# Dmanisi Municipality - URL: https://explore-georgia.ge/en/municipalities/dmanisi-municipality - Type: municipality - Region: Kvemo Kartli - Official website: https://dmanisi.gov.ge ## History Dmanisi Municipality lies in the south-west of the **Kvemo Kartli** region, on the uplands of southern Georgia, with the town of **Dmanisi** as its administrative centre, at about 1,250 m above sea level and roughly 90 km south-west of Tbilisi. The municipality covers about 1,200 km² of low mountain ranges and plateaus, forested in the east; in the west the **Javakheti Range** rises to about 3,000 m. The **Mashavera River** flows through the area. Dmanisi borders Tsalka to the north, Tetritskaro to the north-east, Bolnisi and Ninotsminda municipalities, and **Armenia** to the south. Dmanisi is world-famous for its **hominin fossils**. Since **1991**, excavations at the medieval site have uncovered human remains about **1.8 million years old** — the oldest hominins found outside Africa. Several skulls were recovered between 1991 and 2005, including the remarkably complete **Skull 5**, found in 2005 and published in 2013. The finds changed scientific views on the earliest human migration out of Africa. The **Dmanisi Hominid Archaeological Site** has been on UNESCO’s Tentative List since 2007. The same promontory, at the confluence of the Mashavera and Pinezauri rivers, holds the ruins of the **medieval town of Dmanisi**. First recorded in the 9th century, when it belonged to the Arab emirate of Tbilisi, it was taken by the Seljuks in the 1080s and recaptured for Georgia by **David the Builder** and his son Demetrius I in 1123–1125. Dmanisi flourished as a trade town on caravan routes, but was devastated by Timur in the late 14th century and sacked again in 1486, after which it declined. Its main surviving church, **Dmanisi Sioni**, received a narthex in the early 13th century under King George IV. The site is protected as the **Dmanisi Historical and Architectural Museum-Reserve**, run by the Georgian National Museum, and is open to visitors from May to October. In the 19th century the area was settled by Dukhobors, and the modern settlement was long known as Bashkichet. Today the municipality has more than 190 historical monuments, mostly medieval, and highland lakes such as **Karagoli** and the **Pantiani** reservoir. For travellers, Dmanisi offers a unique combination: the place where humanity’s earliest journey out of Africa is documented, and a medieval city above a dramatic river gorge. Visit the museum-reserve during the summer season, combine it with Bolnisi Sioni on the way from Tbilisi, and enjoy the open landscapes of the southern uplands. ## FAQ **1) Where is Dmanisi Municipality located?** In the south-west of Kvemo Kartli, on the uplands bordering Armenia. **2) What is the administrative centre?** The town of Dmanisi, at about 1,250 m above sea level. **3) Why is Dmanisi famous?** For hominin fossils about 1.8 million years old — the oldest found outside Africa. **4) When were the hominins discovered?** Excavations have yielded hominin remains since 1991; Skull 5 was found in 2005. **5) Is Dmanisi a UNESCO site?** The Dmanisi Hominid Archaeological Site has been on UNESCO’s Tentative List since 2007. **6) What is medieval Dmanisi?** A trade town first recorded in the 9th century, recaptured by David the Builder and Demetrius I in 1123–1125. **7) What is Dmanisi Sioni?** The main church of the medieval town; its narthex was added in the early 13th century. **8) When can the museum-reserve be visited?** It is open to visitors from May to October. **9) Which lakes are in the municipality?** Karagoli and the Pantiani reservoir. **10) Where can I find official municipal information?** On the municipality’s official website. ## Sources - [Dmanisi Municipality — official website](https://dmanisi.gov.ge) - [Dmanisi Municipality (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dmanisi_Municipality) - [Dmanisi (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dmanisi) - [Dmanisi historic site (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dmanisi_historic_site) - [Dmanisi Skull 5 (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dmanisi_skull_5) - [Dmanisi Hominid Archaeological Site — UNESCO Tentative List](https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5225) - [Dmanisi — Georgia Travel](https://georgia.travel/cities-towns/dmanisi) ## Settlements - [Abulmugi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/abulmugi): Discover Abulmugi, a abandoned village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Akha](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/akha): Discover Akha, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Akhali Gedagdaghi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/akhali-gedagdaghi): Discover Akhali Gedagdaghi, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Amamlo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/amamlo): Discover Amamlo, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Angrevani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/angrevani): Discover Angrevani, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Bakhchalari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/bakhchalari): Discover Bakhchalari, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Bazaklo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/bazaklo): Discover Bazaklo, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Boslebi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/boslebi): Discover Boslebi, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Chochiani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/chochiani): Discover Chochiani, a abandoned village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Dagarakhlo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/dagarakhlo): Discover Dagarakhlo, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Dalari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/dalari): Discover Dalari, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Didi Dmanisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/didi-dmanisi): Discover Didi Dmanisi, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Dzveli Gedagdaghi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/dzveli-gedagdaghi): Discover Dzveli Gedagdaghi, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ganakhleba](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/ganakhleba): Discover