Mini Open Air Museum in Kapnistavi | Visit and discover history! 🏛️🌿

Dive into the unique world of Kapnistavi: ethnography, antiquities and natural beauty of one of the most picturesque corners of

Adjara! 🌿🏞️

Here, in the center of the village, there is an open-air museum that tells about the lives of ancestors, ancient finds and the amazing history of the region. You will get acquainted with the legendary Marseille tiles, jugs of Byzantine origin and many natural wonders around.

🗂️ Quick reference

• 📍 Address: Kapnistavi village center, Khelvachauri municipality, Adjara
• 🕒 Working hours: 24/7, open-air museum
• 🎨 What is presented: Ethnographic items, ancient things of ancestors, archaeological finds, jugs of Byzantine origin
• 🧱 Uniqueness: The museum is covered with Marseille tiles brought from France during the era of the free port of Batumi
• 📞 Contacts: +995 599 25 28 63 (Initiator and guide - Zurab Bedianidze, local resident and keeper of history)
• 🗺️ Coordinates:41.560284345315914, 41.740893624196296
  

🏛️ History and features of the mini-museum

The Kapnistavi Museum (Zurabi Museum) is a unique open-air space, organized by the initiative of local residents. It preserves household and cultural items left by the ancestors of the families living in the village. It contains ancient items, as well as exhibits found during archaeological excavations, including Byzantine jugs that were delivered by sea.

The museum's special pride is the covering of Marseille tiles brought from France, which gives the place a special atmosphere and a connection with the history of the free port of Batumi. According to Zurab Bedianidze, these tiles served as ballast on ships, and after unloading they were used to decorate houses. Today, many buildings in Western Georgia are decorated with precisely these tiles - a symbol of the cultural and trade ties of the region.

🌄 About the village of Kapnistavi - more than a museum!

Kapnistavi is a small but picturesque village 26 km from Batumi, in the Khelvachauri municipality. This place is famous not only for its museum, but also for its unique nature. There are many waterfalls in the area, which attract tourists with their beauty and picturesque hiking trails.

Wine lovers will find a local winery here, where they can try authentic varieties and get acquainted with the traditions of wine production, typical for Adjara.

The village has preserved the authentic atmosphere of a Georgian village - here you can feel real hospitality, enjoy the clean air and the beauty of the mountain landscape.

⚠️ If you plan to visit Kapnistavi, don't limit yourself to the museum - the village's surroundings are perfect for a short trip. 🌿 We've prepared a one-day route from Batumi with picturesque trails, hidden waterfalls, and locations that are rarely found in guidebooks.

🛤️ How to get there

🚗 By car
The museum is located in the village of Kapnistavi, 26 km from Batumi. The trip will take about 40 minutes along a picturesque mountain road.

⚠️ Important: off-season (autumn-winter) the road may be slippery and less comfortable, so it is recommended to drive a reliable car with good tires.

🚌 Public transport
There are minibuses and buses from Batumi to the village of Kapnistavi, but the schedule may be irregular, especially in the low season. It is better to check the departure time in advance or agree with the locals.

🚶‍♂️ Hiking and trekking
For nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, there is an opportunity to combine a visit to the museum with hiking to nearby waterfalls and wineries. Shoes and clothing should be comfortable and suitable for mountain trails.

🅿️ Parking
There are parking spaces in the village near the museum and near the main attractions.

💡 Tips for tourists: how to best visit Kapnistavi

• 📅 Best time to visit: Season from May to October — comfortable weather and accessible roads. In winter months, roads can be difficult to drive.
• 🚗 How to get there: Optimally by car or taxi from Batumi (about 40 minutes along a picturesque highway). Public transport is infrequent and can be inconvenient.
• 👟 What to bring: Comfortable shoes for walking on uneven paths and the museum grounds, a hat, sunscreen.
• 💵 Money: There are no ATMs in the village, it is better to have cash with you.
• 📶 Internet: The connection is unstable, it is recommended to download offline maps.
• 📞 Emergency numbers: Single number - 112
  

🍽 Where to eat and relax in Kapnistavi and the surrounding area

There are several family cafes and guest houses in the village and nearby villages where you can try local cuisine and relax after walking. It is recommended to check the possibility of visiting and book tables in advance. In Batumi, the choice of restaurants is much wider - it is convenient to make a stop on the road.

🛏 Where to stay overnight nearby

There are no large hotels in the Kapnistavi area, but you can stay in private guest houses and mini-hotels. Many of them offer coziness and a homely atmosphere, as well as the opportunity to get acquainted with the local culture and traditions. For a more comfortable stay and a greater choice of amenities, it is worth considering options in Batumi, which is about 40 km away.

Now the floor is yours)

💬 Share your impressions! Your feedback and comments help us improve the Madloba catalog and make it useful for all tourists. Tell us how you liked visiting the Kapnistavi Museum and the village, share tips and recommendations!