Sherif Khimshiashvili House Museum in Skhalta – the legacy of Adjara and the famous dynasty
The Sherif Khimshiashvili House Museum in Skhalta (Kinchauri) is dedicated to the history of one of the most influential families in Adjara. The collection features 535 exhibits, including household items, rare documents, works of art and ethnographic materials. Learn about the museum, its exhibits and the history of the Khimshiashvili family.
Adjara is the westernmost region of Georgia with its center in Batumi. This region is famous for its stunning nature, subtropical climate and mountain resorts. But in addition to natural beauty, there are many unique attractions associated with the history of the region.
If you are visitingAdjara, don't limit yourself to the sea! Head into the mountainous regions where you can discover incredible historical sites hidden among the hills and gorges.
One such place is the Sherif Khimshiashvili House Museum in Skhalta. Founded in 2002 by Teimuraz Komakhidze and Nargiza Abashidze, the museum is dedicated to the famous Khimshiashvili dynasty, which played a key role in the history of Adjara.
History of the Khimshiashvili family
Selim Khimshiashvili - National Hero of Adjara
Selim Khimshiashvili was a representative of one of the most influential families of Adjara. In the 18th-19th centuries, he held an important position in the Ottoman Empire, being the leader of Georgian Muslims in southern Georgia.
But despite his status, he fought for the accession of Adjara (which was then under Ottoman occupation) to Georgia. His liberation activities led to a conflict with the Ottoman Sultan, and in 1815, by order of the Sultan, he was beheaded.
Since then, Selim Khimshiashvili is considered a national hero of Georgia, and every year on June 3, the Khulo region celebrates the Selimba holiday in his honor.
Sheriff Khimshiashvili is the successor to his grandfather's work
The story did not end there. Selim's grandson, Sherif Khimshiashvili, continued his work during the Russo-Turkish War. He:
- fought for the return of the occupied lands of Georgia;
- strove to restore Christianity in the region;
- opened the first Christian school in the territory of Adjara.
Thanks to his efforts, many lands of Adjara returned to Georgia.
Museum exhibition: what can you see?
Household items of the Khimshiashvili family
🏺 Kitchenware and dishes — traditional clay and copper vessels that were used in everyday life.
👘 Clothing and textiles — folk costumes, embroidery and accessories of the Khimshiashvili family.
🪞 The dressing table of the last wife of the Sheriff is one of the most interesting exhibits for female tourists.
Documents and historical materials
📜 Rare archival records — letters, historical documents, biographical information about the family.
📸 Photos of the dynasty — pictures of the Khimshiashvili family and significant events of the 19th-20th centuries.
💰 Numismatic collection — coins from different eras found in the region.
Painting and folk art
🎨 Artworks - paintings depicting events from Khimshiashvili's life.
🎭 Wood carvings and decorative items - traditional Georgian ornaments used in home decoration.
Practical information for tourists
📍 Address: Skhalta (Kinchauri) village, Khulo municipality, Adjara, Georgia
📞 Contact numbers:
+995 591 44 66 09
+995 551 09 81 28
🕒 Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 20:00 (Monday is a day off)
💰 Entrance: free
🚗 How to get there:
- By private car from Batumi (~2 hours drive)
- By public transport to Khulo, then taxi or walking route
The Sherif Khimshiashvili House Museum in Skhalta is not just a museum, but a place where history comes to life.
It is dedicated to the legendary Khimshiashvili dynasty, whose contribution to the history of Adjara is difficult to overestimate. Here you can:
✅ see unique exhibits,
✅ get acquainted with the history of the family,
✅ learn more about the culture and traditions of the region.
If you want to understand Adjara more deeply, be sure to add this museum to your travel itinerary!
Frequently asked questions from visitors
- Can I take pictures in the museum?
📸 Yes, but shooting with professional equipment requires permission from the administration.
2. Are there excursions in the museum?
🎤 Yes, you can book an excursion, the guide will tell you about the history of the Khimshiashvili family and the exhibits.
3. Can I visit the museum with children?
👶 Yes, children will be interested in seeing ancient objects and learning about the life of the Georgian nobility.
4. Which exhibits attract the most attention?
💎 Among the most popular are the dressing table of the Sheriff's last wife, a collection of weapons and unique archival photographs.
5. Are there other attractions nearby?
🌿 Yes, the Skhalta Monastery and the nature trails of Adjara are nearby.
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