The best and most interesting museums in Georgia. Dadiani State Historical and Architectural Museum.

The museum was founded in 1921. It is one of the oldest in Georgia. At the same time, its foundations were laid back in 1840 by the ruler of Samegrelo David Dadiani, who exhibited archaeological finds discovered in Archeopolis (Nokalakevi), ethnographic materials and collections of European military equipment and paintings in his own house.

Currently, the museum houses more than 52 thousand unique samples of national cultural heritage: items from the Tagiloni gold treasure of the Bronze Age - 1st century BC, the oldest Christian valuables, including the robe of the Virgin Mary, items from the 12th-14th centuries that belonged to the mother of Queen Tamar - Queen Bordokhan and other kings and rulers of the regions of Georgia, manuscripts, miniatures, memorial relics of the Dadiani family, samples of the cultural heritage of Europe, including personal belongings of Napoleon Bonaparte, his library of 6,000 books, a collection of paintings and graphics, engravings, etc. These items ended up in Zugdidi thanks to the husband of David Dadiani's daughter - Salome, who married the grandson of Napoleon Bonaparte's sister, aide-de-camp of Napoleon III, Prince Achille Murat (1847-1895).

State Historical and Architectural Dadiani Museumis located in the city of Zugdidi, in western Georgia, and is a unique complex of architectural monuments and cultural values. It consists of two palaces that belonged to the Dadiani family, which were built in different periods. The first of them is the palace of the princess of Samegrelo - Ekaterina Chavchavadze-Dadiani, was built in 1873-1878 according to the design of the architect Edvig Reiss. The second palace - Niko Dadiani - was built by the Russian architect Leonid Vasiliev in the 80s of the XIX century, during the reign of Nina Dadiani.

The central object of the museum is the palace church of Vlakerna, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It was built in 1678 and served as a cult and cultural center of the region for many years. The church contains many ancient objects of religious and artistic significance.

One of the main assets of the museum is the botanical garden, which is the legacy of a magnificent culture of green spaces. The history of the garden is associated with the name of David Dadiani, who in 1840 began to cultivate a princely garden here, containing exotic plants and rare tree species. Currently, you can see many unique plant species in the garden, as well as stroll along the winding alleys, enjoying the beautiful views and aromas.

The Dadiani State Historical and Architectural Museum is not only a collection of unique architectural objects and cultural values, but also a research center where archaeological excavations and restoration of historical buildings and architectural monuments are carried out. Lectures and master classes on various topics related to the history and culture of the region are also held here. The museum not only provides an opportunity to see exhibits, but also educates people, which makes it especially valuable for those interested in the history and culture of Georgia.

One of the main exhibits of the museum is manuscripts. Among them are such unique ones as the Kordzo and Khazari Household Manual, the Library of the Kakheti Bishop Christopher, the Manuscript of "Marjanlusha", and many others. In addition, the museum stores miniatures, memorial relics and other most unusual things. In the museum you can see household items, weapons, jewelry and other items related to the history of Georgia.

One of the most interesting exhibits of the museum is a group of statues representing members of the Dadiani family. The statues are made of stone and depict various family members in different life situations. This group of statues was restored in the 1970s, after they were destroyed in the 20s of the last century.

The museum is also famous for its botanical garden, which was created in the middle of the 19th century. Many exotic plants are grown in the garden, as well as plants characteristic of this region. The garden is located on the territory of the former princely palace and covers an area of ​​​​more than 12 hectares. The garden area has many hidden corners and architectural structures that add a special charm and appeal to the garden. One of the most interesting exhibits that can be seen in the museum is the "Dadiani Kitchen", which is located in one of the palaces. This kitchen was built in the early 20th century and is a unique example of the culinary culture of that time. The kitchen contains exhibits related to cooking in traditional Georgian culture, such as clay pots, frying pans, tandoors and other kitchen utensils. The museum pays special attention to the culture of winemaking, which has a long and rich history in Georgia.

