Khoni

History of Khoni

Traces of settlements have been found around Khoni from the late Bronze Age, but the current settlement sprung up around Khoni Church, which was built in the 8th century. 

The town’s role as an important trade crossroad has been established by the number of Colchian tetri, as well as Byzantine and Turkish coins, that have been unearthed in the area. Indeed, in the 1820s and 1830s, a bustling tobacco market existed here.

Khoni was declared a city in 1921, but was known by the name Tsulukidze (after the Georgian social-democratic revolutionary and journalist Alexader Tsulukidze) from 1936 until 1989.

Cultural Center of Western Georgia

Due to its role as a trade post, Khoni has always enjoyed a vibrant cultural life. It is a city of diverse theatrical and musical traditions, with the first theatre production to be performed here taking place in 1865. In 1907, a small theatre troupe was formed, and it continues to perform in the city to this day.

Khoni is also connected to the creation of the first brass orchestra in Georgia, which occurred in 1890. 

The city is also home to a state historical museum detailing the city’s ancient and contemporary history.

Nature and Sights in Khoni

Khoni is surrounded by deciduous forests through which abundant rivers flow, making it an excellent place for hiking or relaxation. Notable landmarks in its vicinity include the Askhi Alpine Plateau, Okatse Canyon, and the beautiful Tskhenistskali River Valley, as well as a variety of waterfalls and lakes.

If you’re a fisherman, you can catch goby, roach, barbell, and trout in the region’s rivers, while picnickers and hikers will find an abundance of places to soak in the area’s natural beauty and its blessedly fresh air.