# Bolnisi Municipality - URL: https://explore-georgia.ge/en/municipalities/bolnisi-municipality - Type: municipality - Region: Kvemo Kartli - Official website: https://bolnisi.gov.ge ## History Bolnisi Municipality lies in the south-west of the **Kvemo Kartli** region, along the valley of the **Mashavera River**, with the town of **Bolnisi** as its administrative centre. The municipality covers about **804 km²**, from the fertile Mashavera valley to the surrounding hills and mountains. It borders Tetritskaro to the north, Marneuli to the east and Dmanisi to the west, and to the south it reaches the state border with **Armenia**. Like much of Kvemo Kartli, it is a multi-ethnic area with Georgian and Azerbaijani communities. Bolnisi is home to one of Georgia’s most important monuments — **Bolnisi Sioni**, a three-nave basilica of tuff built in **478–493**. It is considered the oldest standing church building in Georgia and the first Georgian building with its completion date inscribed on its walls. The **Bolnisi inscriptions**, dated to 493/494 and mentioning Bishop David and the Sasanian king Peroz, are among the oldest known texts in the Georgian alphabet. The church also gave its name to the **Bolnisi cross**, a symbol widely used in Georgia today. The modern town has a distinctive history. In **1818**, Swabian German settlers founded the colony of **Katharinenfeld** here. It was renamed **Luxemburg** in 1921, and after the German residents were deported in 1941, the town received the name **Bolnisi** in **1943**. Many German houses still shape the town’s streets. Other monuments in the municipality include the **Church of the Dormition in Akaurta** and the **Kveshi fortress**. The **Bolnisi Museum**, opened in **2020** and nominated for the European Museum of the Year award in 2021, presents the long history of the area — from the Dmanisi hominins and the ancient gold mining site of Sakdrisi to the medieval heritage and the German colony. For travellers, Bolnisi is an easy day trip from Tbilisi: visit Bolnisi Sioni, walk through the old German quarter, explore the museum and continue to the Dmanisi archaeological site further up the Mashavera valley. The combination of early Christian architecture, archaeology and multicultural history makes Bolnisi a rewarding stop in southern Georgia. ## FAQ **1) Where is Bolnisi Municipality located?** In the south-west of Kvemo Kartli, in the Mashavera River valley, bordering Armenia. **2) What is the administrative centre?** The town of Bolnisi. **3) When was Bolnisi Sioni built?** In 478–493; it is considered the oldest standing church building in Georgia. **4) What are the Bolnisi inscriptions?** Inscriptions dated to 493/494, among the oldest known texts in the Georgian alphabet. **5) What is the Bolnisi cross?** A cross design named after Bolnisi Sioni, widely used as a Georgian symbol. **6) What was Katharinenfeld?** A German colony founded by Swabian settlers in 1818 on the site of present-day Bolnisi. **7) When did the town get the name Bolnisi?** In 1943; earlier it was called Katharinenfeld and Luxemburg. **8) What is the Bolnisi Museum?** A museum opened in 2020, presenting the area’s archaeology and history. **9) Which other monuments are there?** The Church of the Dormition in Akaurta and Kveshi fortress. **10) Where can I find official municipal information?** On the municipality’s official website. ## Sources - [Bolnisi Municipality — official website](https://bolnisi.gov.ge) - [Bolnisi Municipality (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolnisi_Municipality) - [Bolnisi (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolnisi) - [Bolnisi Sioni (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolnisi_Sioni) - [Bolnisi Sioni — Georgia Travel](https://georgia.travel/bolnisi-sioni) - [Bolnisi inscriptions (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolnisi_inscriptions) ## Settlements - [Akaurta](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/akaurta): Discover Akaurta, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Balakhauri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/balakhauri): Discover Balakhauri, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Balichi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/balichi): Discover Balichi, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Bertakari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/bertakari): Discover Bertakari, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Chapala](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/chapala): Discover Chapala, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Chreshi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/chreshi): Discover Chreshi, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Darbazi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/darbazi): Discover Darbazi, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Disveli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/disveli): Discover Disveli, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Dzedzvnariani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/dzedzvnariani): Discover Dzedzvnariani, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Dzveli Kveshi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/dzveli-kveshi): Discover Dzveli Kveshi, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Geta](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/geta): Discover Geta, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Itsria](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/itsria): Discover Itsria, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Javshaniani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/javshaniani): Discover Javshaniani, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kazreti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/kazreti): Discover Kazreti, a town in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khakhalajvari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/khakhalajvari): Discover Khakhalajvari, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khataveti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/khataveti): Discover Khataveti, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khatisopeli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/khatisopeli): Discover Khatisopeli, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khidisquri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/khidisquri): Discover Khidisquri, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kianeti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/kianeti): Discover Kianeti, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kvemo Arkevani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/kvemo-arkevani): Discover Kvemo Arkevani, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kvemo Bolnisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/kvemo-bolnisi): Discover Kvemo Bolnisi, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kveshi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/kveshi): Discover Kveshi, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Mamkhuti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/mamkhuti): Discover Mamkhuti, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Mtsqneti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/mtsqneti): Discover Mtsqneti, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Mukhrana](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/mukhrana): Discover Mukhrana, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Mushevani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/mushevani): Discover Mushevani, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Nakhiduri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/nakhiduri): Discover Nakhiduri, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Parizi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/parizi): Discover Parizi, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Patara Darbazi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/patara-darbazi): Discover Patara Darbazi, a abandoned village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Poladauri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/poladauri): Discover Poladauri, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Potskhveriani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/potskhveriani): Discover Potskhveriani, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Rachisubani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/rachisubani): Discover Rachisubani, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ratevani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/ratevani): Discover Ratevani, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sabereti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/sabereti): Discover Sabereti, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Samtredo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/samtredo): Discover Samtredo, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Samtsevrisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/samtsevrisi): Discover Samtsevrisi, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Savaneti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/savaneti): Discover Savaneti, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Senebi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/senebi): Discover Senebi, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Shua Bolnisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/shua-bolnisi): Discover Shua Bolnisi, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tala](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/tala): Discover Tala, a abandoned village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Talaveri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/talaveri): Discover Talaveri, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tamarisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/tamarisi): Discover Tamarisi, a town in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tandzia](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/tandzia): Discover Tandzia, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tavmrgvala](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/tavmrgvala): Discover Tavmrgvala, a abandoned village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tsipori](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/tsipori): Discover Tsipori, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tsurtavi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/tsurtavi): Discover Tsurtavi, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Vanati](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/vanati): Discover Vanati, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zemo Arkevani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/zemo-arkevani): Discover Zemo Arkevani, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zemo Bolnisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/zemo-bolnisi): Discover Zemo Bolnisi, a abandoned village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zvareti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/bolnisi-municipality/zvareti): Discover Zvareti, a village in Bolnisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. ## This page in other languages - [Georgian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ka/municipalitetebi/bolnisi-municipality) - [Russian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ru/municipalitety/bolnisi-municipality)