Tkibuli Municipality
Tkibuli in Imereti: Gelati and Motsameta monasteries, Okriba, Nakerala ridge and Tkibuli Reservoir. History, tips and routes.
Tkibuli Municipality — overview
MunicipalityHistory
Tkibuli Municipality lies in the northern part of the Imereti region in western Georgia, in the historic area of Okriba, with the town of Tkibuli as its administrative centre. The town stands at about 600–700 m above sea level on the Tkibula River. The municipality covers roughly 470–480 km² of forested hills and mountains, rising in the north to the limestone wall of the Nakerala Range at the edge of Racha. It borders Ambrolauri to the north, Chiatura to the south-east, Terjola to the south, Kutaisi to the south-west and Tskaltubo to the west. Its forests include relict species such as box, Pontic rhododendron and chestnut.
The historic name Okriba first appears in documents of the Nikortsminda church dated 1071, and the name Tkibuli is mentioned in records of the Gelati Monastery from the second half of the 13th century. The municipality’s best-known monument is Gelati Monastery, founded in 1106 by King David IV the Builder a few kilometres north-east of Kutaisi; it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the masterpieces of medieval Georgian architecture and learning.
Close to Gelati, on a cliff above the Tskaltsitela River, stands Motsameta Monastery, associated with the 8th-century martyrs David and Constantine Mkheidze; a church was built here in the 11th century during the reign of Bagrat IV. The regional administration also lists the fortresses of Nakalakari, Tsutskhvati, Jvarisa and Satsire, as well as a number of churches from the 10th–12th centuries across the municipality.
Tkibuli’s modern history is tied to coal. Deposits were found here in 1825, mining has continued since 1846, and Tkibuli became known as the “city of miners”. It received town status in 1939. Besides coal, the area is known for tea, viticulture and decorative stones such as chalcedony and marble. Hydropower also plays a role: the town lies between reservoirs, the largest of which is the Tkibuli Reservoir (about 12 km²).
For travellers, Tkibuli offers both heritage and nature. Gelati and Motsameta are classic half-day trips from Kutaisi, while further north the Tkibuli Reservoir is popular for fishing, picnics and camping. The Nakerala ridge and Mount Tskhrajvari (1,569 m), crowned by a St George shrine, offer wide views towards the Caucasus and the Black Sea lowland; nature lovers can also visit the Tsutskhvati multi-level cave and the Mukhura waterfall.
FAQ
1) Where is Tkibuli Municipality located?
In the northern part of the Imereti region, in the historic area of Okriba.
2) What is the administrative centre?
The town of Tkibuli, on the Tkibula River at about 600–700 m.
3) Is Gelati Monastery in Tkibuli Municipality?
Yes, Gelati Monastery lies in Tkibuli Municipality, a few kilometres north-east of Kutaisi.
4) When was Gelati founded?
In 1106 by King David IV the Builder; it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
5) What is Motsameta?
A monastery on a cliff above the Tskaltsitela River, associated with the 8th-century martyrs David and Constantine Mkheidze.
6) What is Tkibuli known for?
Coal mining since 1846 — it is called the “city of miners”.
7) When did Tkibuli become a town?
In 1939.
8) What is the Tkibuli Reservoir?
An artificial lake of about 12 km², popular for fishing and camping.
9) What is Nakerala?
A limestone ridge on the border with Racha, with viewpoints such as Mount Tskhrajvari (1,569 m).
10) Where can I find official municipal information?
On the municipality’s official website, tkibuli.gov.ge.