Akhalkalaki Municipality
Akhalkalaki on the Javakheti plateau: Kumurdo Cathedral of 964, the fortress town of Bagrat IV, volcanic lakes and highland steppe.
Akhalkalaki Municipality — overview
MunicipalityHistory
Akhalkalaki Municipality lies on the high Javakheti Plateau in the south of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region, with the town of Akhalkalaki as its administrative centre, at about 1,700 m above sea level. The volcanic plateau, at 1,500–2,000 m, is a land of open steppe, lava fields and lakes, including Kartsakhi on the Turkish border and part of Lake Tabatskuri in the north. The municipality covers about 1,235 km² and borders Akhaltsikhe to the west, Borjomi and Tsalka to the north, Ninotsminda to the south-east and Turkey to the south-west.
The town’s name means “new town”. It was founded in 1064 by King Bagrat IV, on a rocky spur between the Paravani and Kirkhbulakhi rivers, but was destroyed by the Seljuks soon after, in 1066. From the 16th century the area was under Ottoman rule; it passed to Russia in 1828–1829, after which some 30,000 Armenians from the Erzurum area settled in Javakheti. A strong earthquake struck the town on 4 January 1900. Today the majority of the municipality’s population is ethnic Armenian.
The most important monument of the municipality is Kumurdo Cathedral, about 12 km south-west of Akhalkalaki. It was built in 964 under King Leon III, commissioned by Bishop Ioane, by the architect Sakotsari, and is one of the finest examples of 10th-century Georgian architecture, with rich inscriptions and stone carving. The ruins of the Akhalkalaki fortress still crown the spur above the rivers.
Javakheti’s climate is harsh, with long cold winters and short, bright summers, making the plateau an area of pastures, potato fields and highland villages. Its lakes and wetlands attract many migratory birds, and the landscape of volcanic peaks and wide horizons is unique in Georgia.
For travellers, Akhalkalaki is a gateway to Javakheti: visit Kumurdo Cathedral and the fortress, drive across the plateau to the lakes of Ninotsminda and Tabatskuri, and combine the route with Vardzia and Khertvisi, which lie just to the west.
FAQ
1) Where is Akhalkalaki Municipality located?
On the Javakheti Plateau in the south of Samtskhe-Javakheti, bordering Turkey.
2) What is the administrative centre?
The town of Akhalkalaki, at about 1,700 m above sea level.
3) What does Akhalkalaki mean?
“New town”.
4) When was Akhalkalaki founded?
In 1064 by King Bagrat IV.
5) What is Kumurdo Cathedral?
A cathedral built in 964, about 12 km south-west of Akhalkalaki.
6) When did the area pass to Russia?
In 1828–1829.
7) What is the Javakheti Plateau?
A volcanic highland at 1,500–2,000 m with steppe and lakes.
8) Which lakes are in the municipality?
Kartsakhi on the Turkish border and part of Lake Tabatskuri.
9) How large is the municipality?
About 1,235 km².
10) Where can I find official municipal information?
On the municipality’s official website.