Georgia by Region
"Man can stay in Japan, in England...but should live only in Tbilisi".
Grigol Orbeliani
Georgian poet of the XIX century
TBILISI
The capital of Georgia Tbilisi stands on the banks of the River Mtkvari, in a valley surrounded by hills. Land of Hospitality, Beauty & the Golden Fleece-Tbilisi- was founded in the 5th century AD and has attracted visitors ever since. It is a multinational town, where Georgians, Greeks, Jews, Armenians, Azerbaijanis, Russians, Germans, Curds and others have been living friendly for centuries. You can find Georgian Orthodox as well as Armenian churches, Jewess synagogues and Moslem mosque standing altogether in the old areas of Tbilisi. The wooden houses with open, carved balconies seem to welcome every visitor.
A blend of cultures, a smell of spices on the air, different nations meeting on street corners, different faiths sharing the same courtyards, ...this is Tbilisi, with its bustling markets, the ancient sulphur baths, the dazzling treasury, and the magnificent churches, it is a town which conquers you with a slow fascination and lodges in your heart forever.
Historically the present-day territory of Tbilisi was covered by forests as late as the 458 A.D. According to one widely accepted variant of the legend of Tbilisi's founding, the King of Georgia Vakhtang Gorgasali went hunting in a heavily wooded region with a falcon. The King's falcon allegedly caught/injured a pheasant during the hunt, after which both birds were found nearby hot springs dead from the burns received in the hot water. King, Vakhtang Gorgasali, enchanted with the source of the hot waters, ordered to build a town on this spot and called it Tbilisi, because of its hot sulphur springs. In Georgian "tbili" means warm.
From the ancient times Tbilisi was an important trading and military centre. The transit caravan road crossed the town going from East to West and from South to North.
Tbilisi preserved many of its majestic architectural complexes of the feudal times. Among the favourite attractions of the city is the citadel Narikala, built in the IV century, a good vantage point for views over the old city, Anchiskhati Church (V c.), the church was given its name after the icon brought from Anchi Cathedral in Klarjeti, Sioni Church- one of the ancient monuments erected in VI-VII cc. and of course the recently built marvelous Complex of Holy Trinity Cathedral. Tolstsoy, Lermontov, Dumas, Pushkin and others were frequent visitors of health-giving sulphur baths in Tbilisi’s unique Old Town.
The town looks beautiful with its avenues, parks and streets merged in evergreen poplar trees
and fir-trees, bridges over the Mtkvari and peculiar old houses with wooden balconies, just like swallow nests, fixed in rows to the rocky, steep of the river Mtkvari, at the foot of Metekhi.
MTSKHETA
To the right on the left bank of the river Mtkvari, there is located the ancient capital of Georgia - Mtskheta. The town is named after Mtskhetos, son of Kartlos - the legendary progenitor of the Georgian people.
Mtskheta always played a significant part in the evolution of Georgian culture and the arts. Archaeological finds make it possible to trace the history of this town back to the 2nd millennium B.C. Mtskheta was a capital of the Georgian Kingdom of Iberia during the 3rd century BC- 5th century AD. Here Georgians accepted Christianity in 317 and Mtskheta still remains the headquarters of the Georgian Orthodox and Apostolic Church. The historic churches of Mtskheta are outstanding examples of medieval religious architecture in the Caucasus. They show the high artistic and cultural level attained by this ancient kingdom.
Mtskheta, with its historical monuments is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
Svetitskhoveli (“The Life-giving pillar”) is situated in the centre of city-museum Mtskheta. Present building of Svetitskhoveli dates back to the XI century. It is the main church of Mtskheta and a sacred place where the robe of Christ is being kept. The construction of the temple was begun during the reign of the first king of unified Georgia Bagrat the III (1001-1029). According to the Chronicles, the construction of the temple continued for 19 years (1010-1029). This magnificent building has been used for centuries for the coronation and burial of Georgian monarchs. Svetitskhoveli has long been the principal Georgian church and remains one of the most venerated places of worship to this day. It presently functions as the seat of the archbishop of Mtskheta and Tbilisi, who is at the same time Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia.
