Samshvildi and Kldekari Museum - Dive into Georgian history with megalithic complexes and medieval fortresses

Discover Samshvildi and Kldekari Museum-Reserve, a unique place in Georgia where ancient megalithic complexes 🗿, majestic medieval fortresses 🏰 and submerged settlements 🏚️ take you to a world of historical mysteries. Find out how to get there, when to visit and what amazing discoveries await you in this historical corner! Save the article and plan your trip today! 🚗📅


Samshvildi and Kldekari Museum-Reserve - A Guide to Georgia's Archaeological Treasures

Imagine entering a museum filled with thousands of years of history, where each exhibit – from ancient megalithic complexes 🗿 to medieval fortresses 🏰 – ​​reveals the secrets of Georgia to you.

Музей-заповедник Самшвилди и Клдекари - 02.jpg

If you are interested in the history of Sakartvelo 📜, its archaeological heritage 🏛️ and cultural monuments, this article is definitely for you. We will tell you about the most significant exhibits of the museum and help with practical questions for those who want to visit this unique place.

Here you will find information:

  • 🍽️ Where to eat and stay nearby,
  • 💡 Useful tips for tourists,
  • 💬 Visitor reviews,
  • ❓ Frequently asked questions.

📜 Information Help

  • 🏛️ Name of the museum:Samshvildi and Kldekari Museum-Reserve
  • 📍 Address: st. Aristotle, 19, Tsalka, Kvemo Kartli, Georgia
  • 📅 Date of foundation: 2015
  • 🏛️ Legal status: LEPL National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Georgia, Ministry of Culture and Monument Protection of Georgia
  • 🏰 Museum type: Historical Museum-Reserve
  • 🎨 Number of exhibits: 4000

The Samshvildi and Kldekari Museum-Reserve is not just a museum, but a true keeper of history that immerses visitors in Georgia's past and its archaeological heritage. Located in Tsalka, the museum was founded in 2015 and is a cultural center that preserves artifacts that tell us about life in these lands thousands of years ago.

The museum is not just monuments, it is a whole historical complex, where each exhibit plays an important role in understanding the culture and architecture of Georgia. More than 4,000 exhibits reveal the past to us, with its ancient civilizations, cultures and traditions.

🏺 What is included in the museum's collection

The museum's collections contain archaeological finds that are true witnesses of ancient times. Particular attention should be paid to megalithic complexes and menhirs - stone pillars used in ritual ceremonies as early as the 2nd-1st millennia BC. These objects are not only architectural monuments, but also historical signs that connect us with ancient cult practices.

The cyclopean fortresses and burial mounds of the Bronze Age are another amazing section of the museum's collection. These structures, built by ancient civilizations, show incredible engineering ingenuity and the ability to build long-lasting, sustainable structures.

An equally important part of the collection are monuments of medieval architecture, such as the Kldekari Fortress (9th century). This fortress stood guard over the political and military power of the region and is not only the cultural but also the strategic center of the Tsalka region. From an altitude of 1,600 meters above sea level, it allows us to imagine how ancient rulers defended their lands.

Музей-заповедник Самшвилди и Клдекари - крепость Клдекари.jpg

🗿 Ancient megalithic complexes and menhirs

The megalithic complexes on the slopes of the Trialeti Range are among the oldest and most mysterious archaeological monuments. These menhirs (huge stone pillars) were used for rituals and ceremonies that allowed ancient civilizations to connect with the spiritual world. These structures, which have existed for thousands of years, immerse us in the secrets of the ancient world and mysticism.

💦 Flooded churches and settlements

Another unusual and fascinating part of the museum-reserve are the submerged objects. The Tsalka reservoir floods part of the ancient settlements and churches, and in the summer, when the water level drops, you can see the submerged ruins. These objects remain hidden for most of the year, but in the season when the water level drops, they become available for study, providing a unique opportunity for archaeologists and tourists.

⛪ Churches carved into rock caves

One should not forget about the churches that are carved out of the rock caves of the canyon. These ancient religious buildings are not only of archaeological value, but also the oldest evidence of the spiritual life of the people of Georgia. Inside these caves, under the vaults, unique frescoes, icons and other holy symbols have been preserved, which tell about the spiritual tradition of that time.


