Telavi

Telavi is a municipality located in the Kakheti region. The first settlement on its territory appeared in the Late Bronze Age, developed in the Hellenistic period, and in the late Antique period a city-type settlement emerged. According to written sources, Telavi has been found since the XI century. In the Middle Ages it was one of the most important cities in Georgia with developed trade and crafts. In the second half of the XVII century, after King Archil II of Kakheti moved his residence from Gremi to Telavi, it became a center of erudition. In 1758 the School of Philosophy-Theology was founded here, which transformed into a seminary in 1782. Telavi is an important transportation hub, industrial, agricultural and cultural center. There is a state university, a theater and a historical-ethnographic museum. Viticulture, horticulture, production of grain and essential oil crops, meat and milk are developed in Telavi. Important enterprises are wineries, food and light industry facilities. This area is distinguished by beautiful nature. Infinite Alazani Valley is an amazing sight against the backdrop of the Kakheti Caucasus. Telavi is rich in cultural monuments of different periods. Here you will find settlements, ruins of palaces, castles and temples of special importance. There are also several resorts in the district where you can enjoy a healthy and enjoyable vacation.

Geography and climate

Telavi Municipality is located in Eastern Georgia, in Kakheti region. Its administrative center is the city of Telavi. The municipality is bordered by Akhmeta Municipality to the north and west, the Republic of Dagestan to the northeast, Kvareli to the east, Gurjaani to the southeast, and Sagarejo to the southwest. Telavi consists of 27 administrative units: Central Telavi, Old Telavi, West Telavi, Alazani-Caucasus, East Telavi, Akura, Vanta, Busheti, Kvemo Khodasheni, Tsinandali, Kondoli, Kisiskhevi, Shalauri, Nasamkhrali, Kurdghelauri, Gulgula , Vardisubani, Ruispiri, Ikalto, Karajala, Napareuli, Lapankuri, Laliskuri, Saniore- Jughaani, Artana, Pshaveli- Lechuri, Tetritsklebi. The central part of the district is spread over the Alazani plain, which is bounded on the west by the Gombori ridge, and on the northeast by the Kakheti Caucasus. The Gombori ridge is excavated in the south-western part of the municipality. The highest peak of Gombori ridge is on the territory of Telavi - Tsivi (1991 m). The Alazani River and its basin form the main hydrological artery of the region. There are also rivers: Stori, Kasiskhevi and Lopota. In terms of lakes, the territory of the municipality is poor. Much of the land in the region is occupied by oak-hornbeam and other deciduous forests in the foothills and lowlands. The territory of Telavi municipality is located in a moderately humid subtropical climate. The Alazani plain has a moderately humid climate with hot summers and moderately cold winters. The average annual air temperature is 12 ° C. The Gombori ridge has a moderately humid climate up to 1200 m above sea level. The temperature at the peak of the Tsivi mountain is equal to 4 ° C. The Kakheti Caucasus has a moderately humid climate up to 1200 m above sea level.

What to see

Telavi is a very beautiful district, which is distinguished by the abundance of cultural monuments of different eras. Here you will find Bronze Age settlements, medieval temples of great cultural importance, ruins of palaces and castles, which bear witness to many interesting histories and heroism. Ikalto Monastery is especially famous, where Arsen Ikaltoeli founded Ikalto Academy. It was a higher education institution in XI-XII centuries. Also important are the old and new Shuamta, Vanta Palace complex, Kisiskhevi Church of the Mother of God and others. The Telavi Historical-Ethnographic Museum is located in the palace of Erekle II in the city of Telavi, where many interesting exhibits are presented: Numismatic material, pre-feudal sarcophagus, late medieval armor, collections of copper household items, weapons, Khevsurian garments of the XVII-XIX centuries, collections of textiles, manuscripts and paintings, scientific library, photo fund and more. One of the most popular places in Telavi is the Alexander Chavchavadze House-Museum in Tsinandali with its beautiful garden, which has been visited by many famous Georgian and foreign writers and poets.

Cultural monuments

Ikalto Monastery

Old Shuamta

New Shuamta

Erekle II Palace (Telavi Historical-Ethnographic Museum)

Alexander Chavchavadze House-Museum of Tsinandali

Resorts

Tetri Tsklebi

Torghva bath

Lopota Lake - Spa Resort