
Museum of Friendship of Peoples in the village of Khornabudzhi - Historical Heritage, Pushkin and Lermontov | Exhibits and how to get there
Khornabudzh Museum of Peoples' Friendship is a historical monument where the cultures of Russia and Georgia intersect. Discover the history associated with the Decembrists, Pushkin, Lermontov and other great personalities. Find out what to see and how to get to the museum. Admission is free!
Do you know where Mikhail Lermontov wrote his famous poem "Demon"? The answer to this question awaits you in the article about the Museum of Friendship of Peoples in Khornabuji, one of the most unique and historically rich museums in Georgia. In this museum, the fates of great Russian and Georgian figures are intertwined, and each of its rooms preserves the memory of the time when two cultures met.
📖 What you will learn by reading this article:
- The history of the museum, which is located in a house built by the Russian officer Grigory Nechvolodov and became a meeting place for the Decembrists and Georgian nobility.
- How Pushkin, Lermontov and other famous people were connected with this place.
- Interesting facts about the life of the Nechvolodovs and their significance for the cultural history of Georgia.
- What unique things are kept in the museum, and what historical exhibits will help you feel the spirit of the times.
- How to get to the museum and what else can you see in this picturesque area of Georgia.
❌ Don't miss: this museum is not just a place with exhibits, it is a living bridge between cultures that every visitor can experience and feel!
📚 Brief memo for tourists
🏛️ Museum of Friendship of Peoples in Khornabuji: A Bridge Between Cultures
The Peoples' Friendship Museum, located in the picturesque village of Khornabuji, is a unique place that unites the history and culture of Georgia and Russia. Here you can not only get acquainted with the exhibits, but also feel the spirit of the time when Russian Decembrists and Georgian nobility met within the walls of this historical building.

📚 History of the building
The museum is located in an old building of the 19th century, which was built by the officer of the Nizhny Novgorod Dragoon Regiment Grigory Nechvolodov. The house was built of logs, without the use of nails, which gives it a special historical charm. The Nechvolodovs lived in it, and it was here that outstanding personalities of that time often gathered - Russian poets Alexander Pushkin, Mikhail Lermontov, as well as other famous Russian and Georgian figures.
One of the most important historical moments is that it was here, according to legend, that Mikhail Lermontov wrote his famous poem "Demon". In 1858, the house was visited by the French writer and traveler Alexandre Dumas. This place became a kind of cultural bridge between Russian and Georgian cultures.
🏛️ Museum exhibition: history and culture in one place
The Museum of Friendship of Peoples in Khornabuji is not just a collection of exhibits, but a real time machine that immerses you in the era when great personalities such as Alexander Pushkin and Mikhail Lermontov crossed paths within these walls.
📚 What is kept in the museum?
The museum collection contains more than 500 exhibits that tell about the relations between the Russian and Georgian intelligentsia. The exhibition presents:
🧳 Personal belongings of the Nechvelodovs - from a writing desk to family photographs, which allows you to feel the atmosphere of that time.
🏺 Ethnographic materials that show the life and culture of the 19th century, as well as the traditions that lived in the homes of people like Nechvelodov and the Decembrists.
📜 Historical documents, including letters and notes, which reveal important moments in the history of relations between Russian and Georgian figures of that time. This helps to understand how meetings, cultural exchanges and influences on literature took place.
But especially valuable are the exhibits dedicated to the lives and works of great writers:
- 📖 Alexander Pushkin is a legendary poet whose works are familiar to everyone, and his brother Lev Pushkin, whose memories of this house are especially valuable.
- 🖋️ Mikhail Lermontov is a poet whose works and fate are closely connected with this place. According to legend, it was here that his masterpiece, "The Demon", was written.
- ✍️ Bestuzhev, Odoevsky, Pushchin are other great figures whose names left their mark on the history of cultural exchanges between the two peoples.
Personal belongings of the Nechvelodovs
From a desk to family photographs that tell the atmosphere of that time.
Ethnographic materials
Show the life and culture of the 19th century, including the traditions of the Decembrists and local residents.
Historical documents
Letters and notes revealing important moments of cultural meetings and exchanges.
Alexander Pushkin
A legendary poet whose works have become an integral part of Russian culture.
Mikhail Lermontov
A poet who wrote "Demon" within the walls of this house.
🖋️ What's interesting about it?
The Khornabuji People's Friendship Museum is a sanctuary of cultural ties, a place where not only history but also the spirit of friendship between the two peoples comes to life. 👫
🎨 Not just a museum, but a cultural bridge
In this historic 19th-century building, built without nails, you can feel the connection of times. Here, in an atmosphere of noble comfort, you will feel the presence of Russian Decembrists and Georgian aristocracy. As historian G. A. Japaridze notes:
“Here not only the destinies of great people intersected, but also entire cultures that influenced each other over many decades.”
🌍 Interactivity and living space
The museum is not only static exhibits. It is a space where exhibitions, musical evenings, lectures and educational programs are held, dedicated to the most important moments in the history of Georgia and Russia.
