Tskhvarichamia

Where is Tskhvarichamia Located?

Tskhvarichamia (meaning “Sheepeater” in English) is located in the Tezami River Valley, at an altitude of 1,180 meters above sea level on the Sabaduri Ridge. Its location majorly contributes to the resort’s beneficial microclimate. It’s considered one of the central settlements in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region and serves as the center of the Tskhvarichamia community, which includes five other villages: Tezami, Kevliani, Mshralkhevi, Lelubani, and Mamkoda.

Its convenient location provides comfortable climatic conditions all-year-round. The area has a moderately humid subtropical climate with long warm summers and moderately cold winters.

The forests of Tskhvarichamia are listed among the country’s protected areas, as the village is part of Tbilisi National Park. Tskhvarichamia is also home to a major zoological center and sanctuary that runs rehabilitation programs for bears and wolves. The center is open to visitors.

Over the past few decades, the village has largely become a seasonal holiday spot, attracting many visitors in the summer but the local population remains sparse. According to the 2002 census, only 75 people resided in Tskhvarichamia year-round. The number has significantly decreased since.

The list of notable sites here is short, albeit there are several important historical monuments in the village. The best-known is the Great Church of Tskhvarichamia, also known as the Church of the Ascension of the Savior. One of the village’s oldest buildings, it dates back to the 7th–8th centuries. Built with cobblestones as a three-nave basilica, it also uses hewn limestone and brick in certain structural areas. The western entrance connecting the side chapels features a dome, which would have been a rare architectural detail in Georgia in that period. The church stands on an artificial terrace at the edge of the village.

Another noteworthy site is the Small Church of Tskhvarichamia, dating back to the 8th–9th centuries, located on the right bank of the Tezami River. This hall-style church was also built with cobblestones and is known for its unconventional architectural details, like an irregularly rounded apse on the east side and a narrow storage facility with arches on the south side.

Another of the village’s significant historical buildings is the Church of Saint Mary in Tskhvarichamia, which is relatively new, having been built in the 19th century. The most well-known detail of this hall-type church is the relief cross on its western facade.

Why is a Village Called “Sheepeater”? Myths and Legends

According to historical sources, the village’s original name was Zvareti. However, over time, the name Tskhvarichamia (i.e. “Sheepeater”) became so widely used that the original name was almost forgotten.

Exactly why the village's name changed remains unknown, but there are several local legends. One says the Lezgin marauders' raids were to blame. The Lezgins were known to have a camp near Zvareti and would attack nearby settlements, steal the sheep, and then slaughter and eat them in this area.

There is another version of the toponym’s origin that’s considered more scientifically grounded. Some researchers believe that the name came to be due to the large packs of wolves inhabiting the surrounding forests. Wolves frequently attacked flocks of local sheep, leading to the area initially being called "the place of wolves" and later Tskhvarichamia.

A more positive, though less realistic, version tells the tale of a shepherd with such a large appetite that even the annual lambing season couldn’t satisfy his hunger. As a result, he himself earned the nickname “Tskhvarichamia.” According to legend, the shepherd later founded the village that inherited his nickname.

Another legend explains that Zvareti changed its name due to a tragedy in the Sabaduri Forest. A pair of twins, Saba and Duri Tsaltsalashvili, went missing in the forest and were never found despite extensive searches. Trying to console their parents, the locals named the forest after them. After the children’s disappearance, the village flocks suffered great losses, which locals attributed to the lost children and nicknamed them "Tskhvarichamia Tsaltsalashvili" (the sheep-eating Tsaltsalashvilis). Eventually, the name stuck for the entire village.

How to Get to Tskhvarichamia

Tskhvarichamia is only 35 kilometers from Tbilisi and is about a one-hour drive from the city center via the Tbilisi-Tianeti Highway.

From Kutaisi city center, Tskhvarichamia is approximately 220 kilometers away, and the drive takes around 3 hours. The route follows the Tbilisi-Senaki-Leselidze (E60) Highway.

From Batumi city center to Tskhvarichamia, the distance is about 360 kilometers, taking around 5 hours by car. The most convenient route is the same Tbilisi-Senaki-Leselidze (E60) Highway.

Public transportation to Tskhvarichamia is available, but only from Tbilisi. Typically, Tskhvarichamia-Tianeti marshrutkas (minivans) depart several times a day from the Didube bus station. However, keep in mind that the schedule may vary depending on the season and weather conditions. More marshrutkas are available in the summer, while in winter there may be only 1-2 trips per day.

Nearby Landmarks

Sabaduri Forest - One of the most famous spots within Tbilisi National Park, especially popular in the fall and winter seasons. Visitors are drawn by the vibrant red and yellow foliage or snow-covered pathways offering beautiful photo opportunities. It’s only a 10-15-minute drive from Tskhvarichamia to Sabaduri Forest.

Tbilisi National Park - The first national park in Georgia, covering over 21,000 hectares and known for its biodiversity, is open to visitors and has a well-developed network of hiking, equestrian, and cycling trails of varying difficulty levels, as well as designated picnic and camping areas. There are numerous historical and cultural landmarks within the park and its surrounding areas. The drive from Tskhvarichamia to the Tbilisi National Park entrance takes about 15-20 minutes. 

Ilia Chavchavadze Saguramo State Museum - The best-known of the three house-museums dedicated to the Georgian writer and public figure. The impressive three-story house is famous for its beautiful balconies. The Saguramo State Museum’s collection includes Ilia Chavchavadze’s personal belongings and manuscripts, as well as 19th-century artworks that belonged to his family. In 2018, the museum was granted the status of a cultural heritage site of national significance. The drive from Tskhvarichamia to the museum takes around 20 minutes.

Mtskheta - The ancient capital of Georgia, Mtskheta, is in many ways an open-air museum in its own right. Key landmarks here include Svetitskhoveli, Georgia’s main cathedral built in the 11th century, and Jvari Monastery perched on top of a rocky mountain, built in the 6th century. Mtskheta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an approximate 35-minute drive from Tskhvarichamia.