# Akhaltsikhe Municipality
- URL: https://explore-georgia.ge/en/municipalities/akhaltsikhe-municipality
- Type: municipality
- Region: Samtskhe-Javakheti
- Official website: https://akhaltsikhe.gov.ge

## History

Akhaltsikhe Municipality lies in the west of the **Samtskhe-Javakheti** region, in the Akhaltsikhe basin of southern Georgia, with the city of **Akhaltsikhe** — the regional centre — as its administrative centre, at about 1,030 m above sea level. The city stands on both banks of the **Potskhovi River**, a tributary of the **Mtkvari**. The municipality covers about **1,010 km²** and borders Kharagauli and Borjomi to the north, Aspindza to the east, Adigeni to the west and **Turkey** to the south. Thermal and mineral springs rise at Uraveli and Gurkeli.

According to the municipality, the town is first mentioned in the 9th century under the name **Lomsia**. Its name, meaning “new fortress”, reflects its role as a stronghold of **Samtskhe**: from the 12th century it was rebuilt and fortified by the **Jaqeli** family, the rulers (atabegs) of Samtskhe, and it withstood Mongol sieges in the 13th–14th centuries. In **1579** Akhaltsikhe was taken by the Ottomans and from 1625 became the centre of an Ottoman province; it returned to Georgian lands when the Russian army captured it in **1828**.

The symbol of the city is the fortress complex of **Rabati**, which combines Georgian, Ottoman and later architecture — a castle, mosque, palace, church and museum within mighty walls. It was extensively restored in **2011–2012** and today is one of the main tourist sites of southern Georgia. In the 20th century the region’s history was marked by the deportation of the Meskhetian population in November 1944.

About 10 km from the city, near the village of Ghrele, lies **Sapara Monastery**, one of the most important monasteries of Samtskhe: its Dormition church probably dates to the 10th century, and the Church of St Saba was built in the 13th century under Beka I Jaqeli and decorated with 14th-century murals. The monastery stands in a beautiful forested gorge above the valley.

For travellers, Akhaltsikhe is the natural base for exploring Samtskhe-Javakheti: spend a few hours in Rabati, visit Sapara, and continue to Vardzia, Khertvisi and the Javakheti lakes, or north to Borjomi. The city is also a crossroads on the route to the Vale–Türkgözü border crossing with Turkey.

## FAQ

**1) Where is Akhaltsikhe Municipality located?**
In the west of Samtskhe-Javakheti, in the Akhaltsikhe basin, bordering Turkey.

**2) What is the administrative centre?**
The city of Akhaltsikhe, also the centre of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region.

**3) When is Akhaltsikhe first mentioned?**
According to the municipality, in the 9th century under the name Lomsia.

**4) Who were the Jaqeli?**
The ruling family (atabegs) of Samtskhe, who fortified Akhaltsikhe from the 12th century.

**5) When was Akhaltsikhe under Ottoman rule?**
From 1579 until it was captured by the Russian army in 1828.

**6) What is Rabati?**
A fortress complex combining Georgian and Ottoman architecture, restored in 2011–2012.

**7) What is Sapara Monastery?**
A monastery about 10 km from Akhaltsikhe, with churches of the 10th and 13th centuries.

**8) Which river flows through the city?**
The Potskhovi, a tributary of the Mtkvari.

**9) Are there thermal springs nearby?**
Yes, at Uraveli and Gurkeli.

**10) Where can I find official municipal information?**
On the municipality’s official website.

## Sources

- [Akhaltsikhe Municipality — official website](https://akhaltsikhe.gov.ge)
- [Geography — Akhaltsikhe Municipality](https://akhaltsikhe.gov.ge/municipality/geography/)
- [History — Akhaltsikhe Municipality](https://akhaltsikhe.gov.ge/municipality/history/)
- [Akhaltsikhe (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akhaltsikhe)
- [Akhaltsikhe Municipality (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akhaltsikhe_Municipality)
- [Sapara Monastery (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sapara_Monastery)

## Settlements

- [Abatkhevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/abatkhevi): Discover Abatkhevi, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Agara](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/agara): Discover Agara, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Anda](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/anda): Discover Anda, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Andriatsminda](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/andriatsminda): Discover Andriatsminda, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Ani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/ani): Discover Ani, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Atsquri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/atsquri): Discover Atsquri, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Boga](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/boga): Discover Boga, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Chacharaki](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/chacharaki): Discover Chacharaki, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Chvinta](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/chvinta): Discover Chvinta, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Didi Pamaji](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/didi-pamaji): Discover Didi Pamaji, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Eliatsminda](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/eliatsminda): Discover Eliatsminda, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Ghreli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/ghreli): Discover Ghreli, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Giorgitsminda](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/giorgitsminda): Discover Giorgitsminda, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Gurkeli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/gurkeli): Discover Gurkeli, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Ivlita](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/ivlita): Discover Ivlita, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Julgha](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/julgha): Discover Julgha, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Khaki](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/khaki): Discover Khaki, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Kheoti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/kheoti): Discover Kheoti, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Klde](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/klde): Discover Klde, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Mikeltsminda](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/mikeltsminda): Discover Mikeltsminda, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Minadze](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/minadze): Discover Minadze, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Mugareti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/mugareti): Discover Mugareti, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Muskhi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/muskhi): Discover Muskhi, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Naokhrebi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/naokhrebi): Discover Naokhrebi, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Orali](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/orali): Discover Orali, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Patara Pamaji](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/patara-pamaji): Discover Patara Pamaji, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Persa](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/persa): Discover Persa, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Qulalisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/qulalisi): Discover Qulalisi, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Sadzeli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/sadzeli): Discover Sadzeli, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Saquneti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/saquneti): Discover Saquneti, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Skhvilisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/skhvilisi): Discover Skhvilisi, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Sviri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/sviri): Discover Sviri, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Tatanisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/tatanisi): Discover Tatanisi, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Tiseli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/tiseli): Discover Tiseli, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Tqemlana](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/tqemlana): Discover Tqemlana, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Tsinubani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/tsinubani): Discover Tsinubani, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Tsira](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/tsira): Discover Tsira, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Tsnisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/tsnisi): Discover Tsnisi, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Tsqaltbila](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/tsqaltbila): Discover Tsqaltbila, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Tsqordza](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/tsqordza): Discover Tsqordza, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Tsqruti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/tsqruti): Discover Tsqruti, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Uraveli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/uraveli): Discover Uraveli, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Zemo Skhvilisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/zemo-skhvilisi): Discover Zemo Skhvilisi, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Zikilia](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samtskhe-javakheti/akhaltsikhe-municipality/zikilia): Discover Zikilia, a village in Akhaltsikhe Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.

## This page in other languages

- [Georgian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ka/municipalitetebi/akhaltsikhe-municipality)
- [Russian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ru/municipalitety/akhaltsikhe-municipality)