# Kareli Municipality - URL: https://explore-georgia.ge/en/municipalities/kareli-municipality - Type: municipality - Region: Shida Kartli - Official website: https://kareli.gov.ge ## History Kareli Municipality lies in the west of the **Shida Kartli** region, in the valley of the **Mtkvari River**, with the town of **Kareli** as its administrative centre, at about 620 m above sea level on the right bank of the Mtkvari, some 94 km west of Tbilisi. The municipality covers about **688 km²** of river plains and foothills; it borders Gori to the east, Khashuri to the west and Borjomi to the south, while part of its northern territory has been outside Georgian government control since 1992. In the foothills lies the small **Bateti Lake** (about 1,313 m). The municipality preserves one of the most important ancient cities of Kartli, **Urbnisi**, on the high left bank of the Mtkvari. Settled since the 3rd millennium BC and a city by the 4th century BC, it was captured by the Arab commander Marwan in the 730s. Its large three-nave **Sioni basilica**, an early medieval church rebuilt in later centuries, still stands in the village. Nearby, **Ruisi Cathedral**, first built in the 8th–9th centuries and remodelled in the 10th–11th centuries, was destroyed by Timur in 1400 and restored by King Alexander I in the 15th century. In **1103** King **David IV the Builder** convened here the famous **Council of Ruisi-Urbnisi**, a church council that strengthened the unity of the Georgian state and church. Later, in **1483**, the **Battle of Aradeti** took place on the territory of the municipality during the struggles between the Georgian kingdoms. The town of Kareli is relatively young: it is first mentioned as a village in **1715**, when it belonged to the Tsitsishvili princes, became a district centre in 1939, a township in 1962 and a town in **1981**. The municipality also includes the town of Agara and villages with old churches, such as Breti, where a monastery was founded in the 6th century by one of the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers. For travellers, Kareli is an easy stop on the main highway between Tbilisi and western Georgia: visit the Sioni basilica in Urbnisi and Ruisi Cathedral, explore the riverside villages of the Mtkvari valley and combine them with nearby Gori and Uplistsikhe. ## FAQ **1) Where is Kareli Municipality located?** In the west of Shida Kartli, in the Mtkvari valley. **2) What is the administrative centre?** The town of Kareli, on the right bank of the Mtkvari, about 94 km west of Tbilisi. **3) What is Urbnisi?** An ancient city of Kartli, settled since the 3rd millennium BC, with an early medieval Sioni basilica. **4) What is Ruisi Cathedral?** A cathedral first built in the 8th–9th centuries and restored by King Alexander I after Timur’s destruction. **5) What was the Council of Ruisi-Urbnisi?** A church council convened by David IV the Builder in 1103. **6) When did Kareli become a town?** In 1981; it is first mentioned as a village in 1715. **7) What happened at Aradeti in 1483?** The Battle of Aradeti, fought during the struggles between the Georgian kingdoms. **8) What is Bateti Lake?** A small lake in the foothills at about 1,313 m. **9) Which municipalities border Kareli?** Gori, Khashuri and Borjomi. **10) Where can I find official municipal information?** On the municipality’s official website. ## Sources - [Kareli Municipality — official website](https://kareli.gov.ge) - [Kareli Municipality (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kareli_Municipality) - [Kareli (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kareli,_Georgia) - [Urbnisi (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urbnisi) - [Ruisi Cathedral (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruisi_Cathedral) - [Shida Kartli (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shida_Kartli) ## Settlements - [Abano](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/abano): Discover Abano, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Abisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/abisi): Discover Abisi, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Abisistavi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/abisistavi): Discover Abisistavi, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Abukhalo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/abukhalo): Discover Abukhalo, a abandoned village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Agara](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/agara): Discover Agara, a town in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Akhalsopeli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/akhalsopeli): Discover Akhalsopeli, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Apnisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/apnisi): Discover Apnisi, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Aradeti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/aradeti): Discover Aradeti, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Artsevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/artsevi): Discover Artsevi, a abandoned village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Atotsi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/atotsi): Discover Atotsi, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Avlevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/avlevi): Discover Avlevi, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Bani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/bani): Discover Bani, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Batiuri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/batiuri): Discover Batiuri, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Bebnisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/bebnisi): Discover Bebnisi, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Berdzenauli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/berdzenauli): Discover Berdzenauli, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Bredza](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/bredza): Discover Bredza, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Breti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/breti): Discover Breti, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Bretis Meurneoba](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/bretis-meurneoba): Discover Bretis Meurneoba, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Chandrebi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/chandrebi): Discover Chandrebi, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Chvrinisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/chvrinisi): Discover Chvrinisi, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Dirbi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/dirbi): Discover Dirbi, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Doghlauri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/doghlauri): Discover Doghlauri, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Dvani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/dvani): Discover Dvani, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Dzadzvismonasteri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/dzadzvismonasteri): Discover Dzadzvismonasteri, a abandoned village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgi... - [Dzlevijvari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/dzlevijvari): Discover Dzlevijvari, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Elbakiantkari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/elbakiantkari): Discover Elbakiantkari, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ghogheti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/ghogheti): Discover Ghogheti, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ghvlevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/ghvlevi): Discover Ghvlevi, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Gombori](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/gombori): Discover Gombori, a abandoned village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Gulikaantubani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/gulikaantubani): Discover Gulikaantubani, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Gverdzineti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/gverdzineti): Discover Gverdzineti, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Imerkhevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/imerkhevi): Discover Imerkhevi, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Jagaraantkari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/jagaraantkari): Discover