Khobi

Where is Khobi Located?  

Khobi, located in green surroundings, is set in the center of Colchis Lowland, in Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region, around 20 km from the city of Zugdidi.

History of Khobi

Khobi Monastery along with the river and the settlement of the same name were called “Khopi” in the 19th century. According to legend, Khobi Monastery was built to commemorate King Gubaz.    

On the current territory of Khobi, Bronze Age ruins remain. The archeological materials discovered here at Chikhu Plateau date back to the 12th century BCE.    

In the first half of the 19th century, where the village of Kulevi currently stands in the sanctuary of the Khobistskali River, the Redoubt-Kali port operated, supplying Transcaucasia with European goods.     

The port ceased operations in the second half of the 19th century, while today an internationally-significant pipeline runs through Kulevi.    

Sights of Khobi 

Khobi Monastery, a highly significant monument of the 13th-14th centuries, is located in the village of Nojikhevi. It has long been known for its cultural and religious wealth, with various coveted items preserved at a museum located in Dadiani Palace in Zugdidi. Khobi Monastery kept other religiously important items, as recorded by Italian missionary Arcangelo Lamberti.  

Following archeological excavations in the village of Kulevi in 2002, a ruined Colchic dwelling of the 9th century BC was discovered with clay dishes as well as grape stones, dating back to the 6th century BC. 

In 2009, equipment was discovered in the village of Chaladidi, proving that silk was produced here centuries ago. Meanwhile, Greek amphoras and jewelry dating back to the 4th century have also been discovered in the same village.   

Elsewhere, a Georgian folk song museum operates in Khobi, having been opened in 2007.