Zugdidi Municipality
Zugdidi: Dadiani Palace and botanical garden, capital of the Principality of Mingrelia, Anaklia and Ganmukhuri beaches. History.
Zugdidi Municipality — overview
MunicipalityHistory
Zugdidi Municipality lies in the west of Georgia, in the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region, with the city of Zugdidi — the administrative centre of the region — as its centre, about 318 km west of Tbilisi and 30 km from the Black Sea. The municipality covers about 692 km², from the coastal lowland and beaches of Anaklia and Ganmukhuri in the west to a hilly plateau with gorges in the east. The Enguri and Jumi are its main rivers. Zugdidi borders Tsalenjikha to the north-east, Chkhorotsku and Khobi to the south, and in the north-west reaches the Enguri River and the line with occupied Abkhazia.
The name Zugdidi is first recorded in the 17th century. The city became the residence of the Dadiani, the ruling house of the Principality of Mingrelia, which governed the region from the 16th century, accepted Russian protection in 1803 and was abolished in 1867. Until then Zugdidi served as the principality’s capital.
The city’s main landmark is the Dadiani Palace complex, home of the Mingrelian rulers, which has operated as a museum since 1921. The palace ensemble includes the Blachernae Virgin Church and the Zugdidi Botanical Garden, founded in the 19th century by Prince David Dadiani and Princess Ekaterine and covering about 26 ha with exotic and local plants. The museum is known for its rich collections of art, history and archaeology of Samegrelo.
On the coast, Anaklia at the mouth of the Enguri — associated with the ancient Heraclea of Colchis — is a popular beach resort, linked by a long pedestrian bridge to neighbouring Ganmukhuri. The Enguri Bridge (870 m), built in 1944–1948, connects Rukhi in Zugdidi Municipality with the Gali district. Zugdidi is also the birthplace of chess world champion Nona Gaprindashvili (born 1941).
For travellers, Zugdidi is the gateway to Samegrelo and to Svaneti: explore the Dadiani Palace and botanical garden, enjoy Mingrelian cuisine — famous for its spicy dishes and elarji — relax on the beaches of Anaklia in summer, and continue north along the Enguri valley towards Mestia.
FAQ
1) Where is Zugdidi Municipality located?
In western Georgia, in the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region, about 30 km from the Black Sea.
2) Is Zugdidi the regional centre?
Yes, Zugdidi is the administrative centre of the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region.
3) What was the Principality of Mingrelia?
A principality ruled by the Dadiani family from the 16th century until it was abolished in 1867, with its capital in Zugdidi.
4) What is the Dadiani Palace?
The residence of the Mingrelian rulers, a museum since 1921.
5) What is the Zugdidi Botanical Garden?
A garden of about 26 ha founded in the 19th century by the Dadiani family, part of the palace complex.
6) Is Anaklia in Zugdidi Municipality?
Yes, the Anaklia and Ganmukhuri beach resorts are in Zugdidi Municipality.
7) What is the Enguri Bridge?
An 870 m bridge built in 1944–1948 over the Enguri River.
8) Which famous people were born in Zugdidi?
Chess world champion Nona Gaprindashvili, born in 1941.
9) When is Zugdidi first mentioned?
The name is first recorded in the 17th century.
10) Where can I find official municipal information?
On the municipality’s official website.