Jvari Monastery
Jvari Monastery is a Georgian Orthodox monastery of the 6th century near Mtskheta and is a masterpiece of the early Medieval Period. Unusual and varied relief sculptures decorate its facades.The name is translated as the Monastery of the Cross. According to traditional accounts, it was here in the early 4th century that Saint Nino, a female evangelist credited with converting the country to Christianity, stayed here to pray and erected a cross on Mtskheta’s highest hill. A minor church of the Holy Cross was built in the second half of the 6th century, and a bigger church was erected over the wooden cross between 586 and 605 by Erismtavari Stepanoz I. The importance of Jvari complex increased over time and attracted many pilgrims. The Great Church is still used for major celebrations, and part of St. Nino’s cross remains visible to this day.
Shiomgvime Monatsery Complex
Shiomgvime is a medieval monastic complex located in a narrow limestone canyon on the northern bank of the river Mtkvari (Kura). According to a historic tradition, the first monastic community at this place was founded by the 6th-century monk Shio, one of the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers who came to Georgia as Christian missionaries. St. Shio is said to have spent his last years as a hermit in a deep cave near Mtskheta subsequently named Shiomghvime ("the Cave of Shio") after him. The earliest building – the Monastery of St. John the Baptist – a cruciform church, very plain and strict in its design, indeed dates to that time, c. 560s-580s, and the caves curved by monks are still visible around the monastery and along the road leading to the complex.
MTSKHETA-MTIANETI
Mtskheta-Mtianeti is a region in eastern Georgia, which administrative center is Mtsketa. comprising this town, together with its district and the adjoining mountainous areas. Mtskheta is listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO. With its Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (11th c.) and Jvari Monastery (6th c.) they are among the finest architectural monuments in Georgia. Further up crossing over the Jvari (Cross) Pass on the Main Range of the Caucasian Mountains the road leads down to the village of Kazbegi, dominated by the majestic Mt Kazbeg.on the hill is situated Gergeti Trinity Church.The main skiing resort of the country, Gudauri, is also located in the region.
Gergeti Trinity Church is situated on the right bank of the river Chkheri (the left tributary of the river Terek), at an elevation of 1800 meters, under Mt. Kazbegi. It was built in the 14th century. The complex of Gergeti Trinity church, beautifully situated on the top of the hill nearby the township of Kazbegi, overlooking the area, is the main chapel of the Khevi region. The bell-tower standing nearby is contemporary with the cross-domed Church of the Mother of God and creates a uniform complex together with it.
Khevsureti is a historic province in eastern Georgia, located along both the northern and southern slopes of the Great Caucasus Mountains. The largest villages are Barisakho and Shatili. Shatili is the historical Georgian province of Upper Khevsureti, Located in the deep Arghuni gorge at approximately 1,400 meters, the village is actually a unique complex of medieval-to-early modern fortresses. Mutso is a small village in khevsureti too- located on a rocky mountain (1880 m) on the right bank of the Andakistskali river. Shatili and Mutso-Ardoti gorge are favorite destination for tourists and mountain trekkers.
Ananuri (dating from the 17th century) is a Castle on the Aragvi River. about 45 miles from Tbilisi.The fortifications enclose, amongst other buildings, two churches. In the older Church of the Virgin are buried some of the Eristavis (dukes) of Aragvi. Church has richly decorated facades, including a carved north entrance. It also contains the remains of a number of frescoes.
SAMTSKHE-JAVAKHETI
Samtskhe-Javakheti is a region in southern Georgia, with Akhaltsikhe as its capital. A land of forested mountains and steep river valleys, it’s nature is characterized by its picturesque landscape, adorned with volcanic lakes and deep gorges. Samtsekh-Javakheti region is dotted with castles and fortresses from different periods, cave towns and monasteries, but one of the major tourist attraction in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region is the Vardzia Cave Town. The road from Akhaltsikhe to Vardzia is spangled with historical sites. Khertvisi fortification and Vanis Kvabebi (which dates from 8th century) cave monasteries, located near the town of Aspindza. Nature lovers will be delighted hiking through Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park and sports friends take their base in Bakuriani, one of the popular skiing resorts in Georgia.
Vardzia
Cave City Vardzia is a cave monastery dug into the side of the Erusheli mountain in south Georgia near Aspindza.
Founded by Queen Tamar between 1185-9, it stands as unique example of the Georgian renaissance in an area of many medieval sites. The rock-hewn town Vardzia, 350 meters in length and 40 meters in height, consisted of more than 600 apartments created as protection from Mongols into the hidden thirteen floors high complex. The city included 28 wine-houses, 15 churches, library, storeroom of medicines, water supply and sanitation systems and wells. Only access to the complex was through some well hidden tunnels near the Mtkvari river. The monastery is distinguished for its main church adorned with the portraits of Giorgi III and Queen Tamar. Vardzia is a major tourist attraction in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. About three hundred apartments and halls remain visitable, and in some tunnels the old irrigation pipes still bring drinkable water.
