Gardabani

Where is Gardabani?

The city of Gardabani is 39 kilometers from Tbilisi, in the Kvemo Kartli Region. On the municipality’s territory, you will see the Sanishno and Udo peaks, the Mtkvari, Lochini, Arkhasheni, and Nagubi Rivers, a colourful desert, Jandari and Kumisi Lakes, and many other natural delights. 

History of Gardabani

The name of Gardabani, according to “Georgian Chronicles,” is related to the name of the Georgian ethnarch Kartlos’ son Gardabos. In the 2nd century, during the reign of Pharasmanes II of Iberia, a channel was cut from Rustavi to Gardabani, which precipitated rural development. Later, during the reign of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, Gardabani became an important place for defense while the development of the area continued during the reign of King David Aghmashenebeli. 

In the 13th century, after various enemy invasions, Gardabani was fully destroyed. Much of the area was transformed into a swamp or was used for hunting purposes, but would later become a place of permanent residence for people in the 19th century. Such development of the area was caused by the settlement of German people, the rehabilitation of the aforementioned channel, and the establishment of the Baku-Tbilisi-Poti railway. 

In the 20th century, parallel to the construction of the city of Rustavi, Gardabani’s factories and settlements started to develop. Nowadays, here you can find large agricultural factories and scientific establishments. 

What is there to see in Gardabani? 

While traveling in Gardabani municipality, be sure to visit the Saint George Shavnabada Monastery, Kumisi Nunnery, Martkopi Monastery, and Archangel, Satskhenisi, and Norio Churches. 

You are also keenly advised to visit Gardabani National Park, for its diverse flora and fauna, and the colorful, exotic hills of Mravaltskaro. In addition, visit Mravaltskaro Reservoir, Jandari Lake and Kumisi Lake, famous for the healing properties of its mud. These places are ideal for picnics, travelling in nature, bird-watching, and fishing.