# Akhmeta Municipality - URL: https://explore-georgia.ge/en/municipalities/akhmeta-municipality - Type: municipality - Region: Kakheti - Official website: https://akhmeta.gov.ge ## History Akhmeta Municipality is the most mountainous municipality of **Kakheti**, in north-eastern Georgia, with the town of **Akhmeta** as its administrative centre, at about 567 m above sea level on the left bank of the **Alazani River**. Covering more than 2,200 km², it stretches from the upper Alazani Valley to the main ridge of the Greater Caucasus and includes the highland region of **Tusheti** and the **Pankisi Gorge**. Akhmeta borders Dusheti and Tianeti to the west, Telavi to the east, Sagarejo to the south, and Chechnya and Dagestan (Russia) to the north and east. Forests cover a large part of the territory. The lowland part of the municipality is an old centre of Christian Kakheti. Its most important monument is **Alaverdi Monastery**, founded in the 6th century by Joseph Alaverdeli, one of the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers. The **Cathedral of St George** was built in the early 11th century by King Kvirike III; at over 55 m it was the tallest church in Georgia until 2004. Nearby, on the right bank of the Ilto River, stand the **Kvetera** fortress (10th–11th centuries) and its 10th-century church. Alaverdi, Kvetera and Mta-Tusheti are on UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage. In modern history, Akhmeta is known for the **uprising of 1812**: on 31 January villagers here rose against Russian rule, sparking a revolt across Kakheti. Later monuments include the **Bakhtrioni** fortress (late 17th century) and the ruins of a royal palace. Administratively, Akhmeta became a separate district in 1951, and the settlement received town status in **1966**. **Tusheti**, administratively part of Akhmeta, is one of Georgia’s most remote highland regions, with Omalo as its main village and four historic communities — Tsova, Gometsari, Pirikiti and Chaghma — along the Pirikiti and Tusheti Alazani rivers. **Tusheti National Park**, established in **2003**, protects its high mountains, forests and alpine meadows. Closer to the valley, the **Batsara-Babaneuri** protected areas preserve rare groves of yew and zelkova, and the **Pankisi Gorge** in the upper Alazani is home to the Kist community. For travellers, Akhmeta combines wine, heritage and wild mountains. Visit Alaverdi — especially during the autumn Alaverdoba festival — and Kvetera, taste wines of the **Akhmeta** appellation, and use the town as a gateway to Tusheti, reached over the high Abano Pass in summer, or to hiking and guesthouses in the Pankisi Gorge. ## FAQ **1) Where is Akhmeta Municipality located?** In north-eastern Kakheti, from the upper Alazani Valley to the main Caucasus ridge. **2) What is the administrative centre?** The town of Akhmeta, on the left bank of the Alazani River. **3) Is Tusheti part of Akhmeta Municipality?** Yes, the highland region of Tusheti, with its main village Omalo, is administratively part of Akhmeta. **4) Is Alaverdi Monastery in Akhmeta Municipality?** Yes. The monastery was founded in the 6th century; its cathedral was built in the early 11th century. **5) How tall is Alaverdi Cathedral?** Over 55 m; it was Georgia’s tallest church until 2004. **6) What is Kvetera?** A 10th–11th-century fortress with a 10th-century church on the Ilto River. **7) When was Tusheti National Park established?** In 2003. **8) What does Batsara-Babaneuri protect?** Rare groves of yew and zelkova. **9) When did Akhmeta become a town?** In 1966. **10) Where can I find official municipal information?** On the municipality’s official website. ## Sources - [Akhmeta Municipality — official website](https://akhmeta.gov.ge) - [Akhmeta Municipality (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akhmeta_Municipality) - [Akhmeta (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akhmeta) - [Alaverdi Monastery (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alaverdi_Monastery) - [Tusheti National Park (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tusheti_National_Park) - [Kvetera Fortress — Georgia Travel](https://georgia.travel/kvetera-fortress) - [Batsara-Babaneuri Protected Areas — Agency of Protected Areas](https://apa.gov.ge/en/protected-areas/cattestone/bawara-babaneuris-daculi-teritoriebis-administracia) - [Georgia — UNESCO Tentative List](https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5224) ## Settlements - [Ageurta](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/ageurta): Discover Ageurta, a abandoned village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Akhaldaba](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/akhaldaba): Discover Akhaldaba, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Akhalsheni](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/akhalsheni): Discover Akhalsheni, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Akhsabari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/akhsabari): Discover Akhsabari, a abandoned village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Akhshani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/akhshani): Discover Akhshani, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Akhshnisvelebi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/akhshnisvelebi): Discover Akhshnisvelebi, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Alaverdi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/alaverdi): Discover Alaverdi, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Alisgori](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/alisgori): Discover Alisgori, a abandoned village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Arashenda](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/arashenda): Discover Arashenda, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Argokhi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/argokhi): Discover Argokhi, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Atsquri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/atsquri): Discover Atsquri, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Babaneuri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/babaneuri): Discover Babaneuri, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Baikho](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/baikho): Discover Baikho, a abandoned village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Baqilovani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/baqilovani): Discover Baqilovani, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Beghela](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/beghela): Discover Beghela, a abandoned village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Bikurta](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/bikurta): Discover Bikurta, a abandoned village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Birkiani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/birkiani): Discover Birkiani, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Bochorna](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/bochorna): Discover Bochorna, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Bughaani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/bughaani): Discover Bughaani, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Chabinaani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/chabinaani): Discover Chabinaani, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Chachkhriala](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/chachkhriala): Discover Chachkhriala, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Charekauli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/charekauli): Discover Charekauli, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Chartala](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/chartala): Discover Chartala, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Chigho](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/chigho): Discover Chigho, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Chontio](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/chontio): Discover Chontio, a abandoned village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Dakiurta](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/dakiurta): Discover Dakiurta, a