The Sataplia Nature Reserve is located on the mountain of the same name in the Tskaltubo Municipality of Imereti, approximately 10 km from Kutaisi. It was founded in 1935 to protect the Colchian forests and geological and paleontological sites; its current boundaries were established in 1957. The name "Sataplia" translates from Georgian as "honey place" because wild bees have long collected honey in the mountain's crevices.
A karst cave within the reserve was discovered by local teacher and local historian Petre Chabukiani in 1925, and a few years later, in 1934, he also found fossilized dinosaur footprints from the Mesozoic era. These discoveries prompted the creation of the reserve.
Read the blog about dinosaur footprints and the cave
๐ History and Facts
- Founded in 1935, current boundaries established in 1957
- The karst cave was discovered by local historian and teacher Petre Chabukiani in 1925.
- He also found fossilized dinosaur footprints in 1934.
- The name translates as "honey place," referring to the ancient honey collection of wild bees in the mountain's crevices.
๐ What's visible and nearby
- The karst cave is 900 meters long, with about 300 meters open to visitors.
- A pavilion with footprints of predatory and herbivorous dinosaurs from the Mesozoic era, built in 2010 to protect the finds from inclement weather.
- Observation deck with a glass floor at the top of the mountain.
- Colchis Forest, a relict forest associated with the myth of the Golden Fleece.
๐ฟ Atmosphere around the area.
- The reserve also preserves An extinct volcano crater and a Stone Age site
- The reserve covers approximately 354 hectares, mostly forested.
๐งญ Where is it and how to get there
- Mount Sataplia, Tskaltubo Municipality, approximately 10 km from Kutaisi
- The site includes a visitor center with an exhibition hall, cafรฉ, and souvenir shop.
๐ฐ Paid or free
- Entrance is subject to a fee; prices and discounts vary for different categories of visitors; please check before your trip.
- The reserve is open daily.
