Mingrelia
Mingrelia (Georgian: სამეგრელო) or Samegrelo – The historical region and modern administrative-territorial division in Western Georgia. The region, which was occupied by the historical principality of Mingrelia, was called by different names throughout history – Colchis, Egrisi, Lazika, Odishi and Mingrelia. The Mingrelia region has had great strategic importance throughout its history. The region has had great strategic importance throughout its history. Powerful empires constantly fought with each other for control over the region. As a result, this territory often became the target of numerous invasions by the armies of the Romans, Byzantines, Mongols, Turks, Persians and others. Having survived the most difficult trials, Samegrelo has preserved numerous historical and architectural monuments reflecting its diverse and long history, which are the pride of this historical region.
Ancient history makes this beautiful corner of Georgia even more attractive. It always amazes tourists with its originality, natural beauty and, of course, local color. It seems that ancient traditions have not disappeared anywhere – they set the pace of life, create their own laws, which the ancient Georgian people follow. It is populated mainly by Georgians of the Mingrelian branch, whose native language, along with Georgian, is the related Mpngrelian language. The contrasting landscapes of the emerald valleys of Colchis and the evergreen mountains of Samegrelo leave an unforgettable impression on visitors. The region has hundreds of architectural monuments, religious buildings, churches. An outstanding unique identifier of the region is its cuisine, and everyone should try Mingrelian dishes at least once in their life. And, of course, wine … Like other regions of Georgia, Mingrelia produces several types of wine. Among them is the already world-famous, unique, naturally semi-sweet – “Ojaleshi”.
Zugdidi
Zugdidi (Georgian: ზუგდიდი) – The administrative center of Mingrelia is one of the five largest cities in Georgia. In the Mingrelian dialect, the toponym Zugdidi means “big hill”. Situated on the historical land of Colchis, the city has a special history, and its current residents are the descendants of those people who settled in this place – between the Black Sea coast and the Main Caucasian Range, among the subtropical greenery of the Colchis plain – at least 4,000 years ago. The streets and courtyards of the city, built in the European style, are green and well-groomed. The refined Mpngrelian taste and aesthetics are felt in every corner, where each street tells its own story, where the air is filled with the aromas of ancient gardens, and the walls of ancient buildings keep the memory of past centuries.
Top attractions in Mingrelia:
Kolkheti National Park
Kolkheti National Park(Georgian: კოლხეთის ეროვნული პარკი) – Most of the territory of the Kolkheti State Nature Reserve is swampy and is a migration route for Eurasian and African birds. It is here that you can see about 194 species of different birds. The flora and fauna of the protected area are amazingly diverse, attracting scientists, tourists and adventurers. Water tourism, diving, boating and horse riding are developed in the park. The Kolkheti National Park, called “Forests and Wetlands of Kolkheti”, is included in the UNESCO Natural Heritage List.
Tobavarchkhili Lakes (Silver Lakes)
Tobavarchkhili Lakes or “Silver Lakes” (Georgian: ტობავარჩხილის (ვერცხლის) ტბები) – The common name for six lakes that are located on the Egrisi Range. This is one of the most beautiful and hard-to-reach natural attractions of Georgia. Only a few people know by hearsay how beautiful it is and how magnificent the nature surrounding it is. Very few people have seen it. The reason for this is that it is difficult to access and can only be visited during a short period of time (July – early August), as in these places at other times there are heavy rains and fog. The Magana River originates from Lake Tobavarchkhili, forming a beautiful canyon and waterfall.
Seaside resort of Anaklia
Seaside resort of Anaklia (Georgian: კურორტი ანაკლია) – One of the most sensational tourism development projects in Georgia. Almost out of nowhere, in the coastal village of Anaklia, a new seaside resort was launched, consisting of several luxury hotels, with huge investments in entertainment infrastructure and beautiful sea sand beaches. Among the entertainment activities and attractions in Anaklia, there is the largest water park in Georgia, tennis courts, a large stadium and a yacht club, where you can order sea trips on beautiful new motor yachts.
Lebarde Resort
Lebarde Resort (Georgian: კურორტი ლებარდე) – The thermal resort located on the Egrisi mountain range at an altitude of 1600 meters above sea level. Many centuries ago, shepherds accidentally discovered several self-flowing mineral springs, and later it was discovered that these waters are suitable for the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, gall bladder, urinary system, anemia and respiratory tract. Wildlife, mountains, fields and high-mountain lakes fill me with unforgettable impressions. This place is especially attractive for lovers of hiking.
