Lentekhi

Svaneti of the Dadianis

Lower Svaneti is also called the Svaneti of the Dadianis. Since the beginning of the 19th century, it has belonged to the princes of Samegrelo, the Dadianis. Even today there still stands a fortified palace complex of the Dadianis in Lentekhi, which is a must-see on a western Georgia itinerary.

Lentekhi is home to some of Svaneti’s iconic Svan Towers, but you’ll also encounter medieval churches decorated with unique Svan art, including Tvibi Archangel Church, Mami Church of the Savior, Chikhareshi Mother of God Church, Skaldi Church of the Archangels, Paki Mother of God Church, Chukuli Archangel Church, and Jakhunderi St. George Church.

To better understand this region better, you should also pay a visit to the Lentekhi Local Lore Museum, which displays archaeological materials from the Bronze Age, religious objects from the 11th and 12th centuries, handwritten prayers from the 17th-18th centuries, and the Lower Svaneti ethnographic collection.

For Hikers

For those more fascinated by Svaneti’s well-documented natural beauty, you’ll find no shortage of grand, glacial mountains, rushing rivers, and hidden, wildflower clad valleys to explore on a scenic hike or camping trip.

Expert hikers will find some unforgettable hiking trails through the region, including the Lentekhi-Matskhvarishi, Mananuri-Tviberi, Khacheshi-Doberazeni, Shkedi-Likheti, and Sasashi-Lashichala trails

Muashi Resort

Another popular attraction in the region is the Muashi Climatic and Balneological Resort, which is considered to be one of Georgia’s most interesting resorts for its combination of humid air, cold winters, and long, cooler summers. The mineral waters here, used for both drinking and bathing, are used to treat problems of the digestive system, peripheral nervous system, and the joints.

The gateway between Upper and Lower Svaneti, Lentekhi is well worth a visit in its own right.