Oni Municipality
Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti
Oni in Upper Racha: historic Oni synagogue, Shovi and Utsera resorts, Ghebi village and Racha National Park. History and routes.
Oni Municipality — overview
MunicipalityHistory
Oni Municipality covers Upper Racha, the north-eastern part of the Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region, with the town of Oni as its administrative centre, at about 830 m above sea level on the left bank of the Rioni River. With about 1,712 km², it is the largest municipality of the region, stretching up to the main ridge of the Greater Caucasus with its glaciers and high passes. Oni borders Lentekhi and Ambrolauri to the west, Sachkhere to the south, the occupied Java district to the south-east and Russia (North Ossetia and Kabardino-Balkaria) to the north and east.
The upper Rioni valley has a long history: finds of Colchian culture from the 6th–3rd centuries BC have been made around Oni, and the town is first mentioned in the chronicles in the 15th century. In the Middle Ages it was part of the Duchy of Racha; after 1810 it came under Russian rule, and from 1846 it was the centre of the Racha district. Oni was one of the towns most affected by the 1991 Racha earthquake.
Oni is known for its historic Jewish community. The Oni Synagogue, built in the late 19th century (most sources give 1895) in Moorish Revival style, is one of the largest in Georgia; it was severely damaged in 1991 and later restored. The municipality also preserves medieval churches, among them Mravaldzali, the Archangel church in Goni and the church of Shromisubani, and high mountain villages such as Ghebi (about 1,350 m), with churches of the 9th–10th centuries, and Glola.
Upper Racha is a land of mineral waters and wild nature. The mountain resort of Shovi, about 24 km from Oni, is known for its carbonated springs and forests, and Utsera, about 11 km from Oni, for its cold carbonic mineral water. Racha National Park, established in 2023 and covering about 50,800 ha in Oni Municipality, protects the forests, alpine meadows and glaciers of the upper Rioni basin.
For travellers, Oni is the gateway to the high mountains of Racha: visit the historic synagogue, relax in Utsera or Shovi, and continue to the remote villages of Ghebi and Glola for hiking towards the glaciers. The region is especially beautiful in summer and early autumn.
FAQ
1) Where is Oni Municipality located?
In Upper Racha, in the north-east of the Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region, bordering Russia.
2) What is the administrative centre?
The town of Oni, on the left bank of the Rioni River at about 830 m.
3) How large is the municipality?
About 1,712 km² — the largest in the region.
4) When is Oni first mentioned?
In the chronicles of the 15th century.
5) What is the Oni Synagogue?
A large late-19th-century synagogue in Moorish Revival style, restored after the 1991 earthquake.
6) What is Shovi?
A mountain resort about 24 km from Oni, known for its carbonated mineral springs.
7) What is Utsera?
A resort about 11 km from Oni with cold carbonic mineral water.
8) When was Racha National Park established?
In 2023, covering about 50,800 ha in Oni Municipality.
9) What is Ghebi?
A high mountain village at about 1,350 m with churches of the 9th–10th centuries.
10) Where can I find official municipal information?
On the municipality’s official website.