Martvili Municipality
Martvili in Samegrelo: Martvili Canyon on the Abasha river, Chkondidi Monastery, Askhi karst caves and waterfalls. History and routes.
Martvili Municipality — overview
MunicipalityHistory
Martvili Municipality lies in the east of the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region, with the town of Martvili as its administrative centre, at about 170 m above sea level between the Noghela and Abasha rivers. The municipality covers about 881 km²: in the south a lowland rising from about 60 to 170 m, in the north the limestone Askhi range with karst caves and waterfalls, and the headwaters of the Tekhuri, where the highest point reaches about 3,000 m. Martvili borders Lentekhi to the north, Khoni and Tsageri to the east, Abasha to the south, and Senaki and Chkhorotsku to the west.
Martvili has been a spiritual centre of Samegrelo since the early Middle Ages. The Martvili (Chkondidi) Monastery, on a hill above the town, was founded in the late 7th century and rebuilt in the 10th century by King Giorgi II; it was the seat of the bishops of Chkondidi, the leading church centre of medieval Samegrelo. The town’s historical name was Chqondidi; in the Soviet period it was called Gegechkori (1936–1990), after which the name Martvili was restored.
The best-known natural sight of the municipality is Martvili Canyon on the Abasha River, protected as a natural monument since 2013. The narrow limestone gorge, 50–70 m deep, with emerald water, small waterfalls and lush vegetation, was once a bathing place of the Dadiani princes. Today visitors explore it along walkways and by boat.
The northern uplands of the municipality, part of the Askhi limestone massif, are rich in karst caves, canyons and waterfalls, making Martvili one of the main nature destinations of western Georgia, together with neighbouring Khoni with its Okatse Canyon.
For travellers, Martvili is an easy day trip from Kutaisi or Zugdidi: start with the monastery and its views over the Colchis lowland, take a boat ride in Martvili Canyon, and combine the trip with Okatse Canyon, the Kinchkha waterfall or the Nokalakevi archaeological site nearby.
FAQ
1) Where is Martvili Municipality located?
In the east of the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region, western Georgia.
2) What is the administrative centre?
The town of Martvili, between the Noghela and Abasha rivers at about 170 m.
3) What is Martvili Monastery?
Also called Chkondidi, it was founded in the late 7th century and rebuilt in the 10th century by King Giorgi II.
4) What was Martvili called in the Soviet period?
Gegechkori (1936–1990).
5) Where is Martvili Canyon?
On the Abasha River in Martvili Municipality; it has been a protected natural monument since 2013.
6) How deep is Martvili Canyon?
About 50–70 m.
7) Can you take a boat in Martvili Canyon?
Yes, visitors can explore the canyon by boat as well as on walkways.
8) What is the Askhi range?
A limestone massif in the north with karst caves and waterfalls.
9) How large is the municipality?
About 881 km².
10) Where can I find official municipal information?
On the municipality’s official website.