Terjola Municipality
Terjola in Imereti: Skande fortress, Chkhari and Gogni churches, Queen Tamar’s bridge and Kldiashvili museum. History and routes.
Terjola Municipality — overview
MunicipalityHistory
Terjola Municipality lies in central Imereti, western Georgia, between Kutaisi and Zestafoni, with the town of Terjola as its administrative centre. The town stands at about 170 m above sea level on the right bank of the Chkhara River, around 14 km from Zestafoni. The municipality covers roughly 350 km² of the eastern Imereti lowland and its surrounding hills, and is drained by the Kvirila, Tskaltsitela, Chkhara, Dzevrula and other rivers. It borders Kutaisi to the west, Tkibuli to the north, Chiatura to the north-east, Zestafoni to the south-east and Baghdati to the south.
The area has been inhabited since ancient times: Stone Age finds have been made in local caves, and Bronze Age and antique burial grounds are known in several villages. In the Middle Ages, Chikhori and Chkhari were important local centres. The most prominent ancient stronghold is Skande fortress near the village of Sazano, which, according to the regional administration, was in use for many centuries — from late antiquity to the 18th century.
Terjola itself is first mentioned in sources of the 17th century. In the Soviet period the district was first called Chkhari (from 1930) and was renamed Terjola in 1950; the settlement received town status in 1983. The municipality is closely linked with Georgian literature: museums here are dedicated to the writers David Kldiashvili and Sergo Kldiashvili, as well as to Shalva and Petre Amiranashvili.
Medieval church architecture is well represented. The regional administration highlights the Dedagvtisa Church in Gvankiti (12th century), the Church of St George in Gogni (11th–12th centuries), the Sakvirao Church in Chikhori (16th century) and the Church of St George in Chkhari, built in 1532–1534. Another landmark is the medieval stone arch known as Queen Tamar’s Bridge near Godogani.
Terjola is a traditional farming area of Imereti, known for viticulture and tea. For visitors, it offers an easy loop from Kutaisi or Zestafoni that combines medieval churches, the ruins of Skande and Queen Tamar’s Bridge with village landscapes and local wine. Nature lovers can also explore the Simoneti resort area and the green valleys of the Chkhara and Dzevrula rivers.
FAQ
1) Where is Terjola Municipality located?
In central Imereti, western Georgia, between Kutaisi and Zestafoni.
2) What is the administrative centre?
The town of Terjola, on the right bank of the Chkhara River.
3) When did Terjola become a town?
Terjola received town status in 1983.
4) What was the district called before?
From 1930 it was called Chkhari district; it was renamed Terjola in 1950.
5) What is Skande fortress?
An ancient fortress near Sazano that remained in use from late antiquity to the 18th century.
6) Which churches are most notable?
Dedagvtisa in Gvankiti, St George in Gogni, Sakvirao in Chikhori and St George in Chkhari (1532–1534).
7) What is Queen Tamar’s Bridge?
A medieval stone arch bridge near the village of Godogani.
8) Which writers are commemorated here?
David and Sergo Kldiashvili, who have museums in the municipality.
9) What is the area known for?
Viticulture, tea growing and village tourism.
10) Where can I find official municipal information?
On the municipality’s official website and the Imereti regional administration portal.