Selim Khimshiashvili Castle Museum in Nigazauli – a Trace of the Era of a Warrior and Ruler
The Selim Khimshiashvili Castle Museum in the village of Nigazauli is a unique place where the history of Georgia comes to life. Weapons, household items and documents telling about the life of the ruler of Upper Adjara, who sought to unite the Ottoman possessions of Georgia, have been preserved here. Find out what exhibits can be seen in the museum, why the castle is so important for history and how to visit it!
Each castle preserves not only stone walls, but also the stories that lived in them.
The Selim Khimshiashvili Castle Museum in the village of Nigazauliis one of the most significant historical sites in Adjara, telling about the period when this part of Georgia was under the rule of the Ottoman Empire.
Selim Pasha Khimshiashvili is a legendary figure whose character combined the ambitions of a conqueror, political talent and independence of spirit. His fate turned out to be dramatic: he sought to unite the Ottoman possessions of Georgia, but this led to an open conflict with the sultan, which cost him his life.
What secrets does this castle keep? How did its walls become witnesses to great changes? Let's figure it out!
Who is Selim Khimshiashvili and why is his castle important?
A historical figure who changed the course of events
Selim Pasha Khimshiashvili was born in 1755 to a family of Georgian nobles who were then under the rule of the Ottoman Empire.
He dreamed of creating a single state from all Ottoman possessions in Georgia, but his ambitions did not correspond to the interests of the Sultan.
In 1815, he was executed, but his memory remained as a symbol of resistance and independence.
The castle as a center of power
This castle was not just a residence - it served as the administrative and military center of Upper Adjara.
In fact, it was the main fortress of the region, from where local lands were governed, negotiations were conducted and important decisions were made.
Today, this fortress has become a museum, where objects from that era are collected, allowing us to look into the past.
Architectural features and atmosphere of the castle
What does the castle look like today?
Замок-музей построен в XVII веке и представляет собой мощную каменную крепость, выдержавшую не одно столетие испытаний.
Здесь сохранились:
- массивные стены с бойницами;
- каменные лестницы, ведущие на верхние уровни;
- залы, где принимались гости и заседали советники.
Features of architecture
The fortress combines Georgian and Ottoman architectural elements, which makes it unique:
🏰 The first level is massive stone walls designed for defense.
🏰 The second level is living quarters with traditional oriental painting.
🏰 The upper level is towers with panoramic views of the surrounding area.
The surroundings of the castle amaze with their natural beauty. The village of Nigazauli, where the castle is located, is surrounded by dense forests and green hills, creating an atmosphere of privacy and tranquility. Fertile lands stretch around, where local residents grow various agricultural crops. The Skhaltistskali River, flowing nearby, complements the landscape, giving it a special picturesqueness.
Museum exhibition: what is worth seeing?
The museum was founded in 2003 and contains more than 350 exhibits revealing the era of Selim Pasha.
Main sections of the exhibition:
📜 Historical documents — archival materials that tell about the diplomacy and political intrigues of that time.
🔫 Weapons and military equipment — daggers, sabres, guns and even armor from the Ottoman Empire.
🏺 Household items — dishes, furniture, traditional Georgian chests.
🎭 Cultural heritage — paintings, textiles, jewelry and art objects.
This collection helps to understand the lifestyle of the Georgian nobility in the 18th-19th centuries.
Useful information for tourists
📍 Address: Nigazauli village, Shuakhevi municipality, Adjara, Georgia
📞 Phones:
+995 555 32 92 65
+995 577 15 86 06
🕒 Working hours: daily from 10:00 to 18:00
💰 Entrance: free
⚠️ Important to know:
- Free admission is provided to children under 6 years old, people with disabilities, refugees and museum employees.
- Guided tours are available by prior arrangement.
The Selim Khimshiashvili Castle Museum is not just a museum, but a symbol of the struggle for independence. By visiting it, you can immerse yourself in the era of medieval Adjara, see artifacts from the 18th-19th centuries and learn how the Georgian nobility lived. If you are interested in the history, architecture and culture of Georgia, this museum will be a must-see on your route.
Questions bridge frekently asked would visitors
How to get to the castle-museum?
🛣️ You can get there by car from Batumi (approximate travel time is 1.5 hours).
Is it possible to take pictures in the museum?
📸 Yes, photography is allowed, but the use of flash and professional equipment must be agreed upon.
Are there excursions?
🎤 Yes, the museum offers excursions. It is better to check the schedule in advance.
Which exhibits are considered the most valuable?
🏺 The main artifacts include Selim Pasha's weapons and his personal belongings.
Are there other attractions nearby?
🌿 The surrounding area has picturesque natural landscapes and historical monuments that are worth visiting.
Is the museum open on holidays?
📅 On holidays, it is recommended to check the schedule in advance.
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