“In this place, despite its rich history, everyone can feel how culture lives, how it is transmitted and developed,” says one of the museum’s visitors.
work and visits
The museum is open every day except Sunday and Monday and admission is free. It is a great place for history buffs and those who want to learn more about the cultural and historical ties between Georgia and Russia.
🗣️ Visitor reviews
📝 Elena, Tbilisi
"A great place for history buffs! The museum really takes you back to the Decembrists' era. I really enjoyed the collection of old exhibits and the opportunity to learn more about the cultural exchanges between Russia and Georgia. I definitely recommend it!"
📝 Alexander, Moscow
"This museum is a real cultural bridge between Russia and Georgia. The atmosphere of the Nechvelodov House is history that needs to be felt! The exhibits are impressive, especially the documents and personal belongings of famous people. I would be happy to come back here again!"
🗺️ How to get there?
To visit the House-Museum of Friendship of Peoples, you need to get to the village of Khornabuji, which is located only 20 kilometers from the city ofSighnaghi.
🚗 By car: Sighnaghi and Khornabuji are connected by a good road. The journey will take about 30 minutes. Simply follow the signs to Sighnaghi and then turn onto the local road towards Khornabuji.
🚌 By bus: You can get from Sighnaghi to Khornabuji by bus. The journey will take about 30-40 minutes. For a comfortable trip, it is better to check the schedule in advance with local transport agencies.
🚖 By taxi: You can take a taxi from Sighnaghi. The trip will cost about 20-30 GEL one way. This is a convenient option if you want to save time and not worry about finding a bus.
🍽️ Where to eat?
In the vicinity of the Museum of Friendship of Peoples in the village of Khornabuji you will find several excellent places for a snack and lunch:
- 🍲 Local cafes and taverns are the perfect place to try authentic Georgian dishes such as khinkali, khachapuri and shashlik in a traditional atmosphere. Don't forget to try local soups and sauces, they are especially delicious here!
- ☕ Cozy cafes - here you can enjoy tea with homemade pastries, pies or cookies. Ideal for light snacks and private moments of relaxation in a comfortable environment.
- 🍷 Taverns with Georgian flavor - here you will be offered not only delicious dishes, but also a good atmosphere, including Georgian music and wine.
💡 Tip: If you want to try real home cooking, pay attention to local taverns, they often cook according to old recipes, and the portions are large!
🏨 Where to stay nearby?
There are several accommodation options near the museum, suitable for different preferences:
- 🏠 Guest houses are an economical and convenient option for those who want to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of local life and feel the hospitality. Clean and comfortable, but without excesses.
- 🏨 Mini-hotels and guest complexes are for those who are looking for more comfortable conditions. In these places, you will find cozy rooms with modern amenities, a convenient location and good service.
- 🏕️ Campings and tourist centers are for lovers of nature and active recreation. This is a great place for those who want to spend the night away from the bustle of the city and enjoy fresh air and silence.
💡 Tip: For those who want to save money, guest houses and mini-hotels are a great option. But if you want to be closer to nature, camping is your choice!
👉 What to see nearby?
Fortress city of Khornabuji
Khornabuji is a majestic medieval fortress city that stands in eastern Georgia, just a cr…
Eagle Gorge
In the depths of the Georgian province, just half a kilometer north of Dedoplistskaro, li…
St. Ellia's church
On a hill in picturesque Kakheti, in a cozy corner of Dedoplistskaro, stands the Elia Mon…
🗣️ Now the floor is yours!
Have you been to the Museum of Friendship of Peoples in Khornabuji?
Share your impressions! We are interested in what you remember most, what exhibits aroused the greatest admiration, and what moments in the history of the museum seemed especially important to you. We will be glad to receive your comments and advice! 📝💬
🗣️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ How to get to the museum?
The museum is located in the village of Khornabuji, just 20 kilometers from Sighnaghi. You can get there by taxi or bus from Sighnaghi. It is also possible to use personal transport. 🚗🚌
❓ What are the opening hours of the museum?
The museum is open every day except Sunday and Monday, from 10:00 to 18:00. ⏰
❓ How much does it cost to enter the museum?
Entrance to the museum is absolutely free! 💰🚪
❓ Is there parking near the museum?
Yes, there is free parking for visitors near the museum. 🚗🅿️
❓ Is it possible to take pictures in the museum?
Photography is allowed in the museum, but you must follow the rules so as not to disturb other visitors. 📸💡
❓ Are there excursions in the museum?
Yes, the museum offers guided tours. It is better to book them in advance so as not to miss interesting details. 👨🏫🎤
❓ Can I bring pets with me?
Unfortunately, animals are not allowed to enter the museum. 🐾❌
❓ How long should I plan to visit the museum?
Usually, 1–1.5 hours is enough to visit the museum. But if you want to carefully examine all the exhibits, take more time. 🕰️👀





20 comments
Log in to leave a comment