Bolnisi

Bolnisi Municipality is located in Kvemo Kartli region. The traces of human’s life started here from ancient times, dates back to the Stone Age. It is also proved by the settlements of this period. One of the well-known and important settlements is the hill of Araukhlo, where round buildings, stone sculptures, dishware, stone tools were discovered. Bronze Age tombs, the remains of megalithic buildings were also found out in Bolnisi, which shows that these areas were always inhabited. The name Bolnisi itself comes from the word "Bovi", which according to Sulkhan-Saba(Georgian writer and diplomat) means ore.

Nowadays Bolnisi municipality includes two administrative-territorial units of the early feudal period, Bolnisi and Kveshi gorges. It has been a separated district since the 1930s. Bolnisi was an important point in the feudal era, it is shown by many castles and churches and monasteries that are located here. Kvemo Kartli region together with Bolnisi, played a huge role in the history of Georgia. The Germans had been deported from Swabia in 1818 near the historic villages of Samtredo, Koranti, and Velketili. They played an important role in the history of Bolnisi. In the German quarter it is possible to visit unique houses with a synthesis of Gothic and Georgian architecture. There is a theater, a museum and libraries in Bolnisi. Also, TV and radio company MW broadcasts from Bolnisi. Agriculture is quite developed in the region, the leading fields are: viticulture, horticulture, animal husbandry. Manufacturing also plays an important role, as does the ore mining plant and winery. Tbilisi-Yerevan highway passes through the territory of the municipality. Bolnisi district is distinguished by the beauty of nature and cultural monuments. Ancient churches and castles attract visitors, such as Bolnisi Sioni, Tsughrughasheni, Vanati, Kveshi Castle and many others.

Geography and Climate

Bolnisi municipality is located in the central part of Kvemo Kartli region. Its administrative center is Bolnisi. Bolnisi is bordered by Marneuli Municipality to the east, Dmanisi to the west, Tetritskaro to the north, and the Republic of Armenia to the south. Most of the territory of the municipality is occupied by the alluvium plain of Kvemo Kartli. From the southern part, there is the northern slope of the Loki ridge. To the north side, there is the Disveli Plateau, which is part of the Kvemo Kartli Plateau and its southern boundary is bordered by the Shindlari massif. In the western part of the municipality, there are eastern slopes of the Javakheti plateau. Bolnisi district is rich in internal waters.

The biggest rivers of the municipality are Khrami and Mashavera. There are several natural and artificial lakes here. The flora and fauna are diverse. Half of the area is covered with forests and brushwood. Georgian oak, willow, floodplain oak, maple are widespread in the forests of Bolnisi. Here you can find wild boar, wolf, fox, marten, rabbit and etc. You will also find magpies, forest chickens, partridge and many other birds. There are two types of weather in Bolnisi Municipality: dry subtropical steppe climate with moderately cold winters and hot summers and moderately humid climates, moderately cold winters and long summers. The average annual temperature in the plains is 12 ° C. The average winter temperature is 3-5 ° C in the foothills and 23-28 ° C in the summer.

What to see

Bolnisi Municipality is distinguished by its beautiful nature, historical and cultural monuments. Beautiful valleys, forests, lush fields and open views are perfect for travel and nature lovers. You will also be able to visit many important cultural monuments with their ancient history. Ancient settlements, remnants of megalithic fortifications, medieval churches, castles and towers will tell interesting stories about the history and culture of Georgia. Bolnisis Sioni should be mentioned, since its inscriptions are among the oldest patterns of the Georgian alphabet. Tsugrugasheni, Kveshi Castle, Berdiki Castle are beautifully decorated and there is beautiful views. There is a museum of local lore in Bolnisi, where rich archeological materials are presented. The exhibition covers the era from the Eneolithic period to the middle Ages. Bolnisi is one of the most interesting and diverse districts of Georgia and you can plan hiking and cultural adventures.

Cultural Monuments

• Bolnisi Sioni

• Tsughrughasheni

• Akaurta church of St. Mary

• Berdiki fortress

• Kveshi fortress

• Chapala fortress