Lentekhi Municipality
Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti
Lentekhi in Lower Svaneti: Svan towers, medieval churches, the Dadiani palace complex and the Tskhenistskali valley. History and routes.
Lentekhi Municipality — overview
MunicipalityHistory
Lentekhi Municipality covers Lower (Kvemo) Svaneti, in the north of the Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region, with the townlet of Lentekhi as its administrative centre, at about 760 m above sea level on the Tskhenistskali River at the foot of the Svaneti Range, about 102 km from Kutaisi. The municipality covers about 1,344 km² of deep valleys and high mountains; its highest peak, Ailama, reaches 4,544 m. The Tskhenistskali and its tributaries — the Kheledula, Laskadura and Zeskho — drain the area. Lentekhi borders Mestia and Russia to the north, Oni and Ambrolauri to the east, Tsageri to the south, and Martvili and Tskaltubo to the west.
In antiquity the area belonged to Colchis and later to Egrisi. In the Middle Ages Lower Svaneti was ruled by the Gelovani princes and later came under the Dadiani of Mingrelia, becoming known as “Svaneti of the Dadianis”; the Dadiani fortified palace complex still stands in Lentekhi. In the Soviet period Lentekhi became the centre of Lower Svaneti (1929) and received the status of a townlet in 1969.
Like Upper Svaneti, the valleys of Lentekhi are dotted with defensive Svan towers and small medieval churches decorated with frescoes. Among them are the churches of St George in Jgëræg (10th century), the Archangel church in Thargizel (9th–10th centuries) and the church of Tekali (10th–11th centuries). The villages of the Choluri community, such as Tekali, Tvibi and Sakdari, preserve towers and churches in a traditional mountain setting.
The area is rich in nature: forested gorges, alpine meadows and glaciers on the slopes of the main Caucasus range. The Muashi climatic and balneological resort is known for its mineral waters. Because it lies off the main tourist routes, Lower Svaneti keeps an authentic, quiet atmosphere.
For travellers, Lentekhi is a gateway to off-the-beaten-path Svaneti: drive up the Tskhenistskali valley from Tsageri, explore the towers and churches of Choluri and other communities, and hike into the high valleys. Experienced travellers can continue in summer over the mountain road towards Upper Svaneti.
FAQ
1) Where is Lentekhi Municipality located?
In Lower Svaneti, in the north of the Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region.
2) What is the administrative centre?
The townlet of Lentekhi, on the Tskhenistskali River at about 760 m.
3) How large is the municipality?
About 1,344 km².
4) What is the highest peak?
Ailama, 4,544 m.
5) Who ruled Lower Svaneti?
The Gelovani princes and later the Dadiani of Mingrelia.
6) Are there Svan towers in Lentekhi?
Yes, defensive Svan towers stand in many villages, including those of the Choluri community.
7) Which old churches can be visited?
St George in Jgëræg (10th century), the Archangel church in Thargizel and the church of Tekali.
8) What is Muashi?
A climatic and balneological resort in the municipality.
9) Which rivers flow through Lentekhi?
The Tskhenistskali and its tributaries Kheledula, Laskadura and Zeskho.
10) Where can I find official municipal information?
On the municipality’s official website.