# Ozurgeti Municipality
- URL: https://explore-georgia.ge/en/municipalities/ozurgeti-municipality
- Type: municipality
- Region: Guria
- Official website: https://ozurgeti.mun.gov.ge

## History

Ozurgeti Municipality lies in **Guria**, western Georgia, and is organised around its administrative centre, the **city of Ozurgeti**. What makes the municipality distinctive is its “two-landscape” geography: to the west it reaches the **Black Sea** and the lowlands of the wider Kolkheti area, while to the south and east it rises into the forested slopes and highland zone of the **Adjara–Guria mountain ridge**. This combination has shaped settlement patterns, local economy, and mobility for centuries—valleys and river corridors connect the inland highlands with coastal areas, making the territory both habitable and traversable rather than isolated.

Historically, Ozurgeti and its surroundings are closely linked to the political and cultural space of the **Principality of Guria**. Regional sources note that Ozurgeti was founded in the late Middle Ages and is first mentioned by name in **1578**. Later developments strengthened its role as a regional hub: it received city status in **1846**, and by the late 19th–early 20th centuries it had developed civic and infrastructural functions that reflected its growing administrative and economic importance for Guria.

One of the most significant early historical sites in the municipality is the **Vashnari** archaeological complex, located a short distance west of Ozurgeti. Regional descriptions connect Vashnari to the period between the **5th and 7th centuries**, and excavations have revealed fortification elements and early Christian structures. In local historical narratives, Vashnari often serves as a marker of early urban life and Christian heritage in Guria, highlighting that the area’s cultural layers are far older than the modern townscape.

The medieval cultural landscape is also represented by a network of monasteries, churches, and fortifications across valleys and ridgelines. Sources commonly mention **Shemokmedi Monastery**, **Jumati Monastery**, the **Likhauri** complex, and **Askana Fortress** among key landmarks. Together, these monuments illustrate the intertwined religious, defensive, and administrative functions that shaped life in Guria’s heartland through the medieval and early modern eras.

In the present day, Ozurgeti Municipality’s tourism identity draws directly from its mixed geography. On the coastal side, the municipality includes **Ureki**, a seaside resort known for sandy beaches and a long summer season. In the highland zone, **Gomismta** is a mountain climatic summer resort often nicknamed the “Resort in the Clouds”; sources describe elevations roughly in the **2,100–2,755 m** range and point to nearby natural highlights such as **Chinchao Lake**. This makes Ozurgeti a rare destination in Guria where visitors can combine seaside relaxation with alpine views, forest routes, and cultural heritage within one municipal area.

## FAQ

**1) Where is Ozurgeti Municipality located?**
In Guria, western Georgia; it borders the Black Sea to the west and rises toward the Adjara–Guria ridge to the south.

**2) What is the administrative centre?**
Ozurgeti city.

**3) When is Ozurgeti first mentioned in sources?**
Regional sources cite a first mention in 1578.

**4) What is Vashnari?**
An archaeological/fortified site near Ozurgeti, associated mainly with the 5th–7th centuries.

**5) Which medieval monuments are most often highlighted?**
Shemokmedi and Jumati monasteries, Likhauri complex, and Askana Fortress are frequently listed.

**6) Is Ureki part of Ozurgeti Municipality?**
Yes—Ureki is described as a seaside resort in Guria’s Ozurgeti Municipality.

**7) What is Gomismta known for?**
A high-mountain summer climatic resort, often called the “Resort in the Clouds.”

**8) What is Chinchao Lake associated with?**
It is commonly referenced together with the Gomismta highland area as a scenic alpine highlight.

**9) What tourism styles fit Ozurgeti Municipality best?**
Seaside vacations (Ureki), plus nature trips, panoramic viewpoints, and cultural heritage routes inland and in the highlands.

**10) Where can I find official municipal information?**
On the municipality’s official website.

## Sources

- [Ozurgeti Municipality — official website](https://ozurgeti.mun.gov.ge/)
- [Ozurgeti Municipality (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozurgeti_Municipality)
- [Ozurgeti Municipality — Guria regional portal (About)](https://guria.gov.ge/eng/static/179)
- [Vashnari ruins — Guria regional portal](https://guria.gov.ge/eng/static/263)
- [Gomismta — Georgia Travel](https://georgia.travel/gomismta)
- [Ureki — Georgian Travel Guide](https://georgiantravelguide.com/en/ureki)

