Khashuri Municipality
Khashuri in Shida Kartli: Surami fortress and resort, Tsromi church, Lesya Ukrainka museum and the gateway to Borjomi Gorge.
Khashuri Municipality — overview
MunicipalityHistory
Khashuri Municipality lies in the far west of the Shida Kartli region, at the foot of the Likhi (Surami) Range, which divides eastern and western Georgia. Its administrative centre, the town of Khashuri, stands at about 700 m above sea level on the Suramula River, about 91 km from Tbilisi. The municipality covers about 585 km² along the upper Mtkvari valley and borders Kareli to the east and north, Sachkhere to the north, Kharagauli to the west and Borjomi to the south and west.
Khashuri is first mentioned in 1693. Its modern growth came with the railway: a station was founded here in 1872, and the settlement was then called Mikhaylovo, taking the name Khashuri in 1917. It received town status in 1921 and was briefly named Stalinisi in 1928–1934. Today it is an important road and railway junction where the routes to western Georgia and to Borjomi and Samtskhe-Javakheti divide.
The historic heart of the area is Surami, about 4 km from Khashuri at about 740 m, at the entrance to the Borjomi Gorge. Its fortress was heavily fortified in the 12th century, served as a seat of feudal lords, was rebuilt in the 16th–17th centuries and partly demolished in 1745; the legend of the fortress inspired Georgian literature and film. After 1801 Surami developed as a climatic resort, and the Ukrainian poet Lesya Ukrainka spent her last months here, commemorated by a museum.
The municipality also has early medieval heritage: Georgia Travel notes the church of Tsromi, built in 626–634, as one of the important monuments of the area. The forests of the Likhi Range and the mild mountain climate make the area pleasant for walks and short stays.
For travellers, Khashuri is a natural stop on the way between Tbilisi and Kutaisi or before heading into Borjomi Gorge: visit Surami and its fortress, try the famous local bread sold along the road, and continue to Borjomi or over the Rikoti Pass to Imereti.
FAQ
1) Where is Khashuri Municipality located?
In the far west of Shida Kartli, at the foot of the Likhi (Surami) Range.
2) What is the administrative centre?
The town of Khashuri, on the Suramula River, about 91 km from Tbilisi.
3) When is Khashuri first mentioned?
In 1693.
4) What was Khashuri called before?
Mikhaylovo (1872–1917); it was also briefly called Stalinisi in 1928–1934.
5) When did Khashuri become a town?
In 1921.
6) What is Surami?
A historic townlet and climatic resort about 4 km from Khashuri, with a medieval fortress.
7) Who lived in Surami?
The Ukrainian poet Lesya Ukrainka spent her last months there; a museum commemorates her.
8) What is Tsromi?
An early medieval church built in 626–634.
9) Why is Khashuri important for transport?
It is a road and railway junction where routes to western Georgia and to Borjomi divide.
10) Where can I find official municipal information?
On the municipality’s official website.