# Tkibuli Municipality
- URL: https://explore-georgia.ge/en/municipalities/tkibuli-municipality
- Type: municipality
- Region: Imereti
- Official website: https://tkibuli.gov.ge

## History

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.

## Sources

- [Tkibuli Municipality — official website](https://tkibuli.gov.ge)
- [Tkibuli Municipality — Imereti regional administration](https://imereti.gov.ge/eng/static/51/)
- [Tkibuli Municipality (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tkibuli_Municipality)
- [Tkibuli (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tkibuli)
- [Gelati Monastery — UNESCO World Heritage Centre](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/710)
- [Motsameta Monastery (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motsameta_Monastery)
- [Tkibuli — Georgia Travel](https://georgia.travel/cities-towns/tkibuli)
- [Tkibuli Reservoir — Kutaisi Travel](https://kutaisi.travel/en/5465/tkibuli-reservoir-ka/)

## Settlements

- [Akhaldaba](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/akhaldaba): Discover Akhaldaba, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Akhalsopeli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/akhalsopeli): Discover Akhalsopeli, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Antoria](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/antoria): Discover Antoria, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Boboti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/boboti): Discover Boboti, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Bueti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/bueti): Discover Bueti, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Bziauri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/bziauri): Discover Bziauri, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Dabadzveli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/dabadzveli): Discover Dabadzveli, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Dzirovani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/dzirovani): Discover Dzirovani, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Dzmuisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/dzmuisi): Discover Dzmuisi, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Dzuqnuri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/dzuqnuri): Discover Dzuqnuri, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Gadaghma Tsqaltsitela](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/gadaghma-tsqaltsitela): Discover Gadaghma Tsqaltsitela, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Gadmoghma Tsqaltsitela](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/gadmoghma-tsqaltsitela): Discover Gadmoghma Tsqaltsitela, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Gelati](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/gelati): Discover Gelati, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Gurna](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/gurna): Discover Gurna, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Ivaneuli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/ivaneuli): Discover Ivaneuli, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Jonia](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/jonia): Discover Jonia, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Jvarisa](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/jvarisa): Discover Jvarisa, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Khorchana](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/khorchana): Discover Khorchana, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Khresili](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/khresili): Discover Khresili, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Kisoreti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/kisoreti): Discover Kisoreti, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Kitkhiji](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/kitkhiji): Discover Kitkhiji, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Koka](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/koka): Discover Koka, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Koreeti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/koreeti): Discover Koreeti, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Kursebi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/kursebi): Discover Kursebi, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Kveda Chqepi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/kveda-chqepi): Discover Kveda Chqepi, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Lapeti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/lapeti): Discover Lapeti, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Lashia](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/lashia): Discover Lashia, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Leghva](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/leghva): Discover Leghva, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Leqereti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/leqereti): Discover Leqereti, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Mandikori](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/mandikori): Discover Mandikori, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Motsameta](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/motsameta): Discover Motsameta, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Mukhura](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/mukhura): Discover Mukhura, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Naboslevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/naboslevi): Discover Naboslevi, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Nadzva](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/nadzva): Discover Nadzva, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Ojola](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/ojola): Discover Ojola, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Okhomira](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/okhomira): Discover Okhomira, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Orpiri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/orpiri): Discover Orpiri, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Samtredia](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/samtredia): Discover Samtredia, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Satsire](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/satsire): Discover Satsire, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Shuqeri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/shuqeri): Discover Shuqeri, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Sochkheti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/sochkheti): Discover Sochkheti, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Tsikhia](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/tsikhia): Discover Tsikhia, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Tsqnori](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/tsqnori): Discover Tsqnori, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Tsutskhvati](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/tsutskhvati): Discover Tsutskhvati, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Zeda Chqepi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/zeda-chqepi): Discover Zeda Chqepi, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.
- [Zedubani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/tkibuli-municipality/zedubani): Discover Zedubani, a village in Tkibuli Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia.

## This page in other languages

- [Georgian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ka/municipalitetebi/tkibuli-municipality)
- [Russian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ru/municipalitety/tkibuli-municipality)