Khertvisi
Just on the halfway of the road from Akhaltsikhe to Vardzia medieval cave city, you come across Khertvesi Castle, one of the oldest fortifications in Georgia, but the exact date of its construction is not known. According to a legend, Queen Tamar held a competition to see who could build the best tower. The fortress had a vital role in the defense of the region, no matter which way the enemy invaded, they had to pass this point. Khertvisi fortress consists of a citadel, which is erected on the top of the cliff inaccessible from the northeast, and a surrounding wall. Legend has it that Alexander the Great visited the site during his Eastern Campaign in the 4th century BC.
Sapara
Sapara Monastery (“hidden”) is situated 10km south of Akhaltsikhe town. Sapara Monastery Complex, dating back to X-XVI centuries, comprises 11 buildings. Among them, St. Saba Cathedral is the biggest and the most important domed church, dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries, when the Jakelis announced Sapara as their residence and family mortuary and is notable for its architecture and mural paintings of the 14th century. The inscription on the west facade shows, that the monastery was designed and built by an architect Paresadze. The detailed ornaments and decorations, as well as the frescos, make this church a highlight of art.
Vanis Kvabebi
Vanis Kvabebi (Vani's Caves) is a cave monastery in Samtskhe-Javakheti region near Aspindza town and the famous cave city of Vardzia. The complex dates from 8th century and consists of a defensive wall built in 1204 and a maze of tunnels running on several levels in the side of the mountain. There are also two churches in the complex. A newer stone church and a smaller one with dome. The walls of a small church have preserved the inscriptions (lyrical poems, excerpts from “The Knight in the Tiger’s Skin”) in ink by the women hiding there in the second half of the 15th century.
Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park
At the end of the 19th century, the blooming period of the town, a beautiful promenade was created along the small river Borjomula. The promenade leads to the mineral water park where one can taste the famous water. A one hour (3 km) walk along the river leads to its source, where a refreshing jump in the natural summer swimming pool can be taken. Borjomi - a synonym for healthy, mineral water, spa and the lush green nature of Georgia. Pure nature which gives the mineral water the distinctive, sulphur taste, preserved in the forests of the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. The Park itself is one of the largest in Europe - it covers more than 76,000 hectares of native forest and sub-alpine and alpine meadows, home to rare species of flora and fauna.
KAKHETI
Kakheti is a region in Eastern Georgia, bordered by the mountainous province of Tusheti and mountain-range of Greater Caucasus to the north, Azerbaijan to the east and the south, and the Georgian province of Kartli to the west. Kakheti is the homeland of grape wine, and ever since ancient times has been the main winemaking province of Georgia, but wine is not all that this region has to offer- Kakheti is rich in historical and architectural monuments. Its notable landmarks include the Alaverdi Cathedral (the second highest cathedral in Georgia after the newly built Sameba (the Holy Trinity in Tbilisi), the Ikalto Academy (location, where the famous Georgian writer Shota Rustaveli studied), ruins of the city and castle of Gremi (the former capital of Kakheti from the 15-17th centuries, AD), Bodbe Monastery - a burial place of the enlightened of Georgia, Apostle of Apostles.
St. Nino; Shuamta - a complex made up of: Akhali Shuamta ("New Shuamta" in English) - the monastery close to Dzveli Shuamta ("Old Shuamta" in English), built in the 16th century and the stunning Tsinandali Gardens with the unique 18th century wine cellar(the residential Palace of the Chavchavadze family).
The region is also important for its pictursquare landscape; with the panoramas of the Alazani Valley and Greater Caucasus Mountain Range. Because of its beauty, historical monuments and most importantly, the hospitality and kindness of its residents, the region is a fairly popular tourist destination in Georgia.
