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Region Racha-Lechkhumi
Region of Racha-Lechkhumi
Racha-Lechkhumi
Racha-Lechkhumi (Georgian: რაჭალეჩხუმი) is a historical region and a modern administrative-territorial division in Western Georgia. The region, which is often called the Georgian Switzerland, is located in the very center of the country, at the foot and on the slopes of the Caucasus Mountains. The uniqueness of Racha-Lechkhumi is determined not only by its excellent geographical location, but also by its rich and diverse flora and fauna. Snow-capped gray peaks, alpine meadows, forests and the animals and birds common in them, Here are the middle and upper reaches of the two largest rivers of Western Georgia, Rioni and Tskhenistskali. Both rivers, in places, flow through grandiose canyons. The region has a huge number of caves, canyons, clean rivers and waterfalls full of fish, beautiful reservoirs and lakes. There are many different mineral waters, and some form real geysers.
 This territory was inhabited back in the distant Stone Age. A Mesolithic settlement was discovered in one of the caves. Mounds containing ancient cultural layers from the Bronze Age to early antiquity were discovered. One of the archaeological finds, the “Tsageri Treasure”, dates back to the XI-IX centuries BC. In the  VI century BC, money was already minted here – silver Kolkhuri Tetri. In ancient times, the territory of Racha-Lechkhumi was part of the mighty Egrisi Kingdom. The wines of the Racha-Lechkhumi region are a special story. It is here that the most expensive wines of Georgia are made. Anyone who at least once visits this beautiful corner of Georgia and tastes local wines – “Khvanchkara”, “Aleksandreuli” or “Ojaleshi” – will immediately feel that they are in a country called the birthplace of wine. Particularly popular is the wine “Khvanchkara”, which is produced in the village of the same name from the Aleksandreuli and Mujuretuli grape varieties.
Ambrolauri
The city of Ambrolauri (Georgian: ამბროლაური) is the administrative center of the region. One of the mountain towns of Georgia, distinguished by its unique nature and amazing historical monuments. In written sources, Ambrolauri as a settlement has been mentioned since the XVII century. It was one of the residences of the kings of Imereti. Previously, there was a royal palace here, from the complex the ruins of a church and a tower have survived. In the vicinity of the city, many medieval castles and temples have been preserved. Beautiful flora, ancient architectural monuments and the culture of the regional center attract the attention of many visitors. Here you can simultaneously get acquainted with the beautiful culture of the region, visit unique medieval buildings and enjoy colorful views.
Top attractions of Racha-Lechkhumi:
Utsera Resort
Utsera Resort (Georgian: კურორტი უწერა) – The mountain balneoclimatic resort of Utsera is actively visited by tourists at any time of the year. The main charm of the resort is its subalpine nature and 28 types of natural mineral water intended for drinking and bathing. Healing water is prescribed for the treatment of various diseases. Beautiful forests, especially colorful in autumn. Along with the forested mountains, Utsera is distinguished by stunning mountain views and air with healing properties.
Shaori Resort
Resort Shaori (Georgian: კურორტი შაორი) – The unique climate of Shaori – moderately hot summers and fresh air, make it a magnificent summer resort. Around the Shaori Basin there are a large number of karst sinkholes and wells, karst caves with as yet unexplored underground halls and an underground karst lake. Unique groves with beech trees and Caucasian fir, as well as mixed, deciduous forests, grow green on the mountains. In winter, steep mountain slopes covered with snow make the area an attractive winter resort.
Shovi Resort
Shovi Resort (Georgian: კურორტი შოვი) – The resort is located on a plain surrounded by coniferous and mixed forests and eternally snowy peaks. 16 mineral waters have been studied here, each of which has a different content and is used to treat various diseases. The natural beauty of Shovi and its mineral waters have been known since ancient times, both to residents of nearby areas and to travelers. An interesting place for lovers of mountaineering, skiing and kayaking.
Sairme Columns
Sairme Columns (Pillars) (Georgian: საირმეს სვეტები) – Sairme Desert and the unique natural monument that grew in it – Sairme Columns are located in Lechkhumi. Several rocky massifs standing next to each other have acquired the shape of pyramids. Geologists call these columns a block structural landslide. The rocks have tower-shaped and horn-shaped triangular shapes. Their relative height reaches several tens of meters. The rocks serve not only as a tourist attraction, but also as a training place for rock climbing.
Shkmeri Canyon
Shkmeri Canyon (Georgian: შქმერის კანიონი) – Shkmeri is located near Utsera and is distinguished by beautiful natural monuments, where subalpine nature is ideally represented. Locals also call the canyon a blind valley. The Shkmeri Cave Canyon is part of the riverbed of the Heori River, which changed direction and disappeared into a cave. Currently, the canyon is almost dry and is fed by rain and runoff. There is a cave in the canyon, into which small streams flow in several places.
Bottomless (Glola) Lake
Bottomless (Glola) Lake (Georgian: უძირო(გლოლას) ტბა) – A beautiful natural monument is located at an altitude of 2800 meters above sea level, near the villages of Glola and Shovi, on a small plateau between the peaks of Katitsvera and Dolomisi. The lake of volcanic origin is fed by water from nearby glaciers and the eternally snow-covered Mount Katitsvera. The Caucasus Mountains are reflected in the transparent water of the lake. Dense forests, crystal clear air and fields covered with flowers add color and coziness to this place.
