# Martvili Municipality - URL: https://explore-georgia.ge/en/municipalities/martvili-municipality - Type: municipality - Region: Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti - Official website: https://martvili.gov.ge ## History 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. ## Sources - [Martvili Municipality — official website](https://martvili.gov.ge) - [Martvili Municipality (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martvili_Municipality) - [Martvili (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martvili) - [Martvili Monastery (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martvili_Monastery) - [Martvili Canyon — Agency of Protected Areas](https://nationalparks.ge/en/site/martvilicanyon) - [Gachedili Canyon Natural Monument (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gachedili_Canyon_Natural_Monument) ## Settlements - [Abedati](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/abedati): Discover Abedati, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Alerti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/alerti): Discover Alerti, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Bandza](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/bandza): Discover Bandza, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Boboti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/boboti): Discover Boboti, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Chaburta](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/chaburta): Discover Chaburta, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Dghvana](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/dghvana): Discover Dghvana, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Didi Chqoni](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/didi-chqoni): Discover Didi Chqoni, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Didi Inchkhuri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/didi-inchkhuri): Discover Didi Inchkhuri, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia... - [Doberazeni](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/doberazeni): Discover Doberazeni, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Doshaqe](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/doshaqe): Discover Doshaqe, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Etseri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/etseri): Discover Etseri, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Gachedili](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/gachedili): Discover Gachedili, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Godogani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/godogani): Discover Godogani, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Jolevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/jolevi): Discover Jolevi, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kurzu](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/kurzu): Discover Kurzu, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kvemo Khuntsi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/kvemo-khuntsi): Discover Kvemo Khuntsi, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kvemo Nagvazavo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/kvemo-nagvazavo): Discover Kvemo Nagvazavo, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgi... - [Lebache](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/lebache): Discover Lebache, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Lebarde](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/lebarde): Discover Lebarde, a resort in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ledgebe](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/ledgebe): Discover Ledgebe, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Legulordave](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/legulordave): Discover Legulordave, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Lekajaie](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/lekajaie): Discover Lekajaie, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Lekekele](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/lekekele): Discover Lekekele, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Lekhaindravo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/lekhaindravo): Discover Lekhaindravo, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Lekobale](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/lekobale): Discover Lekobale, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Lekvantalie](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/lekvantalie): Discover Lekvantalie, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Lemikave](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/lemikave): Discover Lemikave, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Lepatarave](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/lepatarave): Discover Lepatarave, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Lepochkhue](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/lepochkhue): Discover Lepochkhue, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Leskhulukhe](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/leskhulukhe): Discover Leskhulukhe, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Letsave](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/letsave): Discover Letsave, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Letsitskhvaie](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/letsitskhvaie): Discover Letsitskhvaie, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Levakhane](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/levakhane): Discover Levakhane, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Lezhvanie](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/lezhvanie): Discover Lezhvanie, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Makhati](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/makhati): Discover Makhati, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Meore Balda](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/meore-balda): Discover Meore Balda, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Meore Gurdzemi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/meore-gurdzemi): Discover Meore Gurdzemi, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia... - [Meore Kitsia](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/meore-kitsia): Discover Meore Kitsia, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Mesame Balda](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/mesame-balda): Discover Mesame Balda, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Mukhurcha](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/mukhurcha): Discover Mukhurcha, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Nageberavo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/nageberavo): Discover Nageberavo, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Najakhavo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/najakhavo): Discover Najakhavo, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Nakhunavo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/nakhunavo): Discover Nakhunavo, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Nakhurtsilavo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/nakhurtsilavo): Discover Nakhurtsilavo, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Namikolavo Meore](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/namikolavo-meore): Discover Namikolavo Meore, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georg... - [Namikolavo Pirveli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/namikolavo-pirveli): Discover Namikolavo Pirveli, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Geo... - [Nobulevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/nobulevi): Discover Nobulevi, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Nogha](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/nogha): Discover Nogha, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Nojikhevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/nojikhevi): Discover Nojikhevi, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Oche](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/oche): Discover Oche, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Onoghia](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/onoghia): Discover Onoghia, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Orka](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/orka): Discover Orka, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Patara Inchkhuri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/patara-inchkhuri): Discover Patara Inchkhuri, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georg... - [Patara Oche](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/patara-oche): Discover Patara Oche, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Patara Tamakoni](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/patara-tamakoni): Discover Patara Tamakoni, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgi... - [Patara Zhinota](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/patara-zhinota): Discover Patara Zhinota, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia... - [Pirveli Balda](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/pirveli-balda): Discover Pirveli Balda, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Pirveli Gurdzemi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/pirveli-gurdzemi): Discover Pirveli Gurdzemi, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georg... - [Pirveli Kitsia](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/pirveli-kitsia): Discover Pirveli Kitsia, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia... - [Saberulavo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/saberulavo): Discover Saberulavo, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Salkhino](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/salkhino): Discover Salkhino, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sanachqebio](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/sanachqebio): Discover Sanachqebio, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sergieti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/sergieti): Discover Sergieti, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Skurdi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/skurdi): Discover Skurdi, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Stepasdabali](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/stepasdabali): Discover Stepasdabali, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Taleri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/taleri): Discover Taleri, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tamakoni](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/tamakoni): Discover Tamakoni, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Targameuli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/targameuli): Discover Targameuli, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tsachkhuri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/tsachkhuri): Discover Tsachkhuri, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tsinakverkve](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/tsinakverkve): Discover Tsinakverkve, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Vakha](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/vakha): Discover Vakha, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Vedidkari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/vedidkari): Discover Vedidkari, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zemo Khuntsi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/zemo-khuntsi): Discover Zemo Khuntsi, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zemo Nagvazavo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/zemo-nagvazavo): Discover Zemo Nagvazavo, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia... - [Zhinota](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/martvili-municipality/zhinota): Discover Zhinota, a village in Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. ## This page in other languages - [Georgian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ka/municipalitetebi/martvili-municipality) - [Russian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ru/municipalitety/martvili-municipality)