Gardabani Municipality
Gardabani in Kvemo Kartli: Martkopi Monastery, Gardabani floodplain reserve, Kumisi and Jandari bird lakes. History and routes.
Gardabani Municipality — overview
MunicipalityHistory
Gardabani Municipality lies in the east of the Kvemo Kartli region, along the Mtkvari River south-east of Tbilisi, with the town of Gardabani as its administrative centre — about 34 km from Tbilisi and 10 km from Rustavi, at roughly 300 m above sea level on the Gardabani Plain. The municipality covers more than 1,000 km²: hills and low mountains in the north and north-west, and plains in the south and south-east. It borders Tbilisi and Mtskheta to the north, Sagarejo to the east, Marneuli and Tetritskaro to the west, and Azerbaijan to the south. Its landscape is dotted with lakes, including Kumisi and Jandari.
The area has been inhabited since the Bronze Age. Its most important historic monument is Martkopi Monastery in the hills north of the plain, traditionally associated with St Anton, one of the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers, in the 6th century. After the destruction of Rustavi, the bishops of Rustavi moved their seat here in 1265; the monastery was looted in Timur’s time, fortified with walls in the late 17th century and its main church rebuilt in 1848–1855. In 1918 Catholicos Kyrion II died here. The municipality also preserves the Church of the Virgin in Norio and other medieval churches and monasteries.
The town of Gardabani was formerly the village of Karayazi, which became an administrative centre under Russian rule in the 19th century; a station on the Tiflis–Baku railway opened here in 1883. In 1947 it was renamed Gardabani, and in 1969 it received town status. In the 1960s large thermal power plants were built here, and Gardabani remains an important energy centre of Georgia.
For nature lovers, Gardabani is a surprise. The Gardabani Managed Reserve (established 1996) on the left bank of the Mtkvari protects rare floodplain forests of poplar, willow, elm and oak, home to many bird species and a population of Caucasian red deer. Kumisi Lake is a key stopover for migrating birds, with around 270 recorded species, and Jandari Lake on the border with Azerbaijan is popular for birdwatching and fishing.
For travellers, Gardabani works well as a day trip from Tbilisi: visit Martkopi Monastery and its hilltop views, explore the floodplain forest of the managed reserve and finish with birdwatching at Kumisi or Jandari. Spring and autumn migration seasons are the best time to visit the lakes.
FAQ
1) Where is Gardabani Municipality located?
In the east of Kvemo Kartli, along the Mtkvari River south-east of Tbilisi.
2) What is the administrative centre?
The town of Gardabani, about 34 km from Tbilisi and 10 km from Rustavi.
3) What was Gardabani called before?
Karayazi; it was renamed Gardabani in 1947.
4) When did Gardabani become a town?
In 1969.
5) Is Martkopi Monastery in Gardabani Municipality?
Yes, in the village of Martkopi; it is associated with St Anton, one of the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers.
6) What does the Gardabani Managed Reserve protect?
Floodplain forests of poplar, willow, elm and oak, rich in birds and Caucasian red deer.
7) Why is Kumisi Lake important?
It is a major stopover for migrating birds, with around 270 recorded species.
8) Where is Jandari Lake?
On the border with Azerbaijan; it is known for birdwatching and fishing.
9) What is Gardabani known for in industry?
Its thermal power plants, built from the 1960s.
10) Where can I find official municipal information?
On the municipality’s official website.