# Akhalkalaki Municipality - URL: https://explore-georgia.ge/en/municipalities/akhalkalaki-municipality - Type: municipality - Region: Samtskhe-Javakheti - Official website: https://akhalkalaki.gov.ge ## History 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. ## Sources - [Akhalkalaki Municipality — official website](https://akhalkalaki.gov.ge) - [Akhalkalaki Municipality (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akhalkalaki_Municipality) - [Akhalkalaki (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akhalkalaki) - [Kumurdo Cathedral (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kumurdo_Cathedral) - [Samtskhe–Javakheti (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samtskhe–Javakheti) - [Tabatskuri Lake (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tabatskuri_Lake) ## Settlements - [Abuli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/abuli): Discover Abuli, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Agana](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/agana): Discover Agana, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Alastani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/alastani): Discover Alastani, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Alatubani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/alatubani): Discover Alatubani, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Apnia](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/apnia): Discover Apnia, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Aragva](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/aragva): Discover Aragva, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Azavreti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/azavreti): Discover Azavreti, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Azmana](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/azmana): Discover Azmana, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Balkho](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/balkho): Discover Balkho, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Baraleti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/baraleti): Discover Baraleti, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Bavra](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/bavra): Discover Bavra, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Bezhano](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/bezhano): Discover Bezhano, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Bozali](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/bozali): Discover Bozali, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Bughasheni](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/bughasheni): Discover Bughasheni, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Burnasheti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/burnasheti): Discover Burnasheti, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Buzaveti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/buzaveti): Discover Buzaveti, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Chamdzvrala](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/chamdzvrala): Discover Chamdzvrala, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Chunchkha](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/chunchkha): Discover Chunchkha, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Dabnia](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/dabnia): Discover Dabnia, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Dadeshi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/dadeshi): Discover Dadeshi, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Didi Samsari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/didi-samsari): Discover Didi Samsari, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Diliska](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/diliska): Discover Diliska, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Erinja](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/erinja): Discover Erinja, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ghado](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/ghado): Discover Ghado, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Gogasheni](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/gogasheni): Discover Gogasheni, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Gokio](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/gokio): Discover Gokio, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Gomani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/gomani): Discover Gomani, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Gulikami](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/gulikami): Discover Gulikami, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ikhtila](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/ikhtila): Discover Ikhtila, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kartikami](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/kartikami): Discover Kartikami, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kartsakhi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/kartsakhi): Discover Kartsakhi, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kartsebi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/kartsebi): Discover Kartsebi, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khando](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/khando): Discover Khando, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khaveti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/khaveti): Discover Khaveti, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khorenia](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/khorenia): Discover Khorenia, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khospio](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/khospio): Discover Khospio, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khulgumo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/khulgumo): Discover Khulgumo, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kirovakani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/kirovakani): Discover Kirovakani, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kochio](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/kochio): Discover Kochio, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Korkhi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/korkhi): Discover Korkhi, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kotelia](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/kotelia): Discover Kotelia, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kumurdo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/kumurdo): Discover Kumurdo, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Lomaturtskhi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/lomaturtskhi): Discover Lomaturtskhi, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Machatia](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/machatia): Discover Machatia, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Martuni](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/martuni): Discover Martuni, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Merenia](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/merenia): Discover Merenia, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Miasnikiani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/miasnikiani): Discover Miasnikiani, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Modega](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/modega): Discover Modega, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Murjakheti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/murjakheti): Discover Murjakheti, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Okami](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/okami): Discover Okami, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Olaverdi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/olaverdi): Discover Olaverdi, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Orja](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/orja): Discover Orja, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Patara Samsari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/patara-samsari): Discover Patara Samsari, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Pilipovka](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/pilipovka): Discover Pilipovka, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ptena](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/ptena): Discover Ptena, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sirkva](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/sirkva): Discover Sirkva, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sulda](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/sulda): Discover Sulda, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Takhcha](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/takhcha): Discover Takhcha, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tirkna](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/tirkna): Discover Tirkna, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Totkhami](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/totkhami): Discover Totkhami, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Turtskhi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/turtskhi): Discover Turtskhi, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Vachiani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/vachiani): Discover Vachiani, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Varevani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/varevani): Discover Varevani, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zakvi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhalkalaki-municipality/zakvi): Discover Zakvi, a village in Akhalkalaki Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. ## This page in other languages - [Georgian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ka/municipalitetebi/akhalkalaki-municipality) - [Russian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ru/municipalitety/akhalkalaki-municipality)