# Rustavi
- URL: https://explore-georgia.ge/en/municipalities/rustavi-municipality
- Type: municipality
- Region: Kvemo Kartli
- Official website: https://rustavi.gov.ge

## History

Rustavi is a self-governing city and the administrative centre of the **Kvemo Kartli** region in south-eastern Georgia. It lies on the **Mtkvari (Kura) River**, a short drive south-east of Tbilisi, at about 330 m above sea level, and covers about **60.6 km²**. As a city municipality, it consists of the city alone and is one of the largest urban centres in Georgia, closely connected with the capital by road and rail.

Rustavi is one of the oldest cities of eastern Georgia. Medieval tradition places its foundation in the pre-Christian era, and in the 4th century AD written sources name Rustavi alongside Mtskheta, Urbnisi and Uplistsikhe among the cities of the Kingdom of Kartli (Iberia). In the Middle Ages it was an important town and the seat of a bishop. It was devastated by the Mongols in the 13th century — after which, in **1265**, the bishop’s seat moved to Martkopi — and finally ruined in the time of Timur.

The main surviving witness of medieval Rustavi is the **Rustavi Fortress** on the bank of the Mtkvari. Georgia Travel describes it as the only fortress in Georgia decorated with frescoes, and archaeologists have uncovered the remains of a palace from the 9th–12th centuries inside its walls; a new archaeological expedition began here in **2025**.

Modern Rustavi was born as an industrial city. The **Rustavi Metallurgical Plant** was built in **1941–1950**, and in **1948** Rustavi was declared a town of republican importance; in 1950 the first Georgian industrial steel was produced here. The planned Soviet city, with wide avenues and residential districts, grew rapidly around the plant and remains one of the main industrial centres of the country.

For visitors, Rustavi is an easy half-day trip from Tbilisi. Highlights include the medieval fortress, the **Rustavi Historical Museum**, the Drama Theatre and the large Culture and Relaxation Park with its artificial lake. In mid-September the city celebrates its festival, **Rustavkalakoba**. Rustavi is also a convenient stop on the way to the Gardabani protected areas and the south of Kvemo Kartli.

## FAQ

**1) Where is Rustavi located?**
In south-eastern Georgia, on the Mtkvari River, a short drive south-east of Tbilisi.

**2) Is Rustavi the centre of Kvemo Kartli?**
Yes, Rustavi is the administrative centre of the Kvemo Kartli region.

**3) How large is the municipality?**
About 60.6 km²; it consists of the city of Rustavi.

**4) How old is Rustavi?**
It is mentioned among the cities of the Kingdom of Kartli in the 4th century AD, and tradition places its foundation earlier.

**5) What happened to medieval Rustavi?**
It was devastated by the Mongols in the 13th century and finally ruined in the time of Timur.

**6) What is special about Rustavi Fortress?**
It is described as the only fortress in Georgia decorated with frescoes; remains of a 9th–12th-century palace were found inside.

**7) When was modern Rustavi founded?**
It grew around the metallurgical plant built in 1941–1950; in 1948 it became a town of republican importance.

**8) What can visitors see in Rustavi?**
The fortress, the Historical Museum, the Drama Theatre and the Culture and Relaxation Park.

**9) When is the city festival?**
Rustavkalakoba is celebrated in mid-September.

**10) Where can I find official municipal information?**
On the official website of Rustavi City Hall.

## Sources

- [Rustavi City Hall — official website](https://rustavi.gov.ge)
- [Rustavi (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rustavi)
- [Rustavi — Georgia Travel](https://georgia.travel/cities-towns/rustavi)
- [Archaeological expedition at Rustavi fortress — 1TV](https://1tv.ge/lang/en/news/archaeological-expedition-begins-on-rustavi-fortress-territory/)
- [Kvemo Kartli (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kvemo_Kartli)
- [Martkopi Monastery (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martkopi_Monastery)

## This page in other languages

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