David-Gareja
David – Gareja monastery complex is situated in Sagarejo region at a distance of 84 kilometers southeast from Tbilisi, deep in semi-desert. Founded in middle of the VI century by one of the Syrian Fathers St. David, who came to Georgia for strengthening Christian faith, it was a spiritual, cultural and educational centre throughout centuries. The first monastery to be built on the site was David’s Lavra, which was erected in the desert place. Monasteries of David Gareja Complex are remarkable for their original frescoes that date from the 8th to 13th centuries. Being the center of religious and cultural life in the past, today these sites surprise us with their architectural design and unique murals of the 10th - 11th cc
Alaverdi
Alaverdi Monastery Ensemble is situated in the Northern part of Kakheti Region, 18km away from Telavi in the Alazani Valley. The Monastery Complex comprises: Saint George’s Church (XI century) with fragments of mural paintings and lapidary inscriptions; Belfry (Late Middle Age) Refectory XVII century; Wall XVII century; Royal Summer Residence (Late Middle Ages). The Chronicles prove that in the VI century one of the 13 Syrian Fathers, Joseph Alaverdeli replaced pagan chapel and erected a small church, on the site of the present temple to reinforce Christian belief. Alaverdi Cathedral is one of the greatest constructions in Georgia. The main parts of the Church are built of the flint stones. At the beginning, the walls, both inside and outside were covered with hewn stone-tiles.
Ikalto Academy
The monastery is situated in the vicinity of Telavi, at a distance of 147 kilometers from Tbilisi. It was founded in the VI century. Ikalto was known for its Academy, a religious and educational center during the middle ages, where outstanding Georgian public figure Arsen Ikaltoeli used to serve. Great Georgian poet, the author of the poem “The Knight in the Panther’s Skin” Shota Rustaveli was educated in Ikalto Academy, for this reason annual celebration of Shota Rustaveli is hold at Ikalto every November.
Gremi
Gremi is situated in Kvareli region, at a distance of 150 kilometers from Tbilisi. Builted by Levan, King of Kakhetioans in the 16th century, it was an important town of Kakheti region in middle ages. In the XV century Gremi was the residence of Kakheti Royal family. The construction occupies over 50 hectares of space, and is erected on the site, featuring highly contrasting relief. The construction is encircled by e wall with thousands of inbuilt significant facilities, the major of them being Domed Church of Archangel, built in 1565.
Shuamta (Old)
Dzveli Shuamta (“between the mountains”) is situated in Telavi region, at a distance of 154 k. from Tbilisi. The Shuamta complex consists of two sites: The Old and the New Shuamta .The architectural ensemble of Dzveli (Old) Shuamta comprises three early churches: Basilica Church V c.; Domed Church VII c with mural paintings XIIc similar to Mtskheta Jvari and Minor Domed Church VII. Shuamta is the most significant monument of Early Christian Period. The site was abandoned in the 14th century.
Sighnaghi
Sighnaghi, established as a Town at the end of the 18th century, on the territory of the fortress built by king Erekle II, is one of the most beautiful towns of Georgia. Its attractiveness is largely defined both by the age-old architectural sites and its natural characteristics: the Town is located on a hilltop and looks over the boundless area of the Alazani Valley and the snow-covered Caucasian mountains. Numerous towers, fortress, churches, belfries, historic houses with the carved balconies are the major riches of the Town of Sighnaghi.
IMERETI
Imereti Province in Georgia; situated along the middle and upper reaches of the Rioni river. In late antiquity and early Middle Ages the ancient western Georgian kingdom of Egrisi existed on the territory of Imereti. Imereti region is known for its remarkable location extending from the humid subtropical, ending 2850m high up with alpine meadows, numerous health spas and a large number of mineral water springs. The province's main city is Kutaisi - one of the most beautiful and ancient cities of Georgia. Kutaisi – the capital of the ancient kingdom has contributed much into the process of Georgian unification. In the VIII century it becomes the capital of West Georgia, while in the X century the capital of united Georgia headed by King Bagrat III. At the age of 16 the strongest Georgian King David the Builder has been crowned here. In the mid XV century Kutaisi becomes the capital of Imereti kingdom.)
It is widely believed by historians that when Apollonius Rhodius was writing about Jason and the Argonauts and their legendary journey to Colchis, Kutaisi/Aia was the final destination of the Argonauts and the residence of King Ayetes. Even though the Golden Fleece has been taken to Greece, visitors today will find something else of worth other than the Golden Fleece.
The landmark of the Imereti region is the Gelati Monastery and the ruined Bagrati Cathedral (Both of them declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites), Motsameta and many other beautiful churches and historical places, also adding to this the Sataplia, with still remaining footprints of dinosaurs. All of them together make the region one of the most principal travel destinations of Georgia.
