Baghdati Municipality
Baghdati in Imereti: Sairme resort, Ajameti reserve, Dimi fortress and Mayakovsky’s birthplace. History, tips and route ideas.
Baghdati Municipality — overview
MunicipalityHistory
Baghdati Municipality lies in the southern part of the Imereti region in western Georgia, with the town of Baghdati as its administrative centre, about 25 km south-east of Kutaisi. The municipality covers about 815 km² and is mostly mountainous: the northern spurs of the Meskheti Range descend here towards the Imereti lowland, and only a small part of the territory is low-lying. The town stands on the left bank of the Khanistskali River, a tributary of the Rioni, whose valley has long served as the natural corridor between the Imereti plain and the forested highlands.
The area has a long history of settlement — Neolithic flint tools have been found here. According to the regional administration, the Dimi (Dimna) fortress on the right bank of the Khanistskali is traditionally attributed to King Parnavaz (4th–3rd century BC), and the fortress of Vartsikhe is mentioned in 6th-century Byzantine sources. Near Vartsikhe lie the ruins of Napalatevi, a royal summer residence of the Imeretian kings. Basilicas from the 9th–10th centuries survive in villages such as Kveda Zegani, Khani and Rokiti.
The name Baghdati appears in written sources from the 17th century. In the 20th century the district became a separate administrative unit; in 1940 the settlement was renamed Mayakovsky in honour of the poet Vladimir Mayakovsky, who was born here in 1893. Baghdati received town status in 1981, and its historical name was restored in 1991. The poet’s family house has operated as the Mayakovsky House-Museum since 1940.
The cultural landscape of the municipality is rich in medieval churches. The regional administration lists among the main monuments the large St George Church of Khani, the churches of Kveda and Zeda Dimi, Persati, Obcha and Vartsikhe, as well as the Dimi fortress. The area is also known for its viticulture: local wines are made from Imeretian grape varieties such as Tsitska, Tsolikouri and Krakhuna.
For travellers, Baghdati combines heritage with nature. The Sairme balneo-climatic resort, set in mountain forests, is known for several types of mineral water and for walking routes. Part of the Ajameti Managed Reserve, shared with Zestafoni Municipality, protects relict forests of Imeretian oak and zelkova. Together with the Mayakovsky museum and the Khanistskali valley, this makes Baghdati an easy excursion from Kutaisi and a quiet base for forest and spa holidays.
FAQ
1) Where is Baghdati Municipality located?
In the southern part of the Imereti region, western Georgia, on the northern slopes of the Meskheti Range.
2) What is the administrative centre?
The town of Baghdati, on the left bank of the Khanistskali River.
3) How large is the municipality?
About 815 km²; most of its territory is mountainous.
4) Who was born in Baghdati?
The poet Vladimir Mayakovsky was born here in 1893; his house is now a museum.
5) Why was Baghdati called Mayakovsky?
The settlement was renamed Mayakovsky in 1940; the historical name was restored in 1991.
6) What is the Dimi fortress?
An ancient fortress on the Khanistskali that tradition attributes to King Parnavaz.
7) What is Sairme?
A balneo-climatic mountain resort in Baghdati Municipality, known for its mineral waters.
8) What does the Ajameti reserve protect?
Relict forests of Imeretian oak and zelkova; the reserve is shared with Zestafoni Municipality.
9) Which wines are typical for the area?
Wines from Imeretian varieties such as Tsitska, Tsolikouri and Krakhuna.
10) Where can I find official municipal information?
On the municipality’s official website.