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Samtskhe-Javakheti region
Region of Samtskhe-Javakheti
Samtskhe-Javakheti
Samtskhe-Javakheti (Georgian: სამცხეჯავახეთი) – The historical region and a modern administrative-territorial division in Eastern Georgia. An integral part of ancient Meskhéti, the land from which the cultural development of Georgia begins, from where Saint Nino began to spread Christianity. The land of the historical region holds many secrets. During archaeological excavations, numerous prehistoric structures and burial mounds were discovered. Ancient cyclopean settlements and castles built dry from huge boulders proudly stand again. The ancient past is confirmed by the discovered traces of people of the Lower Paleolithic era, the remains of settlements of the Neolithic and Bronze Ages. These discoveries show that life in this area continued almost continuously, indicating that, despite numerous invasions and devastations by enemies, sometimes accompanied by the arrival and settlement of alien ethnic groups, the local population did not die out and always continued to exist.
According to the history of Georgia, the region of Samtskhe-Javakheti has always been one of the most important and culturally advanced provinces. It protected the central territories of Georgia from attacks from the south and took the first blow from the enemies of the country. That is why here, on the high rocky slopes, in the valleys of the Mtkvari River and its tributaries, many fortifications were built. Samtskhe-Javakheti was one of the culturally developed provinces of Georgia. The geographical position of the region created favorable conditions for the cultural and economic development of the country. Important military and trade-strategic routes passed through the territory of Samtskhe-Javakheti, connecting the northern and southern countries. The time of historical prosperity of Samtskhe-Javakheti coincides with the so-called Georgian Renaissance of the XI-XIII  centuries. A region with an ancient past and rich history, which still amazes visitors with its contrasting natural conditions, beautiful landscapes, fresh air, diverse vegetation, healing waters, ancient churches, monasteries and fortresses.
Akhaltsikhe
Akhaltsikhe City (Georgian: ახალციხე)- The administrative center is one of the most ancient cities in Georgia (the old name is Lomsia). The history of the city goes back to ancient times, to the Bronze Age. The historical part of the city is located on the left bank of the Potskhovistskali River, on a rocky mountain. Settlements of this period were discovered in this area. Turkish, Georgian and Russian architecture is harmoniously combined here. Visitors are fascinated by monuments that have stood the test of time, and many tourists visit such interesting places. Akhaltsikhe had great political and cultural significance, which was determined by its strategic location. The residents of Akhaltsikhe are distinguished by exceptional tolerance, as evidenced by the Orthodox Cathedral, synagogue, mosque and Catholic Church built on the same territory. That is why one of the slogans of Akhaltsikhe is “City of Tolerance”.
Top attractions of Samtskhe-Javakheti:
Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park
Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park (Georgian: ბორჯომი – ხარაგაულის ეროვნული პარკი) – National Park is a true natural wonder that offers amazing opportunities to enjoy the majestic beauty of Georgian nature. The park includes dense forests, lakes, waterfalls and rivers. This diverse array of natural phenomena creates ideal conditions for trekking and hiking. The network of tourist routes of the national park allows for one-day and multi-day tours. With 12 routes of varying length and difficulty, each visitor can choose a suitable route according to their preferences and level of training.
Bakuriani Ski Resort
Bakuriani Ski Resort (Georgian: კურორტი ბაკურიანი) – The ski resort is located at an altitude of 1800 m above sea level. Perhaps few people know that this place was formed from lava erupting from the Mukheri volcano. Bakuriani is a winter ski center of international importance, but it has ideal conditions for summer holidays. On the southwestern slopes of the Bakuriani ridge is the Bakuriani Botanical Garden, which contains a rich collection of alpine plants of the Caucasus highlands. Bakuriani often hosts various winter sports competitions.
Borjomi Resort
Borjomi Resort (Georgian: კურორტი ბორჯომი) – The balneological and climatic resort, named after its mineral water, is located at an altitude of 900 meters above sea level, to the east of the Borjomi-Kharagauli Nature Reserve. The main wealth of this resort is its volcanic mineral water, the healing properties of which are known throughout the world. Borjomi water is recognized as a standard for evaluating mineral waters. Borjomi water is rich in microelements important for the human body and is used to treat many diseases.