One of the most interesting exhibits of the museum is the collection of ancient coins. This collection contains coins from the period of Ancient Greece to the coins of the 18th century, which were used in different regions of Georgia. In addition, the museum also features various decorative items such as carpets, ceramics, silver and gold items, wood carvings and other works of art created by the masters of Samegrelo.

The Dadiani Museum is not only a place for expositions and collections, but also a center of cultural and educational life of Samegrelo. Master classes, lectures, conferences and other cultural events are held here. The museum also organizes excursions to the city of Zugdidi and other historical places of Samegrelo.

One of the important attractions located near the museum is the Tsuluttsi Church, built in the 11th century. This temple, located on the slope of the mountain, is one of the symbols of the history and culture of Samegrelo. It contains unique frescoes created at different times, as well as many religious artifacts and objects. It is also worth noting that the city of Zugdidi is also a famous center of Georgian literature. The famous Georgian writer and poet Levan Davidovich Oshana, the author of many works that have become classics of Georgian literature, was born and lived here.

A visit to the Dadiani State Historical and Architectural Museum is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of Georgia and get acquainted with the rich culture of the Samegrelo region. Here you can see manuscripts and miniatures, memorial relics and other unusual exhibits that are evidence of the rich history of Georgia.

One of the most remarkable architectural monuments of the museum is the palace of the princess of Samegrelo - Ekaterina Chavchavadze-Dadiani. Erected in 1873-1878 by the architect Edwig Reiss, it is a real masterpiece of the neoclassical style. Here you can see magnificent interiors, as well as a collection of paintings and photographs depicting the life of the Dadiani family. Another interesting object of the museum is the Niko Dadiani Palace, built by the Russian architect Leonid Vasiliev in the 80s of the 18th century during the reign of Nina Dadiani. This palace is a combination of Eastern and Western architectural styles and is known for its beautiful halls and mirror rooms.

In the museum you can also see the palace church of the Virgin Mary Vlakerna, which was built in 1864 and is one of the earliest examples of a mixed architectural style in Georgia. The church is decorated with numerous frescoes and icons, as well as precious art pieces made by local craftsmen.

The botanical garden of the museum is also a wonderful place for walks and relaxation. It was founded in 1840 by the owner of Samegrelo David Dadiani and is one of the oldest in Georgia. In the garden you can see various species of plants and trees, as well as beautiful fountains and benches. On the territory of the Botanical Garden of the State Historical and Architectural Museum of Dadiani, you can see not only local species of plants and trees, but also exotic plants from different parts of the world. Palm trees, cypresses, thujas, acacias, fruit trees, shrubs and many other plants grow here. The garden is designed in the style of park art, there are various alleys, fountains, benches, lawns and flower beds. All this creates an atmosphere of peace and harmony.

Also in the garden there is a colonnade made in the neo-Gothic style, which looks great against the background of greenery and flowers. This colonnade has become a favorite place for wedding photo shoots.

In addition, there are several fountains in the garden, which create coolness on hot summer days and serve as a decoration for the territory. Some of the fountains have their own special meaning. For example, the fountain "Virgin Mary" is a symbol of faith and religiosity, and the "Musical Fountain" plays music and creates a unique atmosphere for visitors. The Botanical Garden of the Dadiani State Historical and Architectural Museum is not only a beautiful place for relaxation and walks, but also a scientific base for studying the flora of the region. Various studies are conducted in the garden, as well as scientific conferences and seminars for specialists in the field of botany.

By visiting the Dadiani State Historical and Architectural Museum and its Botanical Garden, you will immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the beauty, history and culture of the region. Leave your car in the museum's parking lot and go on a journey through the centuries and eras, enjoying the beauty of nature and art.

--------------------------

Feel free to leave your comments and ask questions under the article. We will be glad to hear your opinion and help you get additional information on the topic of interest to you.