# Senaki Municipality - URL: https://explore-georgia.ge/en/municipalities/senaki-municipality - Type: municipality - Region: Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti - Official website: https://senaki.gov.ge ## History Senaki Municipality lies in the south of the **Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti** region, on the **Kolkheti (Colchis) lowland** of western Georgia, with the town of **Senaki** as its administrative centre, at about 28 m above sea level between the **Tekhuri** and **Tsivi** rivers. The municipality covers about **521 km²** of fertile plains and low hills, and part of **Kolkheti National Park** extends into its territory. The municipality’s most important historic site is **Nokalakevi**, the ancient fortified city on the Tekhuri River known to Byzantine authors as **Archaeopolis**. Excavations have revealed occupation from the 8th to the 2nd century BC, while its massive stone walls and buildings date from the 4th–6th centuries AD, when it served as a capital of the kingdom of **Lazica (Egrisi)**, identified with Tsikhegoji. Nokalakevi was a key stronghold in the wars between Byzantium and Persia and is one of the most important archaeological sites of western Georgia. The name Senaki is first recorded in the 17th century. After the railway reached the area in **1872**, the town’s centre moved about 5 km to its present location around the station. In the Soviet period Senaki was renamed **Mikha Tskhakaia** (1935) and later **Tskhakaia** (1976); its historical name was restored in **1989**. Senaki is associated with several notable Georgians, including the linguist **Arnold Chikobava** and the writer and theatre figure **Valerian Gunia**. Today the municipality is an agricultural area and an important road and railway junction of western Georgia. For travellers, Senaki is worth a stop for **Nokalakevi**: walk along the ancient walls above the Tekhuri gorge, visit the museum of the archaeological site, and combine it with nearby Martvili Canyon or the Kolkheti wetlands for a full day in Samegrelo. ## FAQ **1) Where is Senaki Municipality located?** In the south of Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti, on the Kolkheti lowland. **2) What is the administrative centre?** The town of Senaki, between the Tekhuri and Tsivi rivers. **3) What is Nokalakevi?** An ancient fortified city on the Tekhuri, known as Archaeopolis, a capital of Lazica in the 4th–6th centuries AD. **4) Is Nokalakevi in Senaki Municipality?** Yes, the village and archaeological site of Nokalakevi are in Senaki Municipality. **5) How old is Nokalakevi?** Occupation is attested from the 8th century BC; its stone walls date from the 4th–6th centuries AD. **6) What was Senaki called in the Soviet period?** Mikha Tskhakaia (from 1935) and Tskhakaia (from 1976); the name Senaki was restored in 1989. **7) When did the railway reach Senaki?** In 1872. **8) Is Kolkheti National Park nearby?** Yes, part of Kolkheti National Park extends into the municipality. **9) Who was born in Senaki?** Among others, the linguist Arnold Chikobava. **10) Where can I find official municipal information?** On the municipality’s official website. ## Sources - [Senaki Municipality — official website](https://senaki.gov.ge) - [Senaki Municipality (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senaki_Municipality) - [Senaki (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senaki) - [Nokalakevi (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nokalakevi) - [List of renamed cities in Georgia (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_renamed_cities_in_Georgia) - [Kolkheti National Park (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kolkheti_National_Park) ## Settlements - [Akhalsopeli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/akhalsopeli): Discover Akhalsopeli, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Bataria](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/bataria): Discover Bataria, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Betlemi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/betlemi): Discover Betlemi, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Didi Khorshi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/didi-khorshi): Discover Didi Khorshi, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Dzigideri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/dzigideri): Discover Dzigideri, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Dzveli Senaki](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/dzveli-senaki): Discover Dzveli Senaki, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Eki](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/eki): Discover Eki, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Etseri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/etseri): Discover Etseri, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Gakhomela](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/gakhomela): Discover Gakhomela, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Gejeti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/gejeti): Discover Gejeti, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Golaskuri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/golaskuri): Discover Golaskuri, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Isula](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/isula): Discover Isula, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Jikha](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/jikha): Discover Jikha, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Jolevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/jolevi): Discover Jolevi, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kotianeti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/kotianeti): Discover Kotianeti, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kvauti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/kvauti): Discover Kvauti, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kveda Sorta](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/kveda-sorta): Discover Kveda Sorta, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Lebaghature](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/lebaghature): Discover Lebaghature, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ledzadzame](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/ledzadzame): Discover Ledzadzame, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Legogie](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/legogie): Discover Legogie, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Legogie Nasaju](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/legogie-nasaju): Discover Legogie Nasaju, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Legogine](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/legogine): Discover Legogine, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Lekokaie](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/lekokaie): Discover Lekokaie, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Lesajaie](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/lesajaie): Discover Lesajaie, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Meore Mokhashi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/meore-mokhashi): Discover Meore Mokhashi, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Mokhashi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/mokhashi): Discover Mokhashi, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Mukhuri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/mukhuri): Discover Mukhuri, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Nosiri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/nosiri): Discover Nosiri, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Patara Zana](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/patara-zana): Discover Patara Zana, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Pertuli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/pertuli): Discover Pertuli, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Pirveli Nosiri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/pirveli-nosiri): Discover Pirveli Nosiri, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Potskho](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/potskho): Discover Potskho, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Reka](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/reka): Discover Reka, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Saadamio](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/saadamio): Discover Saadamio, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Saadanaio](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/saadanaio): Discover Saadanaio, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sabeselio](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/sabeselio): Discover Sabeselio, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sachikobavo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/sachikobavo): Discover Sachikobavo, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Saesebuo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/saesebuo): Discover Saesebuo, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sagabeskirio](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/sagabeskirio): Discover Sagabeskirio, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sagugunavo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/sagugunavo): Discover Sagugunavo, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sagvaramio](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/sagvaramio): Discover Sagvaramio, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sagvichio](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/sagvichio): Discover Sagvichio, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sakharbedio](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/sakharbedio): Discover Sakharbedio, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sakilasonio](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/sakilasonio): Discover Sakilasonio, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Saodishario](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/saodishario): Discover Saodishario, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sashurghaio](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/sashurghaio): Discover Sashurghaio, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Satqebuchavo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/satqebuchavo): Discover Satqebuchavo, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Satskhvitao](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/satskhvitao): Discover Satskhvitao, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Satsuleiskirio](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/satsuleiskirio): Discover Satsuleiskirio, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Shromiskari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/shromiskari): Discover Shromiskari, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Shua Khorshi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/shua-khorshi): Discover Shua Khorshi, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Shua Nosiri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/shua-nosiri): Discover Shua Nosiri, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Siriachkoni](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/siriachkoni): Discover Siriachkoni, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Skuria](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/skuria): Discover Skuria, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Teklati](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/teklati): Discover Teklati, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tqiri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/tqiri): Discover Tqiri, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tsizeti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/tsizeti): Discover Tsizeti, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ushapati](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/ushapati): Discover Ushapati, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zana](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/zana): Discover Zana, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zeda Nakalakevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/zeda-nakalakevi): Discover Zeda Nakalakevi, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zeda Sorta](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/senaki-municipality/zeda-sorta): Discover Zeda Sorta, a village in Senaki Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. ## This page in other languages - [Georgian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ka/municipalitetebi/senaki-municipality) - [Russian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ru/municipalitety/senaki-municipality)