abandoned village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Dano](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/dano): Discover Dano, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Dedisperuli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/dedisperuli): Discover Dedisperuli, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Diklo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/diklo): Discover Diklo, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Dochu](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/dochu): Discover Dochu, a abandoned village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Duisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/duisi): Discover Duisi, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Dumasturi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/dumasturi): Discover Dumasturi, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Dzibakhevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/dzibakhevi): Discover Dzibakhevi, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Girevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/girevi): Discover Girevi, a abandoned village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Hegho](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/hegho): Discover Hegho, a abandoned village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Indurta](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/indurta): Discover Indurta, a abandoned village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ingeti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/ingeti): Discover Ingeti, a abandoned village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Joqolo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/joqolo): Discover Joqolo, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kasristsqali](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/kasristsqali): Discover Kasristsqali, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khakhabo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/khakhabo): Discover Khakhabo, a abandoned village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khevischala](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/khevischala): Discover Khevischala, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khiso](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/khiso): Discover Khiso, a abandoned village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khorbalo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/khorbalo): Discover Khorbalo, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khorkheli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/khorkheli): Discover Khorkheli, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khveliandro](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/khveliandro): Discover Khveliandro, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kistauri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/kistauri): Discover Kistauri, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Koghoto](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/koghoto): Discover Koghoto, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kojori](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/kojori): Discover Kojori, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Koreti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/koreti): Discover Koreti, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kumelaurta](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/kumelaurta): Discover Kumelaurta, a abandoned village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kutsakhta](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/kutsakhta): Discover Kutsakhta, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kvavlo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/kvavlo): Discover Kvavlo, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kvemo Alvani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/kvemo-alvani): Discover Kvemo Alvani, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kvemo Khalatsani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/kvemo-khalatsani): Discover Kvemo Khalatsani, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Maghraani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/maghraani): Discover Maghraani, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Matani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/matani): Discover Matani, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Naduknari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/naduknari): Discover Naduknari, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Omalo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/omalo): Omalo in Tusheti at 1,880 m: Keselo fortress, the national park visitor centre and the Abano Pass (2,850 m). How to get there and when the r... - [Osiauri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/osiauri): Discover Osiauri, a abandoned village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ozhio](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/ozhio): Discover Ozhio, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Parsma](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/parsma): Discover Parsma, a abandoned village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Pichkhovani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/pichkhovani): Discover Pichkhovani, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Qvareltsqali](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/qvareltsqali): Discover Qvareltsqali, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sabue](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/sabue): Discover Sabue, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sachale](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/sachale): Discover Sachale, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sakobiano](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/sakobiano): Discover Sakobiano, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Shakhvetila](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/shakhvetila): Discover Shakhvetila, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Shenako](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/shenako): Discover Shenako, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Shtrolta](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/shtrolta): Discover Shtrolta, a abandoned village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Shua Khalatsani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/shua-khalatsani): Discover Shua Khalatsani, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tsaro](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/tsaro): Discover Tsaro, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tsinubani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/tsinubani): Discover Tsinubani, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Vedzebi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/vedzebi): Discover Vedzebi, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Vedziskhevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/vedziskhevi): Discover Vedziskhevi, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Verkhovani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/verkhovani): Discover Verkhovani, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zemo Alvani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/zemo-alvani): Discover Zemo Alvani, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zemo Khalatsani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/zemo-khalatsani): Discover Zemo Khalatsani, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zemo Khodasheni](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/zemo-khodasheni): Discover Zemo Khodasheni, a village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zhvelurta](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/akhmeta-municipality/zhvelurta): Discover Zhvelurta, a abandoned village in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. ## This page in other languages - [Georgian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ka/municipalitetebi/akhmeta-municipality) - [Russian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ru/municipalitety/akhmeta-municipality)