Ambrolauri

At the confluence of the Rioni and Krikhula Rivers, a small city was built to act as a residence for the kings of Imereti in the 17th century. This city, Ambrolauri, is today the administrative centre of Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti Region, and is a place of cold winters, hot, dry summers, and beautiful wilderness.

Distance to the location by road from:

Tbilisi

3:35 hr

Batumi

4:15 hr

Kutaisi

1:50 hr

The History of Ambrolauri

Ambrolauri began appearing in historical sources as early as the 17th century. Nowadays on the territory of the former royal residence, you will find a Machabli's Tower and a church of the Virgin Mary, build on the foundation of the old church.

A treasure of hundreds of ancient coins was found here with an Arabic inscription and the name of King Giorgi II of Imereti upon them.

What to see in Ambrolauri?

In addition to the tower and the church, you should definitely pay a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts, where you will find the works of approximately 600 artists, including Lado Gudiashivili, Elene Akhvlediani, David Kakabadze, and Avto Varazi.

There are also many medieval fortresses and churches around the city, including Barakon Church, Minda Fortress, Zemo Krikhi Church and others, but the most spectacular of them is Nikortsminda, which was built at the beginning of the 11th century. This church is one of the best examples of Georgian national architecture, and its ornamentation is a true masterpiece of monumental sculpture.

Nature

Ambrolauri Municipality has all of the coniferous and deciduous trees that are common in the Caucasus together in one place: spruce, fir, pine, oak, chestnut, ash, and so on.

Here you will find icy karst caves, beautiful gorges, lakes and waterfalls.

The Rioni River and its tributaries make a great place for people who love hiking and adventurous activities.

Twenty kilometres from Ambrolauri is Shaori Reservoir, painted with an unforgettable palette of colors that look especially amazing in spring and autumn.

Khvanchkara and Aleksandrouli

Like all of Georgia, wine plays an important part in the lives of Ambrolauri and Racha as a whole. Indeed, wine is so important here that you’ll find a monument to it in one of Ambrolauri’s squares. The Khvanchkara Monument is dedicated to the famous Khvanchkara and Aleksandrouli wines, which are unique to this region.

Of course, you will find other wines in Racha too, but the world-famous Khvanchkara and Aleksandrouli, along with Rachan ham, lobiani (bread pie), and other dishes, will make your trip complete.

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