💬 Reviews from tourists

"The Samshvildi and Kldekari Museum is a real find! I was especially impressed by the Kldekari fortress and its majestic walls. A place where time seems to slow down. I highly recommend it!"

— Anna (Moscow, Russia)

"A historical museum with a rich collection! Amazing megalithic complexes and menhirs. We spent the whole day studying the exhibits and it was truly fascinating."

— John (London, UK)

"I really enjoyed the tour of the sunken churches. This museum gives a unique insight into how ancient Georgian society was organized. Inspiring!"

— Maria (Tbilisi, Georgia)

"A very interesting place! The guidebooks told a lot about ancient civilizations, and the churches carved into the rocks are simply amazing in their grandeur. A wonderful place for history lovers!"

— Philipp (Berlin, Germany)

"A unique combination of nature and history. I really liked the atmosphere and ancient ruins. This place is definitely worth a visit!"

— Svetlana (Kyiv, Ukraine)

"See the Kldekari Fortress at an altitude of 1600 meters - an unforgettable experience. This museum really immerses you in the atmosphere of the past!"

— Ivan (Saint Petersburg, Russia)

"A wonderful excursion, excellent guides. The block with menhirs and megalithic complexes. A place where ancient stones reveal stories!"

— Emily (Barcelona, ​​Spain)

🚗 How to get there

The best way to get to the museum is by minibus Tbilisi - Tsalka, the journey will take about 1.5 hours. Taxis and car rentals are also available. 🛣️

🍽️ Where to eat and stay nearby

There are cozy restaurants and guest houses in Tsalka and the surrounding area. Advance booking is recommended, especially in season. Renting a car will help you explore the area. 🚗🍴

🎒 What to bring

Don't forget comfortable shoes for walking, a camera for bright photos and water for long excursions. 📸

"The history of Samshvildi and Kldekari is not just the past of Georgia, it is a reflection of its spiritual strength and culture, preserved through the centuries." — Archaeologist and historian

— Natalie Gvaramia, archaeology researcher

"Monuments like Kldekari speak for themselves — their power and grandeur amaze even the modern viewer." — Historian, specialist in Georgian fortresses

— Irakli Sulkhanishvili, professor of history

Don't miss the chance to visit this historical place and enjoy the picturesque views of nature. 🏞️ Every place here is steeped in history, and every step through the museum is a step into the depths of centuries. 📜

💬 Don't forget! Save the article and share with your friends so that they can also discover this incredible museum! Let this location become another bright page of their travels around Georgia! 🚶‍♂️✨

🗣️ Now the floor is yours!

We invite you to share your experience of visiting the museum-reserve. Tell us what you liked most and what you learned! We will be glad to receive all comments and photos ❤️


⚠️ Relevance of information

ℹ️ Attention: information about prices, opening hours and conditions is current at the time of publication. Before the trip, check all the details, as they may change. If you notice an inaccuracy,write to us, and we will definitely update the information. Your opinion is important to us, and we are always ready to improve the content of the article! 📩

❓ FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

❓ How to get to the museum?
The museum is located in Tsalka and can be reached by minibus Tbilisi - Tsalka. Travel time is about 1.5 hours. You can also come by car. 🚗

❓ Are there discounts on entrance tickets?
Entrance is free for children under 6, museum employees, ICOM members (upon presentation of an ID), people with disabilities and refugees. 🌍

❓ Can I take photos in the museum?
Yes, photography is allowed in most areas of the museum. However, some exhibits may have restrictions, so check with the guide. 📸

❓ What is the best time to visit the museum?
Summer is the best time to visit, as the water level in the Tsalka Reservoir drops and flooded objects are revealed. 🌞

❓ How can I book a tour?
You can book a tour in advance by phone (+995 577) 25 33 23 or by email: info@heritagesites.ge. 📧


