# Sagarejo Municipality - URL: https://explore-georgia.ge/en/municipalities/sagarejo-municipality - Type: municipality - Region: Kakheti - Official website: https://sagarejo.gov.ge ## History 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. ## Sources - [Sagarejo Municipality — official website](https://sagarejo.gov.ge) - [Sagarejo Municipality (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sagarejo_Municipality) - [Sagarejo (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sagarejo) - [David Gareja monastery complex (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Gareja_monastery_complex) - [Georgia — UNESCO Tentative List](https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5224) - [Ninotsminda Monastery — Georgia Travel](https://georgia.travel/ninotsminda-monastery) - [List of Georgian wine appellations (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Georgian_wine_appellations) ## Settlements - [Antoki](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/antoki): Discover Antoki, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Askilauri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/askilauri): Discover Askilauri, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Badiauri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/badiauri): Discover Badiauri, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Botko](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/botko): Discover Botko, a abandoned village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Burdiani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/burdiani): Discover Burdiani, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Didi Chailuri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/didi-chailuri): Discover Didi Chailuri, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Duzagrama](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/duzagrama): Discover Duzagrama, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Giorgitsminda](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/giorgitsminda): Discover Giorgitsminda, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Gombori](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/gombori): Discover Gombori, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Gorana](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/gorana): Discover Gorana, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ikvlivgorana](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/ikvlivgorana): Discover Ikvlivgorana, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kakabeti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/kakabeti): Discover Kakabeti, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kazlari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/kazlari): Discover Kazlari, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Keshalo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/keshalo): Discover Keshalo, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khashmi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/khashmi): Discover Khashmi, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khinchebi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/khinchebi): Discover Khinchebi, a abandoned village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kochbaani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/kochbaani): Discover Kochbaani, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kvemo Lambalo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/kvemo-lambalo): Discover Kvemo Lambalo, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kvemo Qandaura](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/kvemo-qandaura): Discover Kvemo Qandaura, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kvemo Samgori](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/kvemo-samgori): Discover Kvemo Samgori, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Manavi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/manavi): Discover Manavi, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Mariamjvari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/mariamjvari): Discover Mariamjvari, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Mughanlo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/mughanlo): Discover Mughanlo, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Mukhrovani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/mukhrovani): Discover Mukhrovani, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Mzisguli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/mzisguli): Discover Mzisguli, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ninotsminda](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/ninotsminda): Discover Ninotsminda, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Otaraani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/otaraani): Discover Otaraani, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Paldo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/paldo): Discover Paldo, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Patara Chailuri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/patara-chailuri): Discover Patara Chailuri, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Patardzeuli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/patardzeuli): Discover Patardzeuli, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Rusiani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/rusiani): Discover Rusiani, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sasadilo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/sasadilo): Discover Sasadilo, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sataple](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/sataple): Discover Sataple, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Shibliani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/shibliani): Discover Shibliani, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tokhliauri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/tokhliauri): Discover Tokhliauri, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tsitsmatiani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/tsitsmatiani): Discover Tsitsmatiani, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tsqarostavi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/tsqarostavi): Discover Tsqarostavi, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tulari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/tulari): Discover Tulari, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Udabno](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/udabno): Discover Udabno, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ujarma](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/ujarma): Discover Ujarma, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Vashliani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/vashliani): Discover Vashliani, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Verkhviani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/verkhviani): Discover Verkhviani, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Verona](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/verona): Discover Verona, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zemo Lambalo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/zemo-lambalo): Discover Zemo Lambalo, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zemo Qandaura](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sagarejo-municipality/zemo-qandaura): Discover Zemo Qandaura, a village in Sagarejo Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. ## This page in other languages - [Georgian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ka/municipalitetebi/sagarejo-municipality) - [Russian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ru/municipalitety/sagarejo-municipality)