## Settlements

- [Achi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/achi): Discover Achi, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Akhalsopeli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/akhalsopeli): Discover Akhalsopeli, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Askana](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/askana): Discover Askana, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Baghdadi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/baghdadi): Discover Baghdadi, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Baileti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/baileti): Discover Baileti, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Bogili](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/bogili): Discover Bogili, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Bokhvauri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/bokhvauri): Discover Bokhvauri, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Chakhvata](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/chakhvata): Discover Chakhvata, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Chala](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/chala): Discover Chala, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Chanieti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/chanieti): Discover Chanieti, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Chanieturi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/chanieturi): Discover Chanieturi, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Dabali Etseri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/dabali-etseri): Discover Dabali Etseri, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Dvabzu](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/dvabzu): Discover Dvabzu, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Dzirijumati](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/dzirijumati): Discover Dzirijumati, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Gaghma Dvabzu](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/gaghma-dvabzu): Discover Gaghma Dvabzu, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Gantiadi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/gantiadi): Discover Gantiadi, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Gogieti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/gogieti): Discover Gogieti, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Gomi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/gomi): Discover Gomi, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Gomismta](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/gomismta): Discover Gomismta, a resort in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Gonebiskari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/gonebiskari): Discover Gonebiskari, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Gurianta](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/gurianta): Discover Gurianta, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Ianeti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/ianeti): Discover Ianeti, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Jumati](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/jumati): Discover Jumati, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Kakuti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/kakuti): Discover Kakuti, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Khrialeti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/khrialeti): Discover Khrialeti, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Khvarbeti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/khvarbeti): Discover Khvarbeti, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Konchkati](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/konchkati): Discover Konchkati, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Kvachalati](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/kvachalati): Discover Kvachalati, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Kveda Bakhvi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/kveda-bakhvi): Discover Kveda Bakhvi, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Kveda Dzimiti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/kveda-dzimiti): Discover Kveda Dzimiti, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Kveda Nasakirali](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/kveda-nasakirali): Discover Kveda Nasakirali, a town in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Kvemo Makvaneti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/kvemo-makvaneti): Discover Kvemo Makvaneti, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Kvemo Natanebi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/kvemo-natanebi): Discover Kvemo Natanebi, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Kviriketi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/kviriketi): Discover Kviriketi, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Laituri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/laituri): Discover Laituri, a town in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Likhauri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/likhauri): Discover Likhauri, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Maghali Etseri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/maghali-etseri): Discover Maghali Etseri, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Melekeduri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/melekeduri): Discover Melekeduri, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Meria](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/meria): Discover Meria, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Motsvnari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/motsvnari): Discover Motsvnari, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Mshvidobauri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/mshvidobauri): Discover Mshvidobauri, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Mtispiri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/mtispiri): Discover Mtispiri, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Mziani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/mziani): Discover Mziani, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Naghobilevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/naghobilevi): Discover Naghobilevi, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Nagomari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/nagomari): Discover Nagomari, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Naruja](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/naruja): Discover Naruja, a town in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Nasakirali](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/nasakirali): Discover Nasakirali, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Niabauri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/niabauri): Discover Niabauri, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Okroskedi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/okroskedi): Discover Okroskedi, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Ormeti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/ormeti): Discover Ormeti, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Ozurgeti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/ozurgeti-sofeli): Discover Ozurgeti, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Pampaleti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/pampaleti): Discover Pampaleti, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Shekvetili](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/shekvetili): Discover Shekvetili, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Shemokmedi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/shemokmedi): Discover Shemokmedi, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Shroma](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/shroma): Discover Shroma, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Shua Isnari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/shua-isnari): Discover Shua Isnari, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Silauri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/silauri): Discover Silauri, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Tkhinvali](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/tkhinvali): Discover Tkhinvali, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Tsikhisperdi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/tsikhisperdi): Discover Tsikhisperdi, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Tsitelmta](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/tsitelmta): Discover Tsitelmta, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Tskhemliskhidi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/tskhemliskhidi): Discover Tskhemliskhidi, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Ukanava](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/ukanava): Discover Ukanava, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Ureki](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/ureki): Ureki on the Black Sea: black magnetite sand, a 1.5 km beach and a June to September season, 60 km from Batumi. What to know before you go.
- [Vake](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/vake): Discover Vake, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Vakijvari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/vakijvari): Discover Vakijvari, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Vaniskedi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/vaniskedi): Discover Vaniskedi, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Vashtiali](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/vashtiali): Discover Vashtiali, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Zeda Bakhvi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/zeda-bakhvi): Discover Zeda Bakhvi, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Zeda Dzimiti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/zeda-dzimiti): Discover Zeda Dzimiti, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Zeda Uchkhubi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/zeda-uchkhubi): Discover Zeda Uchkhubi, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Zedubani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/zedubani): Discover Zedubani, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Zemo Makvaneti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/zemo-makvaneti): Discover Zemo Makvaneti, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Zemo Natanebi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/zemo-natanebi): Discover Zemo Natanebi, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Zhanaura](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/guria/ozurgeti-municipality/zhanaura): Discover Zhanaura, a village in Ozurgeti Municipality, Guria. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.

## This page in other languages

- [Georgian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ka/municipalitetebi/ozurgeti-municipality)
- [Russian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ru/municipalitety/ozurgeti-municipality)