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16 comments

  • მალხაზი
    ამ ადგილას არსებული არქეოლოგიური ძეგლები მართლაც უნიკალურია. თუმცა, მაინტერესებს, იქნებ მაცნობოთ, უფრო მეტი თუ არსებობს ინფორმაცია პეიზაჟების შემოვლის მარშრუტებზე და შესასვლელზე არსებული სპეციალური პირობების შესახებ. იქნებ, ასევე, არსებობს შესასწავლ ქვეშ მყოფი ახალი ტერიტორიები, სადაც შეიძლება რამე საინტერესო აღმოვაჩინოთ.
  • A
    andreyKolotov
    Потрясающее место! Исторические комплексы поражают воображение, а пещерные храмы с фресками — настоящее сокровище. Удивительно, что вход свободный. Планирую посетить весной, когда обмелевает водохранилище. Спасибо за информацию о времени работы и маршруте из Тбилиси.
  • D
    Deniz
    Is there any information available about guided tours or available maps for visitors? With so many fascinating sites, including megaliths and medieval churches, it would be helpful to have some guidance to fully appreciate the history and architecture.
  • მელანი
    რა პერიოდის ექსპონატები უფრო მეტ შთაბეჭდილებას ახდენს ვიზიტორებზე: II-I ათასწლეულის ძველი დროის არქეოლოგიური ნაშთები თუ შუა საუკუნეების ფრესკებით მოხატული ტაძრები? ასევე, წყლის დონეს გაზაფხულზე და ზაფხულზე უფრო მეტად აკლდება და როდის სჯობს გამგზავრება?
  • М
    Мария
    Интересно было узнать о богатом археологическом наследии Грузии. Открытие музея-заповедника в Самшвилди и Клдекари позволяет окунуться в историю через невероятные артефакты и древние сооружения. Особенно впечатляют пещерные храмы с фресками и затопленные руины, которые становятся видны весной и летом. Это великолепное место для прогулки и погружения в прошлое страны. Благодарю за информацию о свободном входе и советах по посещению — обязательно возьму на заметку!
  • C
    Colette
    Does anyone know if there are guided tours available at the Samshvilde and Kldekari Museum-Reserve, especially for those who don't speak Georgian or Russian? It would be great to have someone explain the history behind the megaliths and other ancient sites.
  • T
    Tuğba
    Is it possible to hire a local guide once we reach Tsalka, or should we arrange that in advance? Also, are there any age restrictions for children visiting the museum-reserve?
  • Н
    Неля
    Можно ли получить экскурсию на русском или английском языках при посещении музея, и нужно ли её заказывать заранее?
  • მარიამი
    გაქვთ ინფორმაცია, სხვადასხვა დროს ჩატარებული არქეოლოგიური გათხრების შესახებ ამ მუზეუმ-ნაკრძალის ტერიტორიაზე? მაინტერესებს, რომელ სიახლეებზე შეიძლება ვისწავლოთ იქ ასვლისას.
  • I
    Ian
    I’m curious about the entry being free. Many places of such historical significance usually charge for entry. Is it really free, or is there a catch, like certain areas requiring a ticket or a guide?
  • G
    Giorgi
    როგორ ვითარდება მუზეუმის ინფრაქსტრუქტურა ვიზიტორებისთვის? აპირებენ მომავალში ახალი არქეოლოგიური ნაშთების დამატებას ან სხვა ინიციატივებს?
  • Y
    Yuriy
    Весной и летом прогулка по древним мегалитам и церквям особенно впечатляет, ведь видны водохранилище и затопленные руины.
  • P
    Paul
    Are you sure the entrance is free? It seems a bit unusual for such an extensive museum with over 4,000 artifacts.
  • გუგა
    გაინტერესებს, როგორ ფაქტობრივად არის წყლის დონე რეგულირებული წყალსაცავში, თუ უბრალოდ სეზონის ცვლილებიდან გამომდინარე ხდება რუინის გამოჩენა? შესაძლოა, საქმე იმაშია, რომ ჯერ კიდევ პროქტული სამუშაოები მიმდინარეობს და ამიტომ დამოკიდებული ვართ ბუნებრივ პირობებზე.
  • Р
    Роман
    Был в музее-заповеднике в прошлом году. Поразило разнообразие экспонатов — от древних курганов до средневековых церквей. Пещерные храмы с фресками — это что-то. Рекомендую посетить весной, когда видно затопленные руины. Это место будто переносит в прошлое. С собой взял фотоаппарат и не пожалел — виды завораживают. Правда, до объекта добираться не так просто, но оно того стоит.
  • T
    Tanya
    Как лучше добираться от Цалки до музея: пешком или на такси? Есть ли указатели на маршруте, чтобы не заблудиться?