Samtskhe–Javakheti
Popular places worth visiting in Samtskhe–Javakheti
Kharischirashvili str., 1, Akhaltsikhe, GeorgiaMikhail Javakhishvili Museum
If you want to learn more about the history of Georgia and the fortress city of Akhaltsikhe, then go to the Historical …
St. Nino St., 5, Borjomi, GeorgiaBorjomi Museum of Local Lore
The exhibition fund of the museum, located in the center of Borjomi, stores unique samples of applied art of Georgia. V…
S. Gandza, GeorgiaVahan Teryan House Museum in Georgia
Fans of the work of the national poet of Armenia Vahan Teryan, who was born in the village of Gandza in the Ninotsminda…
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Vardzia, Aspindza Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti, GeorgiaVardzia Historical-Architectural Museum-Reserve
Immerse yourself in centuries of Georgian history with the Vardzia Museum-Reserve. From ancient settlements to grandios…
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The Most Frequent Questions
Samtskhe-Javakheti is full of historical and natural attractions. The cave monasteries of Vardzia and Vanis Kvabebi, founded in the 12th century, are the main historical monuments. Borjomi resort is famous for its mineral waters, and the region as a whole for its numerous churches and ancient fortresses such as Rabati Fortress and Tmogvi.
The natural resources of the region include the Borjomi-Kharagaulsky and Javakheti National Parks, numerous mountain lakes such as Faravani and Kartsakhi, and majestic mountain ranges. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Abastuman Observatory for stargazing.
The local cuisine of Samtskhe-Javakheti is a real gastronomic discovery. Special attention should be paid to Meskhetian bread (somoni, kakala, ukha), unique mulberry churchkhela and tklapi (fruit flatbread). The region is famous for dairy products and meat dishes, among which tenili kveli stands out — delicate chechili cheese maturing in cream. You can also try snails in Samtskhe-Javakheti, which is unique for Georgia. The wine industry of the region deserves special attention, because grapes are grown here at an altitude of 900-1700 meters above sea level, creating special wines.
The name Samtskhe is associated with the South Georgian Meskhi tribe, from which the name "Samtskhe" originates. The most ancient centers of this region are Odzrhe and Atskuri. In the XVI century, Samtskhe was conquered by Turkey, and in 1828-1829, part of the territory returned to Georgia, while other areas remained under Turkish control.
The name Javakheti was first mentioned in Urartian inscriptions of King Argishti I as "Zaabakh". This name reflects the ancient population of the region — Javakhs or Zaabakhs.
Samtskhe-Javakheti is a southern region of Georgia bordering Armenia and Turkey. The administrative center is Akhaltsikhe. The region includes the historical and geographical provinces of Samtskhe, Javakheti and Tori, and consists of six municipalities: Akhaltsikhe, Adigeni, Aspindza, Akhalkalaki, Borjomi and Ninotsminda. Samtskhe-Javakheti is famous for its diverse natural landscapes, including volcanic landforms and numerous lakes such as Faravani and Sagamo. Here, cool summers and snowy winters create a unique climate for the region.