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Nokalakevi: what is this ancient city and where is it?

Ancient town and museum-reserve in western Georgia.

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Short answer

Nokalakevi, which the Greeks called Archaeopolis in the 4th century, is an ancient town in the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region, 16 kilometres from Senaki. It has a museum-reserve that displays finds from the 8th to 7th centuries BCE, and the Egrisoba festival is held there in early November.

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Why

  1. In early November the grounds of the Nokalakevi Museum-Reserve host the Egrisoba festival: theatrical performances, Megrelian dishes, local songs and horse-riding competitions.
  2. The capital of Lazica stood at Nokalakevi, and the village was the political centre of the Kingdom of Colchis.
  3. The 6th-century Church of the 40 Holy Martyrs is one of the oldest Christian churches in Samegrelo, and Roman-style baths were found at the site.

Details

Senaki is in the western Georgian region of Samegrelo, about 55 minutes by road from Kutaisi. Nearby: Martvili Canyon and what to see in Kutaisi. The ancient town covers about twenty hectares, the place was formerly called Tsikhegoji, and only some ruins of the buildings survive. Check opening hours and the ticket price for the museum-reserve before you go.

Tip

If you travel in early November, check the dates of the Egrisoba festival in advance: the grounds host theatrical performances, local songs and horse-riding competitions.

What may differ

The museum schedule and festival date may change, so check them with the organizers or the National Tourism Administration before you go.

People also ask

  • What is Nokalakevi in Georgia?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Schedules and rules change, so check the official website.

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