Lugela Resort
Lugela Resort (Georgian: კურორტი ლუგელა) – The resort is famous for its calcium chloride waters, which heal ailments of the skeletal system and joints, allergies, nephritis, stomatitis, bleeding, etc. The healing water is unique not only in Georgia, but also in the whole world. This is 10% calcium chloride mineral water, transparent, odorless, with a slightly bitter taste, which does not freeze even at extremely low temperatures. Lugela is a real treasure of Georgia, which is worth trying and learning more about this amazing natural phenomenon.
Menji Resort
Menji Resort (Georgian: კურორტი მენჯი) – The mineral water is one of the valuable hydrogen sulfide-chlorine-sodium mineral waters containing gas. “Menji” is a Mingrelian word and means sour water. The people gave it another name – “grave of crutches”, meaning the miraculous power of this healing water. In addition to joints, the water is used to treat diseases of the peripheral nervous system, gynecological diseases and the cardiovascular system. The thermal resort is located in the gorge of the Tsivi River and has a subtropical climate, with mild snowless winters and warm, humid summers.
Inguri Dam
Enguri Dam (Georgian: ენგურის კაშხალი) – One of the largest engineering projects. A true symbol of technological progress and engineering excellence. A visit to this majestic structure is a unique adventure that allows you to immerse yourself in the history of its creation and learn how the huge mechanism that produces electricity works. From the height of the dam, a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains and the lake opens up, which gives this place a special charm. A visit to the dam promises to be an unforgettable and inspiring experience that will allow you to better understand and appreciate the greatness of nature and human creativity.
Martvili Canyon
Martvili Canyon (Georgian: მარტვილის კანიონი) – The place with stunning nature. Over the years, water has made gorges in the rocks that reach 40 meters, at the bottom of which the river flows. The canyons themselves are very beautiful, surrounded by emerald water and green plants that hang over rocks that are overgrown with green moss. In some caves of the canyon, bones of wild animals such as bison and cave bear were found. Also in the caves were found traces of dinosaurs, which, as it were, lived in this territory. In the territory of Martvili canyons there are many beautiful waterfalls.
Shurubumu Canyon and Cave
Shurubumu Canyon and Cave (Georgian: შურუბუმუს მღვიმე და კანიონი) – The Shurubumu karst cave (“shurubumu” means “quiet” in the Mengrelian dialect) is a fairy-tale world of stalactites, stalagmites and petrified waterfalls. The cave unites a whole system of underground rivers and lakes, the corridors of which are tens of kilometers long. Mountain and forest paths leading to the cave pass through mossy boulders, surrounded by thousand-year-old groves of the unique Colchian boxwood, and in some places small waterfalls flow down, where the environment is practically untouched. This place is often visited by travelers interested in speleotourism.
Dadiani Palace in Zugdidi
Dadiani Palace in Zugdidi (Georgian: დადიანების სასახლე ზუგდიდში) – The palace belonged to the former princes of Samegrelo – Dadiani. Today, the museum located in the palace houses an impressive collection of works of art of historical significance. There are more than 50,000 rare exhibits on display – collections of ancient objects from the Stone Age, European military weapons from the Middle Ages, paintings and beautiful works of art. The museum also houses the relics of Christian saints, including the cloak of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the relics of St. Quirike, St. George and John the Baptist.
Zugdidi Botanical Garden
Zugdidi Botanical Garden (Georgian: ზუგდიდის ბოტანიკური ბაღი) – It was built in the last century near the Dadiani Palace as a decorative garden of the residence. To create it, the ruler of Samegrelo, Princess Dadiani (sister of Alexander Griboyedov’s widow Nino Chavchavadze) had to invite the most famous gardeners of the 19th century from Europe and bring the rarest European plant varieties. On the basis of this garden, a botanical garden was formed, with a total area of 26.4 hectares. Some trees in the garden are 200 years old and are the only ones on the entire Eurasian continent
Salkhino Dadiani Residence
Salkhino Dadiani Residence (Georgian: დადიანების სალხინოს სასახლე) – The summer palace of the Megrelian princes Dadiani is a pearl of the historical heritage of the region. The plan of the palace with its oak pillars and beautifully decorated arch fully justifies the name of the Salkhino Palace, which means “Holiday”. The residence, surrounded by forests and mountain peaks, is also known as the place where the technology for producing the exquisite Megrelian wine, Ojaleshi, was developed. The estate features ancient buildings that evoke the spirit of bygone times, and the surrounding park offers walks along the paths and beautiful nature. At the end of the garden is a wine cellar built in the XVIII century.
