Tkibuli

Where is Tkibuli Located?

Tkibuli is located on the border of Imereti and Racha Regions, 600-700 meters above sea level. The city is built on the banks of the Tkibula River. Other rivers, namely the Lekhidari, Dzusa, Maghara, Chishura, Tskalsitela, and Kvekhuna, create small valleys with stunning waterfalls, and flow through mountainous terrain covered with forests. 

History of Tkibuli 

Settlements found on the slopes of the Nakerala Ridge, in the valley of the Tskaltsitela River, bronze weapon factories, and the Colchic coins from ancient times all indicate the Tkibuli area has been inhabited since ancient times.

In historical sources, Tkibuli is noted for the first time in the monuments of 1259. In 1825, a coal mine was discovered here, while in 1846 mineral extraction began and Tkibuli became a place of industrial significance.

What Can be Seen in Tkibuli?  

The UNESCO-listed Gelati Monastery is located in the municipality of Tkibuli. 

Moreover, the early medieval Motsameta Monastery is also in this area, surrounded by walls on the slopes of a mountain, hidden in the forest where the Georgian saints, brothers David and Konstantine Mkheidze, are buried.    

Tkibuli and its vicinity are also attractive to hiking lovers, with Mukhura Waterfall, Tskaltsitela Valley, Tsutskhvati Cave, and Tkibuli Reservoir all accessible. Nakerala Ridge is also a breathtaking sight. In addition to the beautiful views, there are also camping sites with cool and peaceful spots to wind down on hot summer days.

There are also resorts of local importance here such as Tskhrajvari, Satsire, and Kursebi, and a shrine in Tskhrajvari, St. George's in Kisoreti, and Jonia and Zenobni Churches in Kursebi. 

Finally, a local lore museum also provides excellent detail on the area’s rich history.