporadically since we arrived..But with all the great cafes and museums, it was easy to find a place to stay dry..

Since we arrived late, we decided to just walk around and do some exploring, without worrying about “landmarks” and “touristy sites” .. Rome is very walkable, despite being very large.. And there are always interesting subjects to shoot..It is a photographer’s dream city..

Afterwards, we decided to help ourselves to some gelato..and relax.. Tomorrow was going to be a long day…

HAPPY TRAVELS!!

Photography as Art

Catedrala Sfantul loan Botezatorul – Ploeisti

Posted on August 28, 2014 by Steven

Standing at the round-about formed by the intersections of Bulevardul Republicii ,Strada Carpati, and Strada Vasile Lupu is The “Catedrala Sfantul loan Botezatorul” dedicated to St. John “The Baptist”.

Although it was built recently, between the years 1923 and 1937, it is an impressive building with a central tower that reaches 60 meters in height.

It is easily reached, being in the center of town, by walking along any of the wide pedestrian paths, by bus or tram..

Travel with Steve Photography as Art

HAPPY TRAVELS!!

St. Cyril’s Monastery – Kyiv, Ukraine

Posted on August 12, 2014 by Steven

St. Cyril’s Monastery in Kyiv, Ukraine is actually now a museum and a small church is all that remains of the original sprawling monastery atop the hill close to Dorohozhychi metro stop.. It’s a nice walk through Babi Yar park..and through the forest..

The monastery was actually closed in the late 1700’s and transformed into a hospital and insane asylum.. It is now a part of the Sanctuary of St.Sophia’s and considered a place of historical value.. Much of the original structure was desmantled but the main church and belfry were preserved.

The inside of the church has lovely frescoes and paintings from the 12th century that have been well preserved.

To get to St. Cyril’s, you can take trolley bus #12 from Dorohozhychi metro and it has a stop at the entrance to the complex.. or as mentioned, it is a lovely, albeit long, walk from the metro station.

The basic entry fee is 20 uah for adults but be fore-warned, photographs are not allowed inside the church.. (Yes..I know.. I snuck a couple..lol)

Happy Travels!!

Travel with Steve Photography as Art
Prints Available at Fine Art America

Shot for the Day – Stockholm

Posted on August 3, 2014 by Steven

Taking photos at night can be challenging, but also, very rewarding.. especially when you get that starburst effect on the streetlights. It just takes patience and a good tripod..:) To avoid camera shake, use your camera’s timer or a remote trigger…

One of my favorite night shots from Stockholm… Taken when the sun when down.. about 1 AM

This shot is available as a framed print here at Fine Art America..

Travel with Steve Photography as Art

Happy Travels!!

Barcelona – Shot of the Day

Posted on April 30, 2014 by Steven

I love the Old World architecture found in Barcelona, Spain and the natural framing of the trees made this a colorful shot. It helps to look up at the right time..

Aren't We All Just Tourists Here?

One City at a Time

Tag Archives: church

Just North of Tbilisi

Photo of the Day – Rome

Return to Italy

Catedrala Sfantul loan Botezatorul – Ploeisti

St. Cyril’s Monastery – Kyiv, Ukraine

Shot for the Day – Stockholm

Barcelona – Shot of the Day

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