Sasvano Lakes
Sasvano Lakes (Georgian: სასვანოს ტბები) – Sasvano Lakes are located in the Rioni River Gorge, at an altitude of 2680 meters above sea level. The lake is located on a hill with a beautiful view. From here, a magnificent panorama opens up: forests, meadows and mountains, the upper reaches of the Rioni River and the Edemi glacier. These places are almost mystically beautiful, especially at sunset. The purest mountain air creates magic. The surrounding mountains are miraculously reflected on the surface of the water
Lajanura Reservoir
Lajanur Reservoir (Georgian: ლაჯანურის წყალსაცავი) – The beautiful valley of the Lajanura River and the huge reservoir created on it make a unique impression on visitors. This is a large artificial reservoir and a unique place with its own approach to the construction of a hydroelectric power station. The huge reservoir, squeezed on both sides by mountains and blocked by a high dam, fits perfectly into the local landscape and gives the impression of a natural mountain lake.
Love Waterfall in Ambrolauri
Love Waterfall in Ambrolauri (Georgian: სიყვარული ჩანჩქერი) – Within the city of Ambrolauri there is a real miracle of nature – a cave in the shape of a heart. The waterfall flows through this moss-covered cave with a heart-shaped entrance and creates an amazingly beautiful sight. The Love Waterfall got its name precisely because of the shape of the cave. The waterfall is one of the popular attractions and attracts many tourists. If you walk another 5 minutes, on the left side you will see a path that leads to the second, no less impressive waterfall.
Muradi Cave
Muradi Cave (Georgian: მურადის გამოქვაბული) – In the unique cave, many dripstone formations (stalactites) of completely bizarre shapes were found. Some of them are just amazing balls on a leg, like hanging chandeliers. The cave was discovered by a local shepherd Muradi, since then it bears his name. Getting into it is not so easy, especially difficult without a guide or coordinates. The Muradi cave is located on the Nakerala pass, west of Lake Shaori, north of another cave, Tskhradjvari.
Gebi village burial mounds
Gebi village burial mounds (Georgian: ღების სამარხები) – The multi-layered archaeological site in Georgia, located in the Rioni gorge, northwest of the village of Gebi. Archaeological excavations have uncovered remains of metallurgical production from the Middle Bronze Age to Late Antiquity. Gold and silver coins and Greek swords found in ancient burials (6th century BC – 4th century AD) testify to the development of commodity-money relations and trade between the local population and the ancient world.
Khotevi Fortress
Khotevi Fortress (Georgian: ხოტევის ციხე) – The ruins of a fortress have been preserved in the village of Khotevi. This historical architectural monument, located on two floors and surrounded by a massive fence, carries the spirit of old times and a fascinating epic. The fortress was impregnable and taking it seemed very difficult. Partially destroyed, the fortress retains its powerful atmosphere, reminiscent of the times when its defenders stood guard.
Minda Fortress (Minda-Tsikhe)
Minda Fortress (Minda-Tsikhe) (Georgian: მინდაციხე) – The famous medieval fortress located in the municipality of Ambrolauri, at the confluence of the Rioni and Lukhuni rivers. It is believed that it existed already in the 10th century. One of the most inaccessible fortresses in Georgia, accessible only by narrow paths. The fortress was specially built in a remote place to make it inaccessible to the enemy. It is located on a high rocky cape between the Rioni and Lukhuna rivers. It was an important fortress of the Racha Saeristavo, through which trade routes from Racha and Svaneti passed.
Nikortsminda Church
Nikortsminda Church (Georgian: ნიკორწმინდის ტაძარი) – One of the greatest monuments of Georgia, the cathedral of the Georgian Orthodox Church – Nikortsminda is very beautiful and graceful. The facade is decorated with magnificent carvings and the decor of the cathedral is considered one of the best in Georgia. Various artistic styles are intertwined here in an original way. The painting decorating the interior walls of the cathedral was done in the 10th-11th centuries, but it has been preserved in excellent condition.
Barakoni Church
 Barakoni Church (Georgian: ბარაკონის ეკლესია) – The monument of old Georgian domed architecture. Its construction began in 1753 by order of the Racha prince Rostomi. The construction was carried out by the famous master of that time, Avtandil Shulavreli. The building of the temple has the shape of a cross, it has no extensions and the corners are right angles. Two columns and the corners of the altar walls serve as a support for the dome of the temple. The outer walls are decorated with patterned stone carvings. The oldest examples of this carving have been preserved in the niches of the eastern facade.
Oni Synagogue
Oni Synagogue (Georgian: ონის სინაგოგა) – The current synagogue of Georgian Jews in the city of Oni was built in 1895 according to a project that almost completely repeats the building of the synagogue in Warsaw. The outside walls of the temple are decorated with rich carvings. The entrance and windows are decorated with patterned forged grilles with Jewish religious symbols. The interior decoration is also worthy of attention, attracting visitors with beautiful paintings, stucco details on the walls and ceiling.
*The full list of attractions in the region is presented in the section –Attractions