# Ambrolauri Municipality - URL: https://explore-georgia.ge/en/municipalities/ambrolauri-municipality - Type: municipality - Region: Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti - Official website: https://ambrolauri.gov.ge ## History Ambrolauri Municipality lies in the heart of **Racha**, on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus, with the town of **Ambrolauri** — the administrative centre of the **Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti** region — as its centre. The town stands at about 550 m above sea level at the confluence of the **Rioni** and **Krikhula** rivers. The municipality covers about **1,142 km²** of the upper Rioni basin, with tributaries such as the Krikhula, Lukhuni, Shareula and Askistskali, and a landscape of forested mountains, river terraces and vineyards. Historically the area was part of the **Duchy (Eristavate) of Racha**, which existed from about 1050 until 1789 under the Kakhaberidze and later Chkheidze families. A royal palace stood in Ambrolauri in the 17th century, and the stone **Machabeli tower** recalls the princes who later held the town. The settlement was briefly renamed Enukidze in the 1930s, received town status in **1966**, and was badly damaged by the **1991 Racha earthquake** (29 April 1991, magnitude 7.0). It became the regional centre in the 1990s. The municipality is home to two masterpieces of Georgian architecture. **Nikortsminda Cathedral**, built in **1010–1014** under King Bagrat III, is famous for its richly carved facades and is on UNESCO’s Tentative List. **Barakoni Church**, built in **1753** by the Duke of Racha Rostom and the architect Avtandil Shulavreli, stands dramatically above the confluence of the Rioni and Lukhuni rivers near the village of Tsesi. Ambrolauri is also the home of **Khvanchkara**, one of Georgia’s most famous wines: a naturally semi-sweet red wine made from the local **Aleksandrouli** and **Mujuretuli** grapes, produced since the early 20th century and protected as an appellation. The vineyards on the Rioni slopes and small family cellars make the area a rewarding wine destination. For travellers, Ambrolauri is the natural base for exploring Racha: visit Nikortsminda and Barakoni, taste Khvanchkara in its home village, and continue up the Rioni valley towards Oni and the high mountains. ## FAQ **1) Where is Ambrolauri Municipality located?** In the heart of Racha, on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus. **2) What is the administrative centre?** The town of Ambrolauri, also the centre of the Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region. **3) When was Nikortsminda Cathedral built?** In 1010–1014 under King Bagrat III. **4) Is Nikortsminda a UNESCO site?** It is on UNESCO’s Tentative List. **5) What is Barakoni?** A church built in 1753 by the Duke of Racha Rostom above the Rioni–Lukhuni confluence. **6) What is Khvanchkara?** A naturally semi-sweet red wine made from Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes in Ambrolauri Municipality. **7) When did Ambrolauri become a town?** In 1966. **8) What happened in 1991?** The Racha earthquake of 29 April 1991 badly damaged Ambrolauri and the region. **9) What was the Duchy of Racha?** A feudal duchy that ruled Racha from about 1050 to 1789. **10) Where can I find official municipal information?** On the municipality’s official website. ## Sources - [Ambrolauri Municipality — official website](https://ambrolauri.gov.ge) - [Ambrolauri Municipality (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambrolauri_Municipality) - [Ambrolauri (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambrolauri) - [Nikortsminda Cathedral (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikortsminda_Cathedral) - [Barakoni (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barakoni) - [Khvanchkara (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khvanchkara) - [Duchy of Racha (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duchy_of_Racha) ## Settlements - [Abanoeti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/abanoeti): Discover Abanoeti, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore... - [Abari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/abari): Discover Abari, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Geo... - [Agara](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/agara): Discover Agara, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Geo... - [Akhalsopeli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/akhalsopeli): Discover Akhalsopeli, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explo... - [Baji](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/baji): Discover Baji, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Geor... - [Bareuli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/bareuli): Discover Bareuli, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore G... - [Betlevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/betlevi): Discover Betlevi, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore G... - [Bostana](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/bostana): Discover Bostana, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore G... - [Bugeuli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/bugeuli): Discover Bugeuli, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore G... - [Cheliaghele](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/cheliaghele): Discover Cheliaghele, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explo... - [Chrebalo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/chrebalo): Discover Chrebalo, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore... - [Didi Chorjo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/didi-chorjo): Discover Didi Chorjo, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explo... - [Dzirageuli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/dzirageuli): Discover Dzirageuli, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explor... - [Gendushi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/gendushi): Discover Gendushi, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore... - [Ghadishi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/ghadishi): Discover Ghadishi, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore... - [Ghviara](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/ghviara): Discover Ghviara, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore G... - [Gogoleti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/gogoleti): Discover Gogoleti, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore... - [Gori](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/gori): Discover Gori, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. 