# Gardabani Municipality
- URL: https://explore-georgia.ge/en/municipalities/gardabani-municipality
- Type: municipality
- Region: Kvemo Kartli
- Official website: https://gardabani.gov.ge

## History

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.

## Sources

- [Gardabani Municipality — official website](https://gardabani.gov.ge)
- [Gardabani Municipality (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gardabani_Municipality)
- [Gardabani (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gardabani)
- [Martkopi Monastery (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martkopi_Monastery)
- [Gardabani Managed Reserve (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gardabani_Managed_Reserve)
- [Kumisi Lake (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kumisi_Lake)
- [Jandari Lake (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jandari_Lake)

## Settlements

- [Aghtakla](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/gardabani-municipality/aghtakla): Discover Aghtakla, a village in Gardabani Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Akhali Kumisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/gardabani-municipality/akhali-kumisi): Discover Akhali Kumisi, a village in Gardabani Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Akhali Samgori](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/gardabani-municipality/akhali-samgori): Discover Akhali Samgori, a village in Gardabani Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Akhalsheni](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/gardabani-municipality/akhalsheni): Discover Akhalsheni, a village in Gardabani Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Akhalsopeli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/gardabani-municipality/akhalsopeli): Discover Akhalsopeli, a village in Gardabani Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Akhaltsqali](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/gardabani-municipality/akhaltsqali): Discover Akhaltsqali, a village in Gardabani Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Ambartapa](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/gardabani-municipality/ambartapa): Discover Ambartapa, a village in Gardabani Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Birliki](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/gardabani-municipality/birliki): Discover Birliki, a village in Gardabani Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Gamarjveba](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/gardabani-municipality/gamarjveba): Discover Gamarjveba, a village in Gardabani Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Gamarjveba 1](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/gardabani-municipality/gamarjveba-1): Discover Gamarjveba 1, a village in Gardabani Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Jandari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/gardabani-municipality/jandari): Discover Jandari, a village in Gardabani Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Kalinino](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/gardabani-municipality/kalinino): Discover Kalinino, a village in Gardabani Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Kesalo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/gardabani-municipality/kesalo): Discover Kesalo, a village in Gardabani Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Krtsanisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/gardabani-municipality/krtsanisi): Discover Krtsanisi, a village in Gardabani Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Kumisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/gardabani-municipality/kumisi): Discover Kumisi, a village in Gardabani Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Kvemo Kvishiani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/gardabani-municipality/kvemo-kvishiani): Discover Kvemo Kvishiani, a village in Gardabani Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Kvemo Teleti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/gardabani-municipality/kvemo-teleti): Discover Kvemo Teleti, a village in Gardabani Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Lemshveniera](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/gardabani-municipality/lemshveniera): Discover Lemshveniera, a village in Gardabani Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Martqopi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/gardabani-municipality/martqopi): Discover Martqopi, a village in Gardabani Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Mtisdziri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/gardabani-municipality/mtisdziri): Discover Mtisdziri, a village in Gardabani Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Mughanlo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/gardabani-municipality/mughanlo): Discover Mughanlo, a village in Gardabani Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Mukhran Teleti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/gardabani-municipality/mukhran-teleti): Discover Mukhran Teleti, a village in Gardabani Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Mukhrovani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/gardabani-municipality/mukhrovani): Discover Mukhrovani, a village in Gardabani Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Mzianeti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/gardabani-municipality/mzianeti): Discover Mzianeti, a village in Gardabani Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Nagebi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/gardabani-municipality/nagebi): Discover Nagebi, a village in Gardabani Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Nazarlo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/gardabani-municipality/nazarlo): Discover Nazarlo, a village in Gardabani Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Norio](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/gardabani-municipality/norio): Discover Norio, a village in Gardabani Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Poladaantkari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/gardabani-municipality/poladaantkari): Discover Poladaantkari, a village in Gardabani Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Qarajalari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/gardabani-municipality/qarajalari): Discover Qarajalari, a village in Gardabani Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Qaratakla](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/gardabani-municipality/qaratakla): Discover Qaratakla, a village in Gardabani Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Saakadze](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/gardabani-municipality/saakadze): Discover Saakadze, a village in Gardabani Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Sartichala](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/gardabani-municipality/sartichala): Discover Sartichala, a village in Gardabani Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Satskhenisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/gardabani-municipality/satskhenisi): Discover Satskhenisi, a village in Gardabani Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Tazakendi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/gardabani-municipality/tazakendi): Discover Tazakendi, a village in Gardabani Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Teleti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/gardabani-municipality/teleti): Discover Teleti, a village in Gardabani Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Tsalasquri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/gardabani-municipality/tsalasquri): Discover Tsalasquri, a village in Gardabani Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Vakhtangisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/gardabani-municipality/vakhtangisi): Discover Vakhtangisi, a village in Gardabani Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Vaziani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/gardabani-municipality/vaziani): Discover Vaziani, a village in Gardabani Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Zemo Kvishiani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/gardabani-municipality/zemo-kvishiani): Discover Zemo Kvishiani, a village in Gardabani Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Zemo Teleti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kvemo-kartli/gardabani-municipality/zemo-teleti): Discover Zemo Teleti, a village in Gardabani Municipality, Kvemo Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.

## This page in other languages

- [Georgian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ka/municipalitetebi/gardabani-municipality)
- [Russian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ru/municipalitety/gardabani-municipality)