Tsageri Municipality
Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti
Tsageri in Lechkhumi: Muri fortress, Khvamli caves, Tvishi and Usakhelouri wines and the Tskhenistskali valley. History and routes.
Tsageri Municipality — overview
MunicipalityHistory
Tsageri Municipality corresponds to the historic land of Lechkhumi, in the west of the Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region, with the town of Tsageri as its administrative centre — about 70 km from Kutaisi, at roughly 475 m above sea level on the right bank of the Tskhenistskali River. The municipality covers about 756 km² of the middle Rioni and Tskhenistskali basins and the Lajanuri valley, with forested mountains rising to peaks such as Tsekuri (3,173 m).
Lechkhumi has long been a borderland between Imereti, Samegrelo, Racha and Svaneti. From 1455 it belonged to the Kingdom of Imereti and was held by the Chikovani lords; in 1714 it was united with Mingrelia under the Dadiani; and in 1857 it came under direct Russian rule. From 1867 to 1930 Tsageri was the centre of the Lechkhumi district, and it received town status in 1968.
The most famous historic monument of the area is Muri fortress (Muris-Tsikhe), a stronghold used from ancient times until the 19th century and associated by tradition with St Maximus the Confessor. Other monuments include the Orbeliani fortress and the basilica of Gveso, while the Khvamli massif, with its karst caves, is protected as a natural monument.
Lechkhumi is also a distinctive wine region. The village of Tvishi on the Rioni gives its name to a protected naturally semi-sweet white wine made from Tsolikouri, and the rare red Okureshis Usakhelouri, from a microzone in Tsageri Municipality, is among Georgia’s most prized wines. Small vineyards on the steep slopes of the Rioni and Lajanuri valleys produce these limited wines.
For travellers, Tsageri is a quiet stop on the way from Kutaisi to Racha or Lower Svaneti: visit Muri fortress and the river valleys, taste Tvishi and Usakhelouri with local winemakers, and explore the karst landscapes of Khvamli. It is also a gateway to the Tskhenistskali valley leading north to Lentekhi.
FAQ
1) Where is Tsageri Municipality located?
In the historic land of Lechkhumi, in the west of the Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region.
2) What is the administrative centre?
The town of Tsageri, on the right bank of the Tskhenistskali, about 70 km from Kutaisi.
3) When did Tsageri become a town?
In 1968.
4) What is Lechkhumi?
The historic land of the middle Rioni and Tskhenistskali basins, which corresponds to today’s Tsageri Municipality.
5) When did Lechkhumi come under Russian rule?
In 1857.
6) What is Muri fortress?
A historic stronghold near Tsageri, used until the 19th century and associated with St Maximus the Confessor.
7) What is Tvishi?
A protected naturally semi-sweet white wine made from Tsolikouri grapes in Tsageri Municipality.
8) What is Okureshis Usakhelouri?
A rare protected red wine from a microzone in Tsageri Municipality.
9) What is Khvamli?
A limestone massif with karst caves, protected as a natural monument.
10) Where can I find official municipal information?
On the municipality’s official website.