Akhmeta

Akhmeta Municipality is located in Kakheti Region. The traces of human life in the area date back to the Stone Age, as evidenced by the stalls and artefacts found here. Early and Middle Bronze Age settlement of “Ilto” and necropolis were also found in Akhmeta, Late Bronze and Late Antique graves Middle Age dwelling, necropolis and others. Akhmeta, as an important settlement, is mentioned in historical sources from the 40s of the XVIII century. There are many interesting monuments of various periods in Akhmeta, which proves the existence of the culture developed in the past centuries and its historical significance. Akhmeta became a separate region in 1951. Currently it has the status of a municipality. Nowadays there are 2 museums, 2 theaters, libraries and other cultural and educational institutions in the municipality. Agriculture is developed in the district, leading fields are: viticulture, stockbreeding, sheep-farming, horticulture, fruit-growing and sericulture. Industry also plays an important role there. From industry wood processing and food industry are noteworthy. Akhmeta Municipality is distinguished by its diversity. Here you can find both nature and architectural monuments characteristic of Kakheti as well as Tusheti landscape and architecture. Mountains, lakes, waterfalls, slate towers, important medieval temples, such as Alaverdi, Kvetera and others, create a very attractive environment for travelers. Therefore, tourism also plays an important role in the economy of the region. Many people visit Akhmeta during the year.

Geography and Climate

Akhmeta Municipality is located in Kakheti Region. Its administrative center is the city of Akhmeta. The municipality is bordered by Dusheti and Tianeti to the west, Chechnya to the north, Telavi and Dagestan Autonomous Republic to the east, and Sagarejo to the south. The territory of Akhmeta municipality is characterized by geomorphologic contrasts. The largest part is surrounded by high ridges and mountains. Relatively low places are found in the southern part of the municipality, in the form of Alazani plain. The main orographic units are: Caucasus of Tusheti-Khevsureti, initial section of Kakheti Caucasus and related branches. The region is characterized by frequent hydrographic network. In the north of Tusheti, two rivers are noteworthy: Piriqiti Alazani and Tusheti Alazani. An important river is also Alazani, which starts at 2750 m above sea level on the eastern slope of the Borbalo mountain in the Akhmeta region. There are also lakes there. Akhmeta municipality is unique in terms of natural conditions. There are three strict nature reserves in Akhmeta: Batsari, Babaneuri and Tusheti. The flora and fauna of the region characterized by great diversity. In the forests there are: pine, birch, oak, yew, zelkova, maple, etc. The municipality is inhabited by: Chamois, Caucasian ibex, Wild goat, Brown Bear, Lynx, Roe, Fox, Wolf, Rabbit, Caucasian Grouse, Gyps and many others. The lowland area of the municipality is mildly humid, with hot summers and mild cold winters. The absolute maximum temperature is 38 ° C. There is moderately humid climate at 700 to 1200 m above sea level. The average temperature in January is 3 ° C and in July it is 22 ° C. At 1200-2000 m above sea level there is humid climate with cold winters and cool summers. The average temperature in July is 19 ° C.

What to see

Akhmeta Municipality is distinguished by its variety of landscapes and cultural monuments. Amazing views, extensive fields, impressive mountains, waterfalls and blue alpine lakes attract many tourists. Oreti and Ortskali lakes and Khadori waterfall are particularly popular. You will be able to plan many exciting and adventurous hiking routes in the region. There are three nature reserves in the municipality (Batsari, Babaneuri, Tusheti), where you will enjoy the beautiful nature and unique flora and fauna. In addition to the amazing nature, Akhmeta also attracts attention with its interesting cultural monuments. Here we find the settlements, temples and fortresses of various periods. Particularly noteworthy is the magnificent Alaverdi Cathedral with exquisite proportions and the impressive Kvetera castle city, which consists of several buildings. A very interesting monument is also the Matani monastery. Tusheti slate houses and towers, which are like swallow's nests on the slopes of the mountains, make an impression on the viewers and deserve universal admiration. There is a museum of local lore in Akhmeta, where archaeological excavations and accidentally discovered archaeological materials, ethnographic materials, artifacts and many other interesting exhibits are preserved.

Nature

Ortskali Lake

Oreti Lake

Khadori Waterfall

Tusheti Strict Nature Reserve

Batsara Strict Nature Reserve

Babaneuri Strict Nature Reserve

Cultural Monuments

Alaverdi

Kvetera

Matani monastery

St. Nikoloz Church of Matani

Bakhtrioni Fortress

Zemo (Upper) Alvani Holy Trinity Church

St. Kurtanadzeuli St. Marine Church Complex

Tusheti villages