Marneuli Municipality
Marneuli in Kvemo Kartli: Neolithic Shulaveri and Gadachrili Gora, cradle of winemaking, Tserakvi and Khujabi monasteries. History.
Marneuli Municipality — overview
MunicipalityHistory
Marneuli Municipality lies in the south of the Kvemo Kartli region, on the plains south of Tbilisi, with the town of Marneuli as its administrative centre, about 20 km south of the capital on the Algeti River. The municipality covers about 935 km² of lowland and hills; the Mtkvari forms its eastern border, and the Khrami and Algeti rivers flow through it. Marneuli borders Tetritskaro to the north, Gardabani to the north-east and Bolnisi to the west, and in the south it reaches the state borders with Azerbaijan and Armenia. It is one of Georgia’s most multi-ethnic municipalities, with a large Azerbaijani community.
The plains of Marneuli are among the oldest farming landscapes in the world. Settlements of the Neolithic Shulaveri–Shomu culture (about 7th–6th millennia BC), including Shulaveri and Gadachrili Gora, lie in the municipality. At Gadachrili Gora, researchers found evidence of grape cultivation and winemaking dating to around 6000 BC — among the earliest known in the world, which makes the area a key part of Georgia’s 8,000-year wine story.
In later history the region was part of the borderlands of the Georgian kingdoms. The town was historically known as Borchalo and was renamed Marneuli in 1947. Medieval monuments in the municipality include the Tserakvi and Khujabi monasteries, the Tsopi fortress near Sadakhlo, the Shulaveri fortress, the church at Khojorni and the Binadzori complex.
Part of the Gardabani Managed Reserve, which protects floodplain forests along the Mtkvari, lies within the municipality. Marneuli is also one of Georgia’s main agricultural areas, known for vegetables and fruit grown on its irrigated plains, and its markets are among the busiest in the region.
For travellers, Marneuli is an easy trip from Tbilisi for anyone interested in archaeology and the origins of wine, and for experiencing the colourful multicultural life of Kvemo Kartli — its bazaars, cuisine and traditions. Combine it with a visit to Bolnisi Sioni and the Dmanisi archaeological site for a full day in southern Georgia.
FAQ
1) Where is Marneuli Municipality located?
In the south of Kvemo Kartli, about 20 km south of Tbilisi.
2) What is the administrative centre?
The town of Marneuli, on the Algeti River.
3) Which countries does it border?
Azerbaijan and Armenia, to the south.
4) What was Marneuli called before?
Borchalo; it was renamed Marneuli in 1947.
5) What is Shulaveri–Shomu culture?
A Neolithic culture of the 7th–6th millennia BC; its sites Shulaveri and Gadachrili Gora lie in Marneuli Municipality.
6) Why is Gadachrili Gora important?
It has evidence of winemaking from around 6000 BC, among the earliest known in the world.
7) Is part of the Gardabani Managed Reserve in Marneuli?
Yes, part of the reserve, which protects floodplain forests along the Mtkvari, lies in the municipality.
8) Which medieval monuments are there?
Tserakvi and Khujabi monasteries, Tsopi and Shulaveri fortresses and the church at Khojorni.
9) Which rivers flow through the municipality?
The Mtkvari (on the eastern border), Khrami and Algeti.
10) Where can I find official municipal information?
On the municipality’s official website.
