Vani Municipality
Vani in Imereti: the ancient Colchian city, golden treasures, the Tabidze museum and Sulori resort. History, tips and route ideas.
Vani Municipality — overview
MunicipalityHistory
Vani Municipality lies in the south-western part of the Imereti region in western Georgia, with the town of Vani as its administrative centre, about 41 km south-west of Kutaisi. The municipality covers about 557 km²: its northern part belongs to the Imereti lowland, where the Rioni River forms the northern border, while to the south the land rises into the northern foothills of the Meskheti Range. The town stands on the Sulori River, a tributary of the Rioni. Vani borders Baghdati, Tskaltubo and Samtredia municipalities, as well as Chokhatauri (Guria) and Adigeni (Samtskhe-Javakheti).
Vani is best known for the ancient city of Vani, one of the most important archaeological sites of Colchis; its original name remains unknown. Systematic excavations began in 1947, initiated by Nino Khoshtaria and later led by Otar Lordkipanidze. Researchers distinguish several stages of the site: a cult centre in the 8th–7th centuries BC, a political and administrative centre of Colchis in the 6th–4th centuries BC, a period of rich burials in the late 4th–early 3rd centuries BC, and a temple-city in the 3rd–1st centuries BC. The city was destroyed in the mid-1st century BC.
Finds from Vani — gold jewellery, bronze sculpture and imported Greek ware — made it a symbol of “Golden Colchis” and are often linked with the legend of the Argonauts. The Otar Lordkipanidze Vani Archaeological Museum-Reserve was founded in 1985 to protect and present the site, and in 2007 Vani was placed on UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage. Vani became a separate administrative district in 1930 and received town status in 1981.
The municipality is also associated with Georgian literature: the poets Galaktion Tabidze and Titsian Tabidze were born in the village of Chkvishi, where their house-museum now operates. Medieval heritage includes the Archangel Church of Inashauri (12th–13th centuries) and churches in Salomina, Amaglebi and Dikhashkho, as well as the remains of fortresses such as Gormaghali near Sulori. Local wines are made mainly from Imeretian varieties such as Tsolikouri, Tsitska and Aladasturi.
For visitors, Vani is first of all an archaeological destination: the hilltop museum-reserve with its excavated terraces and gold collection is a must for anyone interested in Colchis. In summer, the Sulori balneo-climatic resort, about 11 km from Vani, offers sulphur mineral waters, and Amaglebi is also known for its mineral springs. Combined with the Tabidze museum in Chkvishi, Vani makes a rewarding half-day or full-day trip from Kutaisi.
FAQ
1) Where is Vani Municipality located?
In the south-western part of the Imereti region, western Georgia, between the Rioni River and the Meskheti Range foothills.
2) What is the administrative centre?
The town of Vani, on the Sulori River.
3) What is ancient Vani?
An important city of ancient Colchis, inhabited from the 8th century BC and destroyed in the mid-1st century BC.
4) When did excavations at Vani begin?
Systematic excavations began in 1947.
5) Is Vani a UNESCO site?
Vani has been on UNESCO’s Tentative List since 2007.
6) Where can I see the Vani gold finds?
At the Otar Lordkipanidze Vani Archaeological Museum-Reserve, founded in 1985.
7) Which poets were born in Vani Municipality?
Galaktion and Titsian Tabidze, in the village of Chkvishi.
8) What is Sulori?
A balneo-climatic resort about 11 km from Vani with sulphur mineral waters.
9) Which wines are typical for the area?
Wines from Imeretian varieties such as Tsolikouri, Tsitska and Aladasturi.
10) Where can I find official municipal information?
On the municipality’s official website, vani.gov.ge.