# Gulrifshi Municipality - URL: https://explore-georgia.ge/en/municipalities/gulrifshi-municipality - Type: municipality - Region: Abkhazia - Status: currently outside the control of the Georgian government ## History Gulrifshi Municipality lies in the central part of the **Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia**, Georgia, on the **Black Sea** coast south-east of Sokhumi, with the town of **Gulrifshi** as its centre, about 13 km from Sokhumi at roughly 20 m above sea level. The municipality stretches from the coastal lowland inland along the **Kodori River** towards the mountains, and it includes Sokhumi’s Dranda airport. Under Georgian law, the territory has been occupied since the war of 1992–1993 and is not under the control of the Georgian government. The most important historic monument of the area is **Dranda Cathedral**, a cross-domed church whose construction tradition links to a temple built under Emperor Justinian in the 6th century; its exact dating remains debated among scholars, but it is regarded as one of the major early medieval churches of the Black Sea coast. The Kodori valley, which crosses the municipality, has long connected the coast with the high mountains of the Caucasus. In the early 20th century the mild coastal climate attracted health resorts: between 1902 and 1913 the philanthropist Nikolai Smetskoy built sanatoria here for patients with lung diseases, laying the foundations of Gulrifshi as a resort settlement. In the Soviet period the settlement, earlier called Kvemo Gulrifshi, took its present name (1975). The war of 1992–1993 brought heavy fighting and the displacement of most of the ethnic Georgian population of the area. Since then the territory has been occupied; the international community, including the EU and the UN General Assembly, supports Georgia’s territorial integrity and the right of displaced persons to return. Visiting information: under the Law of Georgia on Occupied Territories, entry into Abkhazia is permitted only from the direction of Zugdidi Municipality, and the crossing is currently restricted; many governments advise against travel to the region. This page presents the history and heritage of Gulrifshi for reference. ## FAQ **1) Where is Gulrifshi Municipality located?** In central Abkhazia, Georgia, on the Black Sea coast south-east of Sokhumi. **2) What is the status of the territory?** Under Georgian law it is occupied territory, not controlled by the Georgian government since 1992–1993. **3) What is the centre?** The town of Gulrifshi, about 13 km from Sokhumi. **4) What is Dranda Cathedral?** A cross-domed early medieval church traditionally linked to a 6th-century temple of Emperor Justinian. **5) Which river crosses the municipality?** The Kodori River. **6) Why did Gulrifshi become a resort?** Sanatoria for lung patients were built there in 1902–1913. **7) What was Gulrifshi called before?** Kvemo Gulrifshi; the present name dates from 1975. **8) Is Sokhumi airport in the municipality?** Yes, the Dranda airport of Sokhumi lies within it. **9) Can Gulrifshi be visited?** Entry is permitted only from the Zugdidi direction and is currently restricted; many governments advise against travel. **10) Where can I find official information?** On the website of the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia. ## Sources - [Government of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia](https://abkhazia.gov.ge/) - [Gulrifshi (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulripshi) - [Gulrifshi — Georgian Encyclopedia](https://georgianencyclopedia.ge/en/form_eng/597) - [Gulrifshi District (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulripshi_District) - [Dranda Cathedral (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dranda_Cathedral) - [Kodori (river) (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kodori_%28river%29) ## Settlements - [Ablukhvara](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/ablukhvara): Discover Ablukhvara, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Achandara](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/achandara): Discover Achandara, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Agishi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/agishi): Discover Agishi, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Aleksandrovka](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/aleksandrovka): Discover Aleksandrovka, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Amtqeli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/amtqeli): Discover Amtqeli, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Amzara](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/amzara): Discover Amzara, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Arasara](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/arasara): Discover Arasara, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Arghunia](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/arghunia): Discover Arghunia, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Atarbekovka](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/atarbekovka): Discover Atarbekovka, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Azanta](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/azanta): Discover Azanta, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Babushara](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/babushara): Discover Babushara, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Baghmarani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/baghmarani): Discover Baghmarani, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Buduki](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/buduki): Discover Buduki, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Chala](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/chala): Discover Chala, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Chernigovka Ganakhlebis Temi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/chernigovka-ganakhlebis-temi): Discover Chernigovka Ganakhlebis Temi, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgi... - [Chernigovka Merkheulis Temi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/chernigovka-merkheulis-temi): Discover Chernigovka Merkheulis Temi, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia... - [Dranda](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/dranda): Discover Dranda, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Estonka](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/estonka): Discover Estonka, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ganakhleba](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/ganakhleba): Discover Ganakhleba, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Georgievskoe](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/georgievskoe): Discover Georgievskoe, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Gergemishi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/gergemishi): Discover Gergemishi, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ghurzuli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/ghurzuli): Discover Ghurzuli, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Gulrifshi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/gulrifshi): Discover Gulrifshi, a town in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Jampali](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/jampali): Discover Jampali, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kadari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/kadari): Discover Kadari, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kelasuri 1](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/kelasuri-1): Discover Kelasuri 1, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kelasuri 2](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/kelasuri-2): Discover Kelasuri 2, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kelasuri Macharis Temi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/kelasuri-macharis-temi): Discover Kelasuri Macharis Temi, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khizarukha](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/khizarukha): Discover Khizarukha, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khumushkuri Ganakhlebis Temi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/khumushkuri-ganakhlebis-temi): Discover Khumushkuri Ganakhlebis Temi, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgi... - [Khumushkuri Vladimirovkis Temi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/khumushkuri-vladimirovkis-temi): Discover Khumushkuri Vladimirovkis Temi, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Geor... - [Kirnati](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/kirnati): Discover Kirnati, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kvemo Apiancha](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/kvemo-apiancha): Discover Kvemo Apiancha, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kvemo Merkheuli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/kvemo-merkheuli): Discover Kvemo Merkheuli, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kvemo Pshapi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/kvemo-pshapi): Discover Kvemo Pshapi, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kvemo Tsqaro](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/kvemo-tsqaro): Discover Kvemo Tsqaro, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kvenobani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/kvenobani): Discover Kvenobani, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Lata](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/lata): Discover Lata, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Machara](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/machara): Discover Machara, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Marani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/marani): Discover Marani, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Mardakhuchi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/mardakhuchi): Discover Mardakhuchi, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Meore Bagazhiashta](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/meore-bagazhiashta): Discover Meore Bagazhiashta, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Merkheuli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/merkheuli): Discover Merkheuli, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Metelevka](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/metelevka): Discover Metelevka, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Miasnikovka](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/miasnikovka): Discover Miasnikovka, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Mramba](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/mramba): Discover Mramba, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Mziseuli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/mziseuli): Discover Mziseuli, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Naa](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/naa): Discover Naa, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ojibina](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/ojibina): Discover Ojibina, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Oktomberi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/oktomberi): Discover Oktomberi, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Panta](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/panta): Discover Panta, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Parnauti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/parnauti): Discover Parnauti, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Pirveli Bagazhiashta](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/pirveli-bagazhiashta): Discover Pirveli Bagazhiashta, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Poltava Aleksandrovskoe](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/poltava-aleksandrovskoe): Discover Poltava Aleksandrovskoe, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Pshapi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/pshapi): Discover Pshapi, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Qada](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/qada): Discover Qada, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Qorasi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/qorasi): Discover Qorasi, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Shaumianovka](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/shaumianovka): Discover Shaumianovka, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Shmati](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/shmati): Discover Shmati, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Shuamta](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/shuamta): Discover Shuamta, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tekhi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/tekhi): Discover Tekhi, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tkhubuni](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/tkhubuni): Discover Tkhubuni, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tsebelda](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/tsebelda): Discover Tsebelda, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tsiplovani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/tsiplovani): Discover Tsiplovani, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Varcha](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/varcha): Discover Varcha, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Veli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/veli): Discover Veli, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Vladimirovka](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/vladimirovka): Discover Vladimirovka, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zegani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/zegani): Discover Zegani, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zemo Apiancha](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/zemo-apiancha): Discover Zemo Apiancha, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zemo Gulrifshi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/zemo-gulrifshi): Discover Zemo Gulrifshi, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zemo Lata](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/zemo-lata): Discover Zemo Lata, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zemo Machara](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/zemo-machara): Discover Zemo Machara, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zemo Pshapi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/zemo-pshapi): Discover Zemo Pshapi, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zemo Tsqaro](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/zemo-tsqaro): Discover Zemo Tsqaro, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zenobani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/abkhazia/gulrifshi-municipality/zenobani): Discover Zenobani, a village in Gulrifshi Municipality, Abkhazia. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. ## This page in other languages - [Georgian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ka/municipalitetebi/gulrifshi-municipality) - [Russian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ru/municipalitety/gulrifshi-municipality)