Ghebi

Ghebi- Nature, and history

Ghebi village is 1,350 meters above sea level in the alpine zone, at the junction of Racha and Svaneti Regions, 35 km from Oni town. The Rioni river splits it in half and a natural wall of mountains is bursting with a variety of colors throughout the year. Ghebi is stunning year-round with 11 dazzling lakes appearing one after the other.

Ghebi Gorge has a 5,000-year history and was once a transit route in the Caucasus. More than a hundred ore mines from the early Bronze Age have been found there. 

Ghebi - What does freedom mean?

The people of Ghebi were among the first to be freed from their feudal masters. Let’s dive into the story!

Being oppressed by their lords, the freedom-loving population decided that they were not to be dominated by anyone. 

According to the legend, the Ghebi people bribed the main official of the local feudal lords, Areshidze family, and killed two of Areshidze brothers who were returning from a hunt. The third brother was trying to cross the Rioni River on horseback, when Doduki, a woman from Ghebi, asked for help to cross the river too. He helped the woman onto his horse, but midway, Doduki jumped off the horse and pushed the third brother into the water.

Doduki asked the Ghebi people to bake one flatbread for her after her death. Ghebi people continue to fulfill their promise when they bring food to church. They make sure to have two flatbreads, one for a deceased relative and one for Doduki. 

Ghebi sights

The medieval architecture of Svaneti demonstrates the strong nature of the Ghebi people.

Two and four-story towers, which had residential, combat, and defense functions are typical for Ghebi. At the moment, only one such tower, dedicated to the Mother of God, has survived. Christian churches from the 10th-11th centuries are also dotted throughout Ghebi village.