Abastumani Resort
Abastumani Resort (Georgian: კურორტი აბასთუმანი) – On the southern slopes of the Meskheti Range covered with coniferous trees is the famous mountain climatic and balneological resort of  Abastumani, the climate of which is healing for lung diseases. It is especially useful in the spring, when pine pollination begins. When breathing, yellow pollen gets into the lungs and promotes their health. Abastumani is famous not only for its climate – its main healing factor – but also for its hyperthermal, weakly mineralized springs. These mineral waters are used in the treatment of many diseases.
Abastumani Observatory
Abastumani Observatory (Georgian: აბასთუმნის ობსერვატორია) – Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory is located on Mount Kanobili, at an altitude of 1700 meters above sea level. The main areas of its scientific research are the study of galaxies, stars, solar physics, objects of the solar system and the upper atmosphere of the Earth. The location of Abastumani is extremely favorable for astronomical work. The atmosphere of Abastumania is characterized by clear nights, almost windless weather and such transparent air that sometimes the planet Venus is visible to the naked eye.
Lake Paravani
Lake Paravani (Georgian: ფარავანის ტბა) – The volcanic lake is the largest in Georgia. Situated between beautiful alpine meadows, surrounded by mountains, it stands out for its unique landscape, rich in islands and bays. The ecosystem of the lake includes a variety of animals and vegetation, there are different species of waterfowl and fish, creating the vital diversity of this area. The diverse flora gives the lake a unique look and atmosphere. A gentle breeze brings the scent of wild flowers and grass, filling the air with an unusual freshness. Paravani is a popular fishing spot.
Abuli Fortress
Abuli Fortress (Georgian: აბულის ციხე) – The megalithic fortress, presumably built in the Bronze Age. The walls and towers are simply made of flat stones, without the use of cement. This fortress has many unusual and odd features. From a historical point of view, there is nothing more amazing than this place in Georgia. Mount Small Abuli, presumably an extinct volcano. On this hill, a ring of thick walls about 50 meters in diameter is built from flat stones.
Atskuri Fortress
Atskuri Fortress (Georgian: აწყურის ციხე) -The fortress was of vital strategic importance for many centuries, as it was the last fortified point along the Kura River. The Atskuri fortress was erected on a hard-to-reach cliff, which increased its defensive capability. Its builders skillfully used the high and hard-to-reach rocky terrain and created a complex and interesting structure from a construction point of view. The prison can be accessed through a narrow tunnel carved into the rock. Atskuri was a large and important city in ancient times, but nothing remains from that era.
Vardzia Cave Monastery Complex
Vardzia (Georgian: ვარძია) –The huge cave complex that once consisted of 3,000 caves and could accommodate about 50,000 people. The city was built during the reign of Queen Tamar, the great ruler of Georgia in the XII century. Vardzia is a place of wonders – skillfully carved caves connected by long tunnels, all were hand-carved over 800 years ago, a natural spring of cold water supplied the city with drinking water, the frescoes are still as bright, beautiful and beautiful as in the old days. In the cave city that has survived earthquakes and invasions, there is a functioning monastery today.
Vanis Kvabebi Cave Monastery Complex
Vanis Kvabebi (Georgian: ვანის ქვაბები) – The Cave Monastery, with its rich history and stunning views, is a unique place for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the spirit of antiquity. The few sources provide scant information that the monastery was founded in the 8th century. In the XIII century, a protective wall was built, the remains of which can be seen there today. Enormous boulders as tall as a man protected the modest life of monks from the raids of the Turks. The place amazes with its energy and sacredness. The wind rarely comes here, preserving the centuries-old silence.
Sapara Monastery
Sapara Monastery (Georgian: საფარის მონასტერი) – The medieval Georgian monastery complex is located on a high mountain terrace, in a narrow valley covered with forest. The monastery complex includes several buildings from different eras. Apparently, in order to erect a temple in a ravine with a complex relief, the builders created a special site and chose the territory adjacent to the existing Assumption Church as a favorable place for construction. On the western side of the monastery rise the ruins of an old fortress. In the vault of the entrance part of the chapel there is a historical inscription from the X century, preserved from the old building.