Vani
Vani is a town in Imereti region of western Georgia, 41 km southwest from the regional capital Kutaisi. Systematic archaeological studies carried out in the Vani environs since 1947 revealed the remnants of a rich city of the ancient power of Colchis. Vani was the centre of a political-administrative unit of the kingdom of Colchis that reached the apex of development in the period between the 3rd and the 1st centuries BC. Beautiful examples of gold and silver and jewelers and coins and some unique pieces of the ancient Colchis found during the archeological excavations in Vani, are now on display itself at Vani Museum and at the Georgian State Museum in Tbilisi. A circuit wall, temples and sacrificial altars from the period before the birth of Christ, rich burial sites and other religious and public buildings attract attention of many scientists and visitors.
Gelati
The Monastery of the Virgin - Gelati is situated in the vicinity of Kutaisi. The construction of Monastery Complex was started by David the Builder 1106 (he himself is buried here) and it was completed by his heir Demetre (1125 - 1156), it represents the flourishing medieval architecture in Georgia. The Gelati Monastery for a long time remained one of the main cultural and enlightening centers in old Georgia. It had an Academy which employed the most celebrated Georgian scientists - theologians and philosophers, many of whom had previously been active at various orthodox monasteries abroad or at the Mangan Academy in Constantinople. The Gelati Monastery has preserved a great number of murals and manuscripts dating back to the 12th-17th centuries. In 1994, Gelaty Monastery was recognized by UNESCO as world heritage site.
Bagrati
The Cathedral of the Dormition, or the Kutaisi Cathedral, more commonly known as Bagrati Cathedral, is the 11th-century cathedral church. The cathedral, now in ruins, has gone down as a masterpiece in the history of medieval Georgian architecture. The cathedral that was built during the reign of King Bagrat III due to which it was called Bagrat’s Cathedral is now distinguished for its elegant proportions, grand size, facade composition, ornaments and relief carvings. It is ranked to be more spacious than Svetitskhoveli and Alaverdi cathedrals in Georgia. Bagrati Cathedral – being the ancient citadel, a royal palace and one of the most important castles from 6th century, was devastated in an explosion by the Ottoman troops, which had invaded the Kingdom of Imereti at the end of 17th century. The Bagrati Cathedral that is now included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list is also frequently used as a symbol of the whole city of Kutaisi, being one of its main tourist attractions.
Motsameta
Mocameta monastery is monument of Georgian architecture. It is situated in Imereti region close to Gelati Monastery. The main temple is constructed to memory of brothers Davide and Konstantin Mkheidze, martyred by Arabic aggressor – Murvan II Ibn Mukhameda in VII century, buried in the original church, after which it was called Motsameta(meaning martyrs).
Bagrat IV reconstructed church in XI century. Present building was restored once again in XIX century.
Ubisi
At a distance of 175 k. from Tbilisi, in Western Georgia, in picturesque Dzirula river gorge, about Ubisi village is ruin of ancient monastery of St. George. The Monastery Complex comprises 5 buildings and includes a single-nave church of IX century, three-storied tower and some subsidiary monastic buildings, now almost completely destroyed by time. Ubisi church is well known for its frescos of XIV century by performed artist Damiane. According to long ago established local tradition, the vault and the walls are almost entirely covered with paintings. The frescos and inscriptions, finding affinity with the Palaeologian style of the Byzantine painting, have retained their primeval aspect and they represent most precious samples of Georgian Art.
KARTLI
Kartli is a region in Eastern Georgia- often called "the Heart of Georgia". Besides Tbilisi, the province of Kartli is divided into three administrative regions: Kvemo Kartli (Capital is Rustavi), Mtskheta district and Shida Kartli (Capital is Gori(town of stalin). Kartli is rich in important architectural monuments: Betania church (12-13th cc) Uplistsikhe (first half of the I millenium BC), Kintsvisi church (13th c), Tsromi (7th c), Tsugrugasheni (13th c), Bolnisi basilica (6-7th cc), Sioni of Dmanisi (6,13th c) and all sites of Mtskheta and Tbilisi.
Uplistsikhe the town in rocks is situated east of Gori on the left bank of the river Mtkvari, on the crossroads of important trade routs. This ancient cave town is dated from the 6th century B.C. Carved into rocky plateau we find huge echoing halls, long meandering corridor-streets, chambers for pagan worship and even the remains of Georgia's oldest theatre, complete with auditorium, stage and orchestra pit, secret tunnels, pagan temples… In 9th -10th cc AD a three-nave basilica was added to the complex.
