# Tsalenjikha Municipality - URL: https://explore-georgia.ge/en/municipalities/tsalenjikha-municipality - Type: municipality - Region: Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti - Official website: https://tsalenjikha.gov.ge ## History Tsalenjikha Municipality lies in the north of lowland Samegrelo, in the **Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti** region, in the valleys of the **Enguri** and **Chanistskali** rivers, with the town of **Tsalenjikha** as its administrative centre — about 22 km from Zugdidi, at roughly 220 m above sea level on the Chanistskali. The municipality covers about 650 km² and rises from the foothills to the **Egrisi Range**, where alpine meadows begin at around 1,900 m. Tsalenjikha was an important settlement already in the 10th–11th centuries, and in the 13th–14th centuries it became a residence of the **Dadiani**, the rulers of Samegrelo; in the 14th century a bishopric moved here. The town received town status in **1964**. Its greatest treasure is the medieval **Cathedral of the Saviour (Transfiguration)**. Its interior was painted under Prince **Vameq I Dadiani** (r. 1384–1396) by **Cyrus Emanuel Eugenicus**, a Byzantine painter from Constantinople, as recorded in a rare bilingual Greek–Georgian inscription; further murals were added in the 17th century. The frescoes are among the finest examples of late Byzantine painting in Georgia. Other monuments include the **Katskhara** fortress and the **Jagiri** castle. Near the town of **Jvari**, in the north of the municipality, stands the **Enguri Dam**, 271.5 m high and one of the tallest concrete arch dams in the world, built between 1961 and 1987; its reservoir stretches up the Enguri gorge towards Svaneti. The municipality is also known for natural sights such as the **Magana canyon**, the **Intsira** waterfall in Chkvaleri, the Koshki gorge of the Enguri and the **Skuri** mineral springs. For travellers, Tsalenjikha is an easy detour from Zugdidi or a stop on the road to Mestia: admire the Byzantine frescoes of the cathedral, view the Enguri Dam and reservoir near Jvari, and explore the canyons and waterfalls of the Egrisi foothills. ## FAQ **1) Where is Tsalenjikha Municipality located?** In the north of lowland Samegrelo, in the Enguri and Chanistskali valleys. **2) What is the administrative centre?** The town of Tsalenjikha, about 22 km from Zugdidi. **3) When did Tsalenjikha become a town?** In 1964. **4) What is special about Tsalenjikha Cathedral?** Its frescoes were painted in the late 14th century by the Byzantine artist Cyrus Emanuel Eugenicus. **5) Who commissioned the frescoes?** Prince Vameq I Dadiani (r. 1384–1396). **6) Is the Enguri Dam in Tsalenjikha Municipality?** Yes, near the town of Jvari; it is 271.5 m high and was completed in 1987. **7) What is the Magana canyon?** A natural canyon in the municipality, popular for short hikes. **8) What is Skuri?** A source of mineral water in Tsalenjikha Municipality. **9) When did the Dadiani reside in Tsalenjikha?** In the 13th–14th centuries. **10) Where can I find official municipal information?** On the municipality’s official website. ## Sources - [Tsalenjikha Municipality — official website](https://tsalenjikha.gov.ge) - [History — Tsalenjikha Municipality](https://tsalenjikha.gov.ge/history/) - [Tsalenjikha Municipality (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsalenjikha_Municipality) - [Tsalenjikha Cathedral (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsalenjikha_Cathedral) - [Enguri Dam (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enguri_Dam) - [Tsalenjikha — Georgia Travel](https://georgia.travel/cities-towns/tsalenjikha) ## Settlements - [Chale](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/chale): Discover Chale, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Chkvaleri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/chkvaleri): Discover Chkvaleri, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Chvele](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/chvele): Discover Chvele, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Etseri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/etseri): Discover Etseri, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Etserperdi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/etserperdi): Discover Etserperdi, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Jaghira](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/jaghira): Discover Jaghira, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Jgali](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/jgali): Discover Jgali, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Jvari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/jvari): Discover Jvari, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kalaghali](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/kalaghali): Discover Kalaghali, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khviteri Sakalandio](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/khviteri-sakalandio): Discover Khviteri Sakalandio, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore... - [Kukheshi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/kukheshi): Discover Kukheshi, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kveda Mazandara](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/kveda-mazandara): Discover Kveda Mazandara, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Geo... - [Lara](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/lara): Discover Lara, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ledzadzamie](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/ledzadzamie): Discover Ledzadzamie, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia... - [Leghvinjile](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/leghvinjile): Discover Leghvinjile, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia... - [Lejolikhe](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/lejolikhe): Discover Lejolikhe, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Lekakule](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/lekakule): Discover Lekakule, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Lekarde](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/lekarde): Discover Lekarde, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Lekharchile](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/lekharchile): Discover Lekharchile, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia... - [Lesale](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/lesale): Discover Lesale, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Leshamuge](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/leshamuge): Discover Leshamuge, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Letkanti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/letkanti): Discover Letkanti, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Lezha](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/lezha): Discover Lezha, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Lia](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/lia): Discover Lia, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Lughera Samtsatskhvi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/lughera-samtsatskhvi): Discover Lughera Samtsatskhvi, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explor... - [Makharia](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/makharia): Discover Makharia, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Medani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/medani): Discover Medani, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Mikava](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/mikava): Discover Mikava, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Muzhava](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/muzhava): Discover Muzhava, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Naguru](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/naguru): Discover Naguru, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Naka](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/naka): Discover Naka, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Nakipu](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/nakipu): Discover Nakipu, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Nanjaru](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/nanjaru): Discover Nanjaru, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Nashamgu](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/nashamgu): Discover Nashamgu, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Obuji](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/obuji): Discover Obuji, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ochane](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/ochane): Discover Ochane, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Olori](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/olori): Discover Olori, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Pakhulani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/pakhulani): Discover Pakhulani, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Paluri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/paluri): Discover Paluri, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Potskhoetseri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/potskhoetseri): Discover Potskhoetseri, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georg... - [Sachino](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/sachino): Discover Sachino, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sameskhio](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/sameskhio): Discover Sameskhio, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tsqoushi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/tsqoushi): Discover Tsqoushi, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Uluria](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/uluria): Discover Uluria, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zeda Lia](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/zeda-lia): Discover Zeda Lia, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zeda Mazandara](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/zeda-mazandara): Discover Zeda Mazandara, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Geor... - [Zeda Sachino](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/zeda-sachino): Discover Zeda Sachino, a village in Tsalenjikha Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgi... - [Zghvaia](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/tsalenjikha-municipality/zghvaia): Discover Zghvaia, a village in Tsalenjikha 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/tsalenjikha-municipality) - [Russian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ru/municipalitety/tsalenjikha-municipality)