Jagaraantkari, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kekhijvari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/kekhijvari): Discover Kekhijvari, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kheoba](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/kheoba): Discover Kheoba, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kldistavi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/kldistavi): Discover Kldistavi, a abandoned village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kldu](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/kldu): Discover Kldu, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Knolevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/knolevi): Discover Knolevi, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kobesaantubani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/kobesaantubani): Discover Kobesaantubani, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Koda](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/koda): Discover Koda, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kodavardisubani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/kodavardisubani): Discover Kodavardisubani, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kodmani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/kodmani): Discover Kodmani, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Krobani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/krobani): Discover Krobani, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kudatqe](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/kudatqe): Discover Kudatqe, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kvatetri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/kvatetri): Discover Kvatetri, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kvemo Khvedureti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/kvemo-khvedureti): Discover Kvemo Khvedureti, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kvemo Leteti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/kvemo-leteti): Discover Kvemo Leteti, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kvemo Shakshaketi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/kvemo-shakshaketi): Discover Kvemo Shakshaketi, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kvenaplavi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/kvenaplavi): Discover Kvenaplavi, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kvenatkotsa](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/kvenatkotsa): Discover Kvenatkotsa, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Leteti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/leteti): Discover Leteti, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Lisa](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/lisa): Discover Lisa, a abandoned village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Loshkineti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/loshkineti): Discover Loshkineti, a abandoned village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Mekheti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/mekheti): Discover Mekheti, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Miminoskhevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/miminoskhevi): Discover Miminoskhevi, a abandoned village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Mokhisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/mokhisi): Discover Mokhisi, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Mukhileti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/mukhileti): Discover Mukhileti, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Okrosopeli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/okrosopeli): Discover Okrosopeli, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Orbodzala](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/orbodzala): Discover Orbodzala, a abandoned village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ortubani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/ortubani): Discover Ortubani, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ptsa](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/ptsa): Discover Ptsa, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Qintsvisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/qintsvisi): Discover Qintsvisi, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ruisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/ruisi): Discover Ruisi, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sagholasheni](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/sagholasheni): Discover Sagholasheni, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Samtsevrisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/samtsevrisi): Discover Samtsevrisi, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sanebeli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/sanebeli): Discover Sanebeli, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sasireti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/sasireti): Discover Sasireti, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Saterdze](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/saterdze): Discover Saterdze, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Satsikhuri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/satsikhuri): Discover Satsikhuri, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sukanaantubani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/sukanaantubani): Discover Sukanaantubani, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sukiti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/sukiti): Discover Sukiti, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Takhtisdziri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/takhtisdziri): Discover Takhtisdziri, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tamarasheni](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/tamarasheni): Discover Tamarasheni, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tatanaantubani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/tatanaantubani): Discover Tatanaantubani, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tqemala](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/tqemala): Discover Tqemala, a abandoned village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tqemlovana](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/tqemlovana): Discover Tqemlovana, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Trekhvi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/trekhvi): Discover Trekhvi, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tseronisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/tseronisi): Discover Tseronisi, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tsiplovana](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/tsiplovana): Discover Tsiplovana, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tsitelsopeli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/tsitelsopeli): Discover Tsitelsopeli, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tsveri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/tsveri): Discover Tsveri, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Urbnisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/urbnisi): Discover Urbnisi, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Vedreba](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/vedreba): Discover Vedreba, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Vedrebis Nasoplarebi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/vedrebis-nasoplarebi): Discover Vedrebis Nasoplarebi, a abandoned village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Geo... - [Velistsikhe](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/velistsikhe): Discover Velistsikhe, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zemo Khvedureti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/zemo-khvedureti): Discover Zemo Khvedureti, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zemo Leteti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/zemo-leteti): Discover Zemo Leteti, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zemo Shakshaketi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/zemo-shakshaketi): Discover Zemo Shakshaketi, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zghuderi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/shida-kartli/kareli-municipality/zghuderi): Discover Zghuderi, a village in Kareli Municipality, Shida Kartli. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. ## This page in other languages - [Georgian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ka/municipalitetebi/kareli-municipality) - [Russian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ru/municipalitety/kareli-municipality)