Vani

Discover an Ancient City

Vani was the political and cultural center of Colchis in the 3rd to 1st centuries BCE. Colchis is also connected to that most famous of ancient campaigns, the journey of Jason and the Argonauts, who visited the king of Colchis, Aeëtes, to find the legendary Golden Fleece.

Gold Deposits of Colchis

Vani was a truly wealthy city. This is shown by the richly ornamented graves in the ruined city, by the ruins of its ancient temple, and by the works made from gold, silver, and bronze that were found there. You can see the rich artifacts, gold hoards, pottery shards dating back to the 8th to 6th centuries BCE, and fossils found in the ancient ruined city at the modern Vani Archaeological Museum-Reserve.

They say that myths about Vani’s wealth lasted until the 18th century. In 1876 a letter about a local family was published in the Droeba newspaper, saying, “Every time it rains, a stream from mountains is bringing gold, golden chains, rings, or other precious things to the doorway of the Akhvledianis".

Other Sights in Vani

The other major sight to see in Vani is Bzvani Cave, also known as Navarskvlavebi, which is located in Bzvani Village. 

As for other sights in Vani, tourists are particularly attracted to the local cathedral, Vani Synagogue, Tabakuro Lake, and the Dikhashkho Springs, which are known for their natural sulfur pools.