Ganakhleba, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Gantiadi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/gantiadi): Discover Gantiadi, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Gomareti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/gomareti): Discover Gomareti, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Gora](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/gora): Discover Gora, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Guguti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/guguti): Discover Guguti, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Iaghuplo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/iaghuplo): Discover Iaghuplo, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Iaila](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/iaila): Discover Iaila, a abandoned village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ipnari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/ipnari): Discover Ipnari, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Irganchai](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/irganchai): Discover Irganchai, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Javakhi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/javakhi): Discover Javakhi, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kakliani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/kakliani): Discover Kakliani, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kamarlo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/kamarlo): Discover Kamarlo, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kamishlo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/kamishlo): Discover Kamishlo, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kariani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/kariani): Discover Kariani, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ktsia](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/ktsia): Discover Ktsia, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kvemo Orozmani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/kvemo-orozmani): Discover Kvemo Orozmani, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kvemo Qarabulaghi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/kvemo-qarabulaghi): Discover Kvemo Qarabulaghi, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Lokjandari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/lokjandari): Discover Lokjandari, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Mamishlari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/mamishlari): Discover Mamishlari, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Mamishlo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/mamishlo): Discover Mamishlo, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Mamula](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/mamula): Discover Mamula, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Mashavera](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/mashavera): Discover Mashavera, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Meore Salamaleki](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/meore-salamaleki): Discover Meore Salamaleki, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Mtisdziri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/mtisdziri): Discover Mtisdziri, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ormasheni](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/ormasheni): Discover Ormasheni, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Pantiani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/pantiani): Discover Pantiani, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Patara Dmanisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/patara-dmanisi): Discover Patara Dmanisi, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Pichvebiskhevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/pichvebiskhevi): Discover Pichvebiskhevi, a abandoned village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Pirveli Salamaleki](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/pirveli-salamaleki): Discover Pirveli Salamaleki, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Qizilajlo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/qizilajlo): Discover Qizilajlo, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Qizilkilisa](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/qizilkilisa): Discover Qizilkilisa, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Revazasheni](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/revazasheni): Discover Revazasheni, a abandoned village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. 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View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Shakhmarlo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/shakhmarlo): Discover Shakhmarlo, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Shindlari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/shindlari): Discover Shindlari, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Soghutlo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/soghutlo): Discover Soghutlo, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Taguti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/taguti): Discover Taguti, a abandoned village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. 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View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Vake](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/vake): Discover Vake, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Vardisubani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/vardisubani): Discover Vardisubani, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Velispiri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/velispiri): Discover Velispiri, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zemo Orozmani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/zemo-orozmani): Discover Zemo Orozmani, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zemo Qarabulaghi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/dmanisi-municipality/zemo-qarabulaghi): Discover Zemo Qarabulaghi, a village in Dmanisi Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. ## This page in other languages - [Georgian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ka/municipalitetebi/dmanisi-municipality) - [Russian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ru/municipalitety/dmanisi-municipality)