Zarzma Monastery
Zarzma Monastery (Georgian: ზარზმის მონასტერი) – The monastery was founded during the existence of the Tao-Klarjeti kingdom. The monastery is decorated with a domed church of the  XIV century and a bell tower, which is one of the largest in Georgia. The main temple is famous for its beautiful frescoes, and the monastery inscriptions provide invaluable information about the history of Georgia. The monastery is a very important monument, in which new features characteristic of Georgian architecture of that time are clearly visible – changes in the proportions of the building and the system of facade decoration. Numerous carved items testify to the level of development of the art of stone carving in feudal Georgia.
Green Monastery
Green Monastery (Georgian: მწვანე მონასტერი) – The Green Monastery, surrounded by dense forest, is one of the oldest monasteries in Georgia. The monastery complex was dedicated to the patron saint of Georgia, Saint George the Victorious. The oldest building of the monastery dates back to the turn of the IX –X centuries, and it is a basilica typical of that time. The monastery is a living witness to the greatness of Georgian history and culture. It serves as a monument to brave monks and a place where the traditions of faith are passed down from generation to generation.
Rabati Fortress
Rabati Fortress (Georgian: რაბათის ციხე) – The original building of the fortress, dating back to the 9th century, was the residence of the rulers of Samtskhe-Javakheti. The historical part of Rabati was built under the influence of various cultures and reflects an eclectic architectural style. The castle was destroyed in the X century. Its fragments probably survived only on the citadel. The fortress was rebuilt in the XII century, and it is from this time that the name “Akhaltsikhe” (New Fortress) originates. Along with the church, this interesting complex contains a mosque, a minaret and a synagogue, revealing its multi-cultural and multi-religious character.
Okros Tsikhe Fortress
Okros-Tsikhe Fortress (Georgian: ოქროს ციხე) – The Fortress was one of the most important fortresses and together with other fortresses formed a whole system of defensive fortifications. In the  XV- XVI centuries, during the rise of the Turks, the Golden Fortress played an important role in the defense of Meskheti. It seems that the builders of the fortress thought a lot about defense issues. The fortress was designed and built in such a way that even having penetrated inside, the attackers had to face many difficulties, and the defenders of the castle could fortify themselves in separate towers.
Tsunda Church
Tsunda Church (Georgian: წუნდის ეკლესია) – The Church of St. John the Baptist in Tsunda probably served as the spiritual center of Samtskhe-Javakheti during the Golden Age of Georgia. This is a hall church, built of hewn stone on a small cliff and dating back to the XII- XIII centuries. The temple is richly decorated with carvings and stands out for its original architecture. Many researchers attach special importance to the well-preserved inscription on the arch above the western door of the chapel. The inscription consists of letters of the ancient Georgian alphabet Asomtavruli, which is the predecessor of the modern Georgian alphabet.
Saro cyclopean fortress
Cyclopean Fortress of Saro (Georgian: საროს მეგალითური ციხე) – The traces of numerous cyclopean structures on the territory of the village of Saro indicate that once, in the immemorial past, this place played a very significant role in the cultural and political life of the region and actively participated in the cultural and economic relations that existed in Samtskhe-Javakheti from the middle of the 2nd millennium BC, including the Hellenistic and feudal periods. Saro megaliths are relevant primarily because of the scale of what was created here. The total area of ​​cyclopean structures covers several thousand square meters.
Tmogvi Fortress
Tmogvi Fortress (Georgian: თმოგვის ციხე) – The historical city-fortress of Tmogvi is located on the left bank of the Mtkvari River. According to historical sources, it was built in the X century. The fortress, built on a high rocky mountain, controlled the road leading to Georgia from Asia Minor through the valley of the Mtkvari River. The fortress occupies more than 3 hills, connected and surrounded by a wall, which is complemented by the natural protection of the rocks. Several layers of construction can be distinguished throughout the area. A secret tunnel connected the castle to the river and provided access to water, even during a siege.
Khertvisi Fortress
Khertvisi  Fortress (Georgian: ხერთვისის  ციხე) – The medieval fortress is located in a strategic place, on a high rocky mountain. The fortress played a vital role in the defense of the region, as it is located at the confluence of the Kura and Paravani rivers and no matter from which side the enemy invaded, he could not bypass this fortress. Apparently, the fortress was reconstructed many times. Several layers of construction can be seen on the walls. The castle consists of a citadel and a high wall. The citadel stands on a narrow rocky ridge of the mountain and is completely inaccessible.
*The full list of attractions in the region is presented in the section –Attractions