Arceological site Nokalakevi
Historical Fortress -Town of Nokalakevi (Georgian: ისტორიული ციხე-ქალაქი ნოქალაქევი) -Nokalakevi (Archeopolis, Tsikhe-Goji), one of the major centers of the Colchis Kingdom, from the end of the 4th century BC, deserves great interest for its urban planning structure. Literally, its name means “the place where the city was.” Based on Georgian history, the fortress city was built by the ruler of the Egrisi Kingdom – Kuji, in the 3rd century BC. Scientists believe that it was here that the Argonauts arrived, and this place still attracts the attention of archaeologists. Excavations have discovered several traces of various civilizations. The ruins of ancient palaces, Christian churches, baths and underground tunnels have been preserved on the territory.
Rukhi Castle
Rukhi Castle (Georgian: რუხის ციხე) – Located in the village of Rukhi, on the left bank of the Inguri River and was the property of the Megrelian princes from the Dadiani family. This majestic structure served not only as a defense, but also as a symbol of the power and independence of this land. However, like many fortresses of its time, it was destined to endure many trials. The Rukhi Fortress impresses with its preserved walls and towers, which embody the beauty and power of Georgian history. The inner courtyard of the fortress is overgrown with bushes, creating a unique combination of nature and history.
Martvili Monastery
Martvili Monastery (Georgian: მარტვილის მონასტერი) – The Martvili Monastery, founded at the turn of the VI-VII centuries, was one of the most important religious centers of medieval Georgia. The main building of the monastery complex – the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary – was built in the center of the square, surrounded by a small fence. The church has come down to us in a heavily modified form. Initially, it was a cruciform structure, with high-quality painting. Frescoes from the XIV- XVII centuries have been preserved in the temple. The altar of the temple depicts the famous Martvili Virgin Mary. Within the walls of the current temple, some remains of the once-standing idolatrous sanctuary have been preserved,
Otsindale Monastery
Otsindale Monastery (Georgian: ოცინდალეს მონასტერი) – Otsindale Monastery is located on a magnificent panoramic hill, with a view from above of the entire Samegrelo region, the Guria Mountains and the Black Sea waters of Abkhazia. The main building of the complex – the Church of St. George, was built in the XI century. According to legend, the church was restored by Queen Tamara. The complex also includes a tower built in the 8th century. For centuries, the monastery was an important religious center. The ruins of the castle adjacent to the monastery probably existed before the construction of the main church. Their presence gives this historical site a mystical charm.
Tsaishi Cathedral
Tsaishi Cathedral (Georgian: ცაიშის საკათედრო ტაძარი) – The Tsaishi Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, erected on Mount Urta, was built in the XII–XIV centuries. Previously, a domed basilica of the X-XII centuries stood on this site. The site of one of the oldest episcopal sees (VI century) of Georgia. The temple, which for centuries was one of the main educational centers of Georgia, was sometimes destroyed by enemies, and sometimes by natural disasters, but there were always people who managed to restore the temple from the ruins. Local residents attach sacred significance to Mount Urta. It is even believed that artifacts of the Colchian civilization are buried here
Tsalenjikha Cathedral
Tsalenjikha Cathedral (Georgian: წალენჯიხის საკათედრო ტაძარი) – The cathedral is one of the oldest medieval buildings in the country with cross-domed architecture. Combining elements of Georgian and Byzantine architecture, it amazes with its beauty and grandeur. Built on the site of an ancient fortress, the cathedral has become not only a shrine, but also a historical testimony to the great days of Samegrelo. The cathedral is famous for its unique Renaissance frescoes, which depict liturgical scenes and historical moments, as well as other works of art that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region.
*The full list of attractions in the region is presented in the section –Attractions