# Zugdidi Municipality - URL: https://explore-georgia.ge/en/municipalities/zugdidi-municipality - Type: municipality - Region: Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti - Official website: https://zugdidi.gov.ge ## History 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. ## Sources - [Zugdidi Municipality — official website](https://zugdidi.gov.ge) - [Zugdidi Municipality (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zugdidi_Municipality) - [Zugdidi (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zugdidi) - [Dadiani Palace (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dadiani_Palace) - [Mingrelia (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mingrelia) - [Anaklia (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anaklia) - [Enguri Bