Racha-Lechkhumi in Georgia: What to See in the Mountain Region

One of the most beautiful corners of Georgia, a region with a unique nature and many architectural monuments. Locals, and many tourists, often call Racha-Lechkhumi and Lower Svaneti Georgian Switzerland. The region is located in the very center of the country, in the Rioni River valley, at the foot and on the slopes of the mountains. The height of the region above sea level is 300-4500 m . The main city of the region is Ambrolauri.

This territory was inhabited in the distant Stone Age. One of the archaeological finds – the "Tsager Treasure", dates back to the 9th-11th centuries BC. And in the 6th century BC. money was minted here – silver Kolkhuri Tetri. There is a legend about the origin of the name Racha. It says that one hunter looked at the narrow and deep Rioni Valley He came from the mountain and said that it looked like a well. In Georgian, "Cha" is a well. So Racha appeared. The historian Vakhushti Batonishvili wrote about this in his writings.

Everyone who has visited Racha-Lechkhumi notes the extraordinary beauty of natural landscapes. These are mountains and passes, rivers, gorges and waterfalls, numerous forests and alpine meadows.

Sights of Racha-Lechkhumi and Lower Svaneti

The region is distinguished not only by its unique natural diversity, it is a region with a therapeutic effect. It is here that the balneoclimatic resorts of Shovi and Utsera.

There are many different architectural monuments in the region.

Temples and churches:

• Nikortsminda (11th century);
• Barakoni (18th century);
• Mravaldzali (11th century) and others.

Ancient fortresses:

• Minda (ca. 10th century);
• Hotevi (17th century);
• Muri (about 6th century);
• Isunderi et al.

Also, lovers of antiquity may be interested in visiting the Machabeli Tower (17th century) in Ambrolauri.

There are two unusual, "delicious" attractions in the region. Only in the Rioni Valley grows the grape variety from which the famous Khvanchkara wine is made. And in the village of Shkmeri, the dish "shkmeruli" was invented – this is chicken in garlic sauce.

Have a nice trip!

Read also

• To the Source of Rioni: 2-Day Trek in Racha-Lechkhumi
• Sakishore and Kidobani Caves in Racha, Georgia