The church of Sioni Ateni is only a few kilometers from Gori, on the left bank of the river Tana on the edge of a cliff- on the platform which is supported by a wall. Ateni with its 12th-century frescoes is one of the architectural treasures of Georgia. The walls of the church display unique Georgian writings of different periods.
Samtavisi church is a brilliant monument of the 11th century Georgian architecture, which is situated in Kartli region of Georgia (village of Samtavisi). It was built in the 11th century. In the 14th century, due to earthquake Samtavisi lost its old dome. In 15th century it was rebuilt by king of Georgia Alexander. Samtavisi has outstanding stone curved ornaments. The church has preserved fragments of later wall paintings.
Kintsvisi Monastery is a Georgian Orthodox monastery in the Shida Kartli region, on a forested slope of a high mountain of the Dzama valley. The monastery is actually a complex of three churches, a bell-tower and ruins of several buildings and structures. The main church - St Nicholas Monastery - dates back to the 12th-13th centuries, is adorned with remarkable mural paintings portraying King Giorgi III, Queen Tamar and her son Lasha-Giorgi.
Bolnisi is the home of one of the oldest Christian churches in the country of Georgia. It is commonly known as Bolnisi Sioni . This church dates to the 4th century AD and features some pagan elements in its stonework. The original roof is missing but has been replaced with a modern covering. Bolnisi Sioni has Georgia's most ancient inscriptions dating from the late 5th century, mentioning Bishop David and King Peroz.
The site of Dmanisi is located on the territory of the medieval town of Dmanisi, on the promontory formed by the confluence of the Mashavera and Phinezauri Rivers. It is famous for its three-church basilica of Dmanisi, built in the 6th century. The excavations of the ruins of Dmanisi were begun in 1936 and continue into the 1960. The research confirmed that the Dmanisi remains are the oldest and the most primitive in Eurasia. On the basis of paleontological, archaeological and hominid materials, scholars dated the site as 1.7 to 1.8 years old.
The town of Samshvilde, the biggest fortress-city in the province of Kvemo Kartli, was one of the oldest and densely populated Georgian towns in the Algeti region surrounded by a thick fortress wall. It has been almost completely destroyed by now. Ruins of an acropolis as well as three churches and the remains of a palace are found within the bounds of the city. The city life lasted till the 15th century, though the fortress functioned till the end of the 18th century. The remains of some of the important architectural monuments can be still found and rescued on its territory.
SAMGRELO-ZEMOSVANETI
Samgrelo-ZemoSvaneti is a mountainous region in the west of Georgia, abounding in natural beauty and local charm. In its tiny capital, Mestia, each house is attached to a fortress, and a number of buildings are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Svaneti, the mythological western province of Georgia, land of the ‘Golden Fleece’, lies high up in the Greater Caucasus. Never far away is one of Svaneti’s numerous, richly frescoed churches, focal points for lively communities where traditions have been preserved for two thousand years. The remote village of Ushguli in Svaneti (a UNESCO world heritage site), unique for its tower ensembles, is one of the most spectacular villages in Georgia
Mestia is located in the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region some 128 km northeast of the regional capital of Zugdidi. It is an outstanding monument of Georgian architecture and ethnography. Despite its small size, the townlet was an important centre of Georgian culture for centuries and contains a number of medieval monuments - churches and forts - included in a list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Ushguli is a village in Svaneti, which is a UNESCO Heritage site. At 2200m this is referred to as the highest village in Europe. It is located at the feet of Shkhara one of the higher Caucasian summits. Typical Svanetian protective towers are found throughout the village. It is a unique architectural ensemble
The Dadianis’ palace is situated in zugiddi (the north-west of samegrelo). the Dadianis constructed a magnificent garden around its palace, which Princess Ekaterina Chavchavadze further expanded upon. It was one of the major cultural centres in 19th century Georgia. Napoleon’s death mask is on display in the Zugdidi historical museum.the palaces dating from the second half of the 19th century, are designed in pseudo-gothic and pseudo-classicist styles.
Nokalakevi-Tsikhegoji-Archaeopolis (located on the left bank of the Tekhura river) is one of the most important monument of the early Middle Ages, which is situated in the west Georgia. the city is bordered by the river from three sides. On the territory of the city there are exposed palaces, christian churches, bath-houses, water reservoir, tunnel and other economical and fortification buildings. In Nokalakevi near the site there is an archaeological museum
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