Lanchkhuti

Lanchkhuti municipality is located in Guria region of western Georgia. The territory was still inhabited since the Stone Age. Urban life has been developed here since the Bronze Age, as evidenced by the settlement of Shukhuti. In historical sources, Lanchkhuti was first mentioned in the XVII century. Scientists have different opinions regarding the etymology of Lanchkhuti. According to the theory of Simon Janashia, this name is related to the Megrelian-Chanuri word, Chkhu, which means a cow, and Lanchkhuti itself means a cowshed. Vakhushti Batonishvili has a completely different point of view. In his opinion, the root of the toponym is not “chkhu” but “chku” and Lanchkhuti has a meaning of a view. In 1916, in the region was already functioning an elementary school and a library. In 1930, Lanchkhuti became a regional center. Nowadays, the municipality has health facilities, three public schools, a parish school, a cultural center, a library and a museum. Three regional Newspapers are also published: "Lanchkhuti +", "Lanchkhutis Moambe" and "Ho and Ara". Lanchkhuti has developed agriculture (citrus growing, livestock, nut growing), tourism has an important place on the seaside. The Baku-Supsa pipeline and Supsa terminal play a major role in the economy of the municipality. Lаnchkhutи is also rich in minerals (peat, magnetite, limestone, loam, mineral water). The region is distinguished by beautiful nature and ancient cultural monuments. The beautiful Colchis National Park, Japana Lake mired in greenery, Paliastomi, medieval monuments and the blue sea with sandy beaches attract many tourists.

Geography and Climate

Lanchkhuti municipality is located in the western part of Georgia, in the Guria region, between the Black Sea, the River Pichori and the Guria Ridge. It covers the lowlands of Odishi-Guria and the surrounding hillocks. The administrative center is the city of Lanchkhuti. The municipality is bordered by the Black Sea coast to the west, Samtredia and Chokhatauri municipalities to the east, Khobi, Senaki and Abasha municipalities to the north, Ozurgeti municipality to the south. Lanchkhuti consists of 16 territorial units: Lanchkhuti, Atsana, Aketi, Mamati, Nigoiti, Shukhuti, Machkhvareti, Gvimbalauri, Chibati, Lesa, Jurukveti, Ninoshvili, Nigvziani, Chochkhati, Ghrmaghele and Supsa. Rivers flow in the territory of region: Supsa, Pichori, Lesistskali, Shuti, Gomakhuristskali, Tskaltsitela and others. There are also lakes here: Paliastomi Lake, Imnati Lake, Japani Lake, Grigoleti Lake and more. In Lanchkhuti there is a plain and hilly terrain. The northwestern part is occupied by Guria lowland and the south-eastern part-by the Guria hillock. The middle part of the plain is 20 meters above sea level, the highest point of the municipality is Talakha Mountain (660 meters above sea level).

There is humid climate in Lanchkhuti municipality, caused by the masses of air coming out of the Black Sea, which brings abundant atmospheric precipitation. The average annual temperature is + 13 ° C, the minimum temperature in winter is -18 ° C-20 ° C, and in summer it reaches a maximum of 39-40 ° C.

What to see

Lanchkhuti with ancient culture and history is also distinguished by the beauty of nature. The sunny beaches and the green environment are merged here. Colchis National Park, Paliastomi Lake or Lake Japani with many migratory birds and peculiar exotics will surely fascinate you. Lanchkhuti is perfect for both travel and seaside vacations. The gleaming golden water in the background of the rising sun, hot sand and straw-coloured bungalows will fill you with tropical colors and lightness. Besides the beautiful nature, you can also visit important historical and cultural monuments in the area. Ancient settlements or ruins of medieval castles and temples offer an exciting journey into Georgia's past. The museum of local lore is also functioning in Lanchkhuti. The archaeological material preserved in the museum covers the period from the stone age to the developed medieval period.

Nature

• Colchis National Park

• Japana Lake

• Paliastomi Lake

• Grigoleti Lake

• Sakvikhia Waterfall

Cultural Monuments

• Aketi Savior Church

• Chanchati Stela

• Church of the Virgin Mary of Nigoiti

• Ghvedi Church

• Jikheti Mother’s Monastery

Resorts

• Grigoleti

• Tskaltsminda