Dikha Gudzuba Ruins

The Legend of Tabakoni Mountain

It was legends that drew an expedition from Georgia’s Sokhumi University and the German Archaeological Institute to Tabakoni Mountain in the village of Didinedzi.

For generations, Tabakoni Mountain has been described as a gathering place for witches, evil spirits, and gremlins. The archaeologists wanted to know what truth lay behind the myths.

Tabakoni Settlement

While no evidence of paranormal involvement could be found, the Georgian and German team did find that a 40 to 45-century-old Colchian settlement once stood upon the mountain. 

Evidence of wooden buildings and canals has led researchers to believe that the settlement was surrounded by a canal which connected it to a number of satellite settlements. Later, the ancient Colchians used these canals to go farther afield, constructing wooden boats to allow them to reach the Rioni River.

Known to locals as Tabakonis Dikhagudzuba (“land hanging on a hill”) and often referred to as the Ancient Colchian Venice, these ruins are a fascinating glimpse into Georgia’s ancient past.