Kvareli

Kvareli Municipality is located in the Kakheti Region. The traces of human life on the territory of the municipality have been confirmed since the Bronze Age. In ancient times, the religious center of this region was Nekresi, founded by King Pharnajom (II-I centuries BC). The ruins of a Sun Temple known as the Great Square is still preserved in Nekresi. There is also a church built by King Trdat in the IV century, one of the oldest temples in Georgia to date. In the developed medieval period the caravan road was passing through Kvareli (specifically on Gremi). During this period, Gremi was the capital city of the Kingdom of Kakheti. According to historical sources, in the early medieval period, the Pshavs from the village Kvara, which were called kvarleli, were settled in the territory of today's Kvareli. From here comes the toponym Kvareli.

Nowadays, agriculture is well developed in Kvareli. The leading field is viticulture. Livestock and poultry are also developed there. There are many wine factories in the region. Here is located the well-known grape microzone "Kindzmarauli". Kvareli municipality is also developed for tourism. There are tourist-leisure complexes here - Kvareli Lake and Ilia Lake. Kvareli with its historical and cultural monuments of different periods and beauty of nature attracts many visitors.

Geography and Climate

Kvareli municipality is located in north-east part of Kakheti region, in eastern Georgia. Its administrative center is the city of Kvareli. Kvareli is bordered by the municipalities of Telavi, Gurjaani and Lagodekhi and the Autonomous Republic of Dagestan. The region is characterized by a frequent river network, represented by the Alazani River and its tributaries. The territory of Kvareli municipality is divided into plains and highlands. Alazani plain is located in the southern part of the region and the high places are found in Kakheti Caucasus and its branches. Important orographic units are the valleys of the rivers Duruji, Chelti, Intsobisa and Bursa. In the municipality mammal type of forest is widespread. In the forest can be found oak, aspen, ash, alder, hornbeam and others. Up to 1400 meters above sea level we can find beech. Kvareli is also distinguished with the diversity of Fauna. Here, brown bears, chamois, capreolus, wild boar, rabbits, wolves, foxes and others live in the forests. From the birds quails, snowcock and other are notable. Kvareli municipality is located in a moderately humid subtropical climate. The lowland zone is characterized by mild cold winters and warm summers. In the medium mountainous zone there is cold winters and long cold summers. The average annual air temperature is 3-4 °C. The average annual temperature in the southern part of the municipality is 12.5 °C.

What to see

Kvareli municipality is distinguished by its beautiful nature and abundance of cultural monuments. Extensive views of the Alazani valley, forests and lakes create a perfect environment for nature lovers. Kvareli Lake and Ilia Lake complexes are perfect for relaxation. Kvareli is a paradise for travelers who are interested in culture as well. There are many cultural and historical monuments of different eras in the region. Nekresi Monastery Complex is located on a high mountain, consisting of buildings of different periods (among them is the ancient basilica built by King Trdat in the IV century), the Sun temple, known as the Great Square of the Nekresi of the Pre-Christian period, one of the finest examples of Georgian culture - Gremi Archangels Complex and many other important monuments promise to travel in the exciting and diverse world. In the center of Kvareli is located Ilia Chavchavadze House Museum, which includes the Chavchavadze ancestral tower, the house of Ilia Chavchavadze's father, cellar, baker, barn, water mill and exposure to memorial items.

Nature

● Ilia (Kvareli) Lake

Cultural Monuments

● Nekresi Monastery

● Gremi Archangel Complex

● Nekresi Sun Temple

● Dolochopi Basilica

● Dzveli Gavazi church of the Mother of God