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View location, basic details and map on Explore G... - [Kachaeti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/kachaeti): Discover Kachaeti, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore... - [Kedisubani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/kedisubani): Discover Kedisubani, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explor... - [Kharistvala](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/kharistvala): Discover Kharistvala, a town in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore... - [Khimshi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/khimshi): Discover Khimshi, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore G... - [Khonchiori](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/khonchiori): Discover Khonchiori, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explor... - [Khotevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/khotevi): Discover Khotevi, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore G... - [Khvanchkara](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/khvanchkara): Discover Khvanchkara, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explo... - [Kldisubani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/kldisubani): Discover Kldisubani, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explor... - [Kvatskhuti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/kvatskhuti): Discover Kvatskhuti, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explor... - [Kveda Chqvishi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/kveda-chqvishi): Discover Kveda Chqvishi, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Ex... - [Kveda Ghvardia](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/kveda-ghvardia): Discover Kveda Ghvardia, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Ex... - [Kveda Shavra](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/kveda-shavra): Discover Kveda Shavra, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Expl... - [Kveda Tlughi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/kveda-tlughi): Discover Kveda Tlughi, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Expl... - [Kvemo Krikhi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/kvemo-krikhi): Discover Kvemo Krikhi, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Expl... - [Kvemo Zhoshkha](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/kvemo-zhoshkha): Discover Kvemo Zhoshkha, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Ex... - [Kviriketsminda](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/kviriketsminda): Discover Kviriketsminda, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Ex... - [Kvishari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/kvishari): Discover Kvishari, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore... - [Likheti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/likheti): Discover Likheti, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore G... - [Meore Tola](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/meore-tola): Discover Meore Tola, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explor... - [Motqiari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/motqiari): Discover Motqiari, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore... - [Mukhli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/mukhli): Discover Mukhli, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Ge... - [Namanevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/namanevi): Discover Namanevi, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore... - [Nikortsminda](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/nikortsminda): Discover Nikortsminda, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Expl... - [Patara Chorjo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/patara-chorjo): Discover Patara Chorjo, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Exp... - [Patara Oni](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/patara-oni): Discover Patara Oni, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explor... - [Pirveli Tola](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/pirveli-tola): Discover Pirveli Tola, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Expl... - [Putieti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/putieti): Discover Putieti, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore G... - [Sadmeli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/sadmeli): Discover Sadmeli, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore G... - [Saketsia](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/saketsia): Discover Saketsia, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore... - [Shkhivana](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/shkhivana): Discover Shkhivana, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore... - [Shua Krikhi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/shua-krikhi): Discover Shua Krikhi, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explo... - [Skhartali](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/skhartali): Discover Skhartali, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore... - [Skhvava](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/skhvava): Discover Skhvava, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore G... - [Tbeti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/tbeti): Discover Tbeti, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Geo... - [Tkhmori](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/tkhmori): Discover Tkhmori, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore G... - [Tsakhi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/tsakhi): Discover Tsakhi, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Ge... - [Tsesi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/tsesi): Discover Tsesi, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Geo... - [Tskadisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/tskadisi): Discover Tskadisi, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore... - [Uqeshi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/uqeshi): Discover Uqeshi, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Ge... - [Uravi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/uravi): Discover Uravi, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Geo... - [Velevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/velevi): Discover Velevi, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Ge... - [Zeda Chqvishi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/zeda-chqvishi): Discover Zeda Chqvishi, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Exp... - [Zeda Ghvardia](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/zeda-ghvardia): Discover Zeda Ghvardia, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Exp... - [Zeda Shavra](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/zeda-shavra): Discover Zeda Shavra, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explo... - [Zeda Tlughi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/zeda-tlughi): Discover Zeda Tlughi, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explo... - [Zemo Krikhi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/zemo-krikhi): Discover Zemo Krikhi, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explo... - [Zemo Zhoshkha](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/zemo-zhoshkha): Discover Zemo Zhoshkha, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Exp... - [Znakva](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/racha-lechkhumi-kvemo-svaneti/ambrolauri-municipality/znakva): Discover Znakva, a village in Ambrolauri Municipality, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Ge... ## This page in other languages - [Georgian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ka/municipalitetebi/ambrolauri-municipality) - [Russian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ru/municipalitety/ambrolauri-municipality)