Rustavi

Rustavi is a city and municipality in eastern Georgia, in the Kvemo Kartli region. People lived here even in the Middle Bronze Age. Large settlements appeared on this territory in the late Bronze-Early Iron Age. Rustavi is one of the oldest cities in Georgia and from Leonti Mroveli we know that the city is set up by the wife of Kartlosi, who was the oldest ancestor of Georgians. In the XII-XIII centuries the city was at a high stage of development, flourished in various fields of handicrafts: ceramics, glass, metal, leather, bone, wood, as well as textile production. As a result of Beka-Khan's invasion in 1265, Rustavi ceased to exist. After this devastating invasion, only the ruins of Rustavi Fortress were maintained. It is the only fortress in Georgia with frescoes. Until the XX century, Rustavi existed in the form of ruins.

Building of a huge metallurgical plant was begun on the territory of Rustavi historic site in 1944. During the same period, the foundation was laid for the construction of the city too. Rustavi is the main industrial city of Georgia after Tbilisi. One of the sights of the city is Rustavi Park, where the best space for recreation is arranged with basketball, football and volleyball courts, skate park, wooden decorative Panchaturi, picnic spaces, fountains and bicycle paths. The V-VIII centuries’ fortress and historical site of Rustavi are located in Rustavi Park. The historical museum of Rustavi is very interesting, where the exhibits of the XVIII (B.C. – A.D.) century are preserved. There is a public celebration "Rustavkalakoba"(the celebration of the city) and the International Theatre Festival "Golden Mask" in every year.

Geography and Climate

Rustavi Municipality is the administrative center of Kvemo Kartli region. It is located on the plain of Kvemo Kartli and the river Mtkvari divides it into two parts, Old and New Rustavi (right and left bank). The municipality is divided into Davit Agmashenebeli, Old Rustavi, Shota Rustaveli, Zhiuli Shartava, Giorgi Chkondideli, Ilia Chavchavadze, Vakhtang Gorgasali, Iakob Tsurtaveli, Nikoloz Baratashvili and 13 Assyrian fathers’ administrative units. Rustavi administrative border passes through Marneuli and Gardabani municipalities. It is surrounded on the south and west by the Iaghluji and Chatmi mountains, and on the east by the Gardabani and Ponichala valleys. It is cultivated in the area of barren field. There is the Rustavi Forest, between Old and New Rustavi, on the banks of the Mtkvari, which is currently part of the Culture and Recreation Park. There is artificial lake in the park. There is transitional climate between the Mediterranean Sea and the steppe in Rustavi, that causes snowy winters and dry, moderate and hot summers.

Sightseeing:

Rustavi Park

Rustavi Fortress

Rustavi Historical Museum

Rustavi Drama theater

Rustavi Metallurgical Plant

Heydar Aliyev Park