# Zestafoni Municipality - URL: https://explore-georgia.ge/en/municipalities/zestafoni-municipality - Type: municipality - Region: Imereti - Official website: https://zestafoni.gov.ge ## History Zestafoni Municipality lies in the eastern part of the **Imereti** region in western Georgia, with the town of **Zestafoni** as its administrative centre. The town is built on both banks of the **Kvirila River**, which crosses the municipality from east to west; the **Dzirula** and **Chkherimela** rivers also flow through the area. The relief changes gradually from the edge of the Kolkheti lowland in the west (about 90–200 m) to the **Imereti plateau** in the east, rising towards about 1,000 m in the south and east. The municipality covers a little over 420 km² and borders Terjola, Baghdati, Kharagauli and Chiatura municipalities. Historically the area belonged to **Argveti**, the eastern part of Imereti, and its most important ancient site is **Shorapani** at the confluence of the Kvirila and Dzirula. According to the municipality, the fortress-town of Shorapani is traditionally attributed to King **Parnavaz** and dates back to the Hellenistic period; for centuries it guarded the route between western and eastern Georgia. Medieval heritage includes the early medieval **Tabakini Monastery**, the 11th-century churches of **Zeda Sakara**, **Tseva** and **Sviri (St George)**, and fortresses such as Diklauri and Shrosha. Zestafoni itself is first mentioned in sources from the **1560s**. Its name is usually explained as “the upper ford of the Kvirila”. In the 1820s a Cossack post called **Kvirila** stood here, and the settlement grew around the road and later the railway. In **1920** it was renamed Jugeli, but the historical name was restored in **1921**. The town became an industrial centre after the **ferroalloy plant** opened in **1933**, which is still associated with Zestafoni today. The municipality is also one of Imereti’s key wine areas: vineyards occupy a large share of its farmland, and local wines are made from **Tsitska**, **Tsolikouri** and **Krakhuna**. The **Sakara** viticulture research station near the town is known for its collection of grape varieties. Zestafoni is associated with several notable Georgians, including the psychologist **Dimitri Uznadze** and the actor **Ushangi Chkheidze**, whose house-museum operates in the municipality. For visitors, Zestafoni works well as a stop on the main road between Tbilisi and Kutaisi. The ruins of Shorapani, the Tabakini monastery on its hilltop and the Sakara churches combine easily with wine tasting in the surrounding villages. Nature lovers can visit the **Samtsvera waterfall** near Zovreti, the medieval **Queen Tamar’s Bridge** at Chalatke, or the **Ajameti Managed Reserve**, shared with Baghdati, which protects relict Imeretian oak and zelkova forests. ## FAQ **1) Where is Zestafoni Municipality located?** In the eastern part of the Imereti region, western Georgia, on the Kvirila River. **2) What is the administrative centre?** The town of Zestafoni, built on both banks of the Kvirila. **3) When is Zestafoni first mentioned?** In sources from the 1560s. **4) What does the name Zestafoni mean?** It is usually explained as “the upper ford of the Kvirila”. **5) What is Shorapani?** An ancient fortress-town at the confluence of the Kvirila and Dzirula, traditionally attributed to King Parnavaz. **6) Which medieval monuments are worth visiting?** Tabakini Monastery and the 11th-century churches of Zeda Sakara, Tseva and Sviri. **7) What is Zestafoni known for in industry?** The ferroalloy plant, which opened in 1933. **8) Which wines are made here?** Wines from Imeretian varieties such as Tsitska, Tsolikouri and Krakhuna. **9) What natural sights are nearby?** The Samtsvera waterfall near Zovreti and the Ajameti Managed Reserve. **10) Where can I find official municipal information?** On the municipality’s official website, zestafoni.gov.ge. ## Sources - [Zestafoni Municipality — official website](https://zestafoni.gov.ge/) - [Zestafoni Municipality — history](https://zestafoni.gov.ge/page/54) - [Zestafoni Municipality — tourism](https://zestafoni.gov.ge/page/146) - [Zestaponi (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zestaponi) - [Zestaponi Municipality (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zestaponi_Municipality) - [Zestaponi — Georgia Travel](https://georgia.travel/cities-towns/zestaponi) - [Ajameti Managed Reserve (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ajameti_Managed_Reserve) ## Settlements - [Achara](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/achara): Discover Achara, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ajameti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/ajameti): Discover Ajameti, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Akhali Sviri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/akhali-sviri): Discover Akhali Sviri, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Alaverdi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/alaverdi): Discover Alaverdi, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Amsaisi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/amsaisi): Discover Amsaisi, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Argveta](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/argveta): Discover Argveta, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Beghlevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/beghlevi): Discover Beghlevi, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Chalatqe](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/chalatqe): Discover Chalatqe, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Didi Gantiadi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/didi-gantiadi): Discover Didi Gantiadi, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Didtsipela](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/didtsipela): Discover Didtsipela, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Dilikauri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/dilikauri): Discover Dilikauri, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Dzirula](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/dzirula): Discover Dzirula, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Dzlour Daneti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/dzlour-daneti): Discover Dzlour Daneti, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Gaghma Boslevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/gaghma-boslevi): Discover Gaghma Boslevi, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Gamoghma Boslevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/gamoghma-boslevi): Discover Gamoghma Boslevi, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ghverki](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/ghverki): Discover Ghverki, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kinoti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/kinoti): Discover Kinoti, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kveda Ilemi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/kveda-ilemi): Discover Kveda Ilemi, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kveda Kldeeti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/kveda-kldeeti): Discover Kveda Kldeeti, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kveda Kvaliti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/kveda-kvaliti): Discover Kveda Kvaliti, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kveda Sakara](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/kveda-sakara): Discover Kveda Sakara, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kveda Satsumbo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/kveda-satsumbo): Discover Kveda Satsumbo, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kveda Sazano](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/kveda-sazano): Discover Kveda Sazano, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kveda Tseva](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/kveda-tseva): Discover Kveda Tseva, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kveda Tsiplavake](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/kveda-tsiplavake): Discover Kveda Tsiplavake, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kveletubani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/kveletubani): Discover Kveletubani, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Leladziseuli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/leladziseuli): Discover Leladziseuli, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Marjvena Rkvia](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/marjvena-rkvia): Discover Marjvena Rkvia, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Martotubani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/martotubani): Discover Martotubani, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Martskhena Rkvia](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/martskhena-rkvia): Discover Martskhena Rkvia, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Meore Sviri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/meore-sviri): Discover Meore Sviri, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Mtsqeristsikhe](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/mtsqeristsikhe): Discover Mtsqeristsikhe, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Patara Sameba](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/patara-sameba): Discover Patara Sameba, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Pirveli Sviri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/pirveli-sviri): Discover Pirveli Sviri, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Puti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/puti): Discover Puti, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Rodinauli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/rodinauli): Discover Rodinauli, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Saghvine](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/saghvine): Discover Saghvine, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sanakhshire](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/sanakhshire): Discover Sanakhshire, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sasakhle](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/sasakhle): Discover Sasakhle, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Satsable](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/satsable): Discover Satsable, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Shimshilakedi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/shimshilakedi): Discover Shimshilakedi, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Shorapani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/shorapani): Discover Shorapani, a town in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Shrosha](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/shrosha): Discover Shrosha, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Shua Kvaliti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/shua-kvaliti): Discover Shua Kvaliti, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Svetmaghali](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/svetmaghali): Discover Svetmaghali, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tabakini](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/tabakini): Discover Tabakini, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tqlapivake](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/tqlapivake): Discover Tqlapivake, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tskhentaro](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/tskhentaro): Discover Tskhentaro, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tskhratsqaro](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/tskhratsqaro): Discover Tskhratsqaro, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tvrini](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/tvrini): Discover Tvrini, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Vashpariani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/vashpariani): Discover Vashpariani, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zeda Ilemi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/zeda-ilemi): Discover Zeda Ilemi, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zeda Kldeeti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/zeda-kldeeti): Discover Zeda Kldeeti, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zeda Kvaliti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/zeda-kvaliti): Discover Zeda Kvaliti, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zeda Sakara](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/zeda-sakara): Discover Zeda Sakara, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zeda Tseva](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/zeda-tseva): Discover Zeda Tseva, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zeda Tsiplavake](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/zeda-tsiplavake): Discover Zeda Tsiplavake, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zovreti](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/imereti/zestafoni-municipality/zovreti): Discover Zovreti, a village in Zestafoni Municipality, Imereti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. ## This page in other languages - [Georgian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ka/municipalitetebi/zestafoni-municipality) - [Russian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ru/municipalitety/zestafoni-municipality)