Sagarejo Municipality
Sagarejo in Kakheti: David Gareja cave monasteries, Ninotsminda cathedral, Ujarma fortress and Manavi wine. History and routes.
Sagarejo Municipality — overview
MunicipalityHistory
Sagarejo Municipality is the western gateway to Kakheti, eastern Georgia, with the town of Sagarejo as its administrative centre, about 58 km east of Tbilisi. The town stands at about 772 m above sea level on the Tvaltkhevi River, in the foothills of the Tsiv-Gombori Range. The municipality covers roughly 1,500 km²: its northern part lies on the south-western slopes of the Gombori Range, while the south is the open steppe of the Iori Plateau, crossed by the Iori River. Sagarejo borders Akhmeta, Telavi, Gurjaani, Tianeti and Gardabani municipalities and, to the south, Azerbaijan.
The settlement is first mentioned in the 11th century under the name Tvali. In the 17th century it belonged to the David Gareja monastic complex, and in the 19th century it took the name Sagarejo. Like much of Kakheti, it was devastated by Shah Abbas in the 17th century and later rebuilt; it received town status in 1962. Ancient fortresses in the municipality include Ujarma, a royal stronghold dating to the 3rd–4th centuries, and Manavi fortress (10th–18th centuries).
The municipality’s most famous monument is the David Gareja monastery complex on the semi-desert slopes of the Gareja ridge, founded in the 6th century by St David of Gareja, one of the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers. Its cave monasteries, including Udabno, Bertubani and Chichkhituri, are decorated with frescoes from the late 11th to early 13th centuries; in 1615 the monks were massacred during the Persian invasion. David Gareja has been on UNESCO’s Tentative List since 2007; part of the complex lies on the border with Azerbaijan.
Another landmark is Ninotsminda near Sagarejo, a 7th-century cathedral with a 16th-century bell tower, among the important early examples of Georgian domed architecture. In the hills, the Mariamjvari Strict Nature Reserve, established in 1935, protects pine and mixed forests. Sagarejo is also a wine area: the municipality includes the protected appellations Manavi and Khashmi Saperavi.
For travellers, Sagarejo is the first stop in Kakheti when coming from Tbilisi. A full day trip to David Gareja, with its cave frescoes and dramatic semi-desert landscapes, can be combined with Ninotsminda and the ruins of Ujarma, while wine villages such as Manavi offer tastings on the way to Telavi or Sighnaghi.
FAQ
1) Where is Sagarejo Municipality located?
In western Kakheti, about 58 km east of Tbilisi.
2) What is the administrative centre?
The town of Sagarejo, at about 772 m above sea level.
3) Is David Gareja in Sagarejo Municipality?
Yes, the David Gareja monastery complex lies in Sagarejo Municipality.
4) When was David Gareja founded?
In the 6th century by St David of Gareja, one of the Thirteen Assyrian Fathers.
5) Is David Gareja a UNESCO site?
It has been on UNESCO’s Tentative List since 2007.
6) What is Ninotsminda?
A 7th-century cathedral near Sagarejo with a 16th-century bell tower.
7) What is Ujarma?
An ancient royal fortress dating to the 3rd–4th centuries.
8) When did Sagarejo become a town?
In 1962.
9) Which wine appellations are in Sagarejo?
Manavi and Khashmi Saperavi.
10) Where can I find official municipal information?
On the municipality’s official website.