Kumisi Village

The History of Kumisi Village

Kumisi is mentioned in historical texts dating back to the 15th century, with the oldest monument in the village being the 18th-century Sameba Church. The church was built atop the ruins of an older, 7th-century church, and was itself burned down in 1968.

It was only after the fall of the Soviet Union that the church was rebuilt, with the current incarnation completed in 1996 and boasting a bell tower, monastery buildings, and beautifully painted interiors.

In the church, you’ll find the graves of the local nobility, the Palavandishvilis and the Orbelianis.

The 17th-18th-century Saint George Church is also located at Kumisi Village.

Kumisi Village Today

Today, Kumisi is best known for its artificial lake, which is to the southeast of the village and is a favourite place amongst Georgian fishermen.

You will find many kinds of fish in the lake, including bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys), mirror carp, grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), khramuli (Capoeta sieboldii), barbel (Barbus), carp (Barbus capito), and more. 

It is also possible to go birdwatching at Kumisi Lake, which is overlooked to the northwest by the eastern edge of the Trialeti Mountain Range. In addition to its birdlife, the lake is also home to Greek turtoises (Testudo graeca) and European pond turtles (Emys orbicularis).

Kumisi’s Healing Mud

Another fascinating element of the lake is its silty mud, which is purported to have healing properties. Indeed, this mud is so popular that it is brought to the resorts and treatment centers of Tbilisi.

Kumisi is fairly close to Tbilisi - 30 kilometers away, making it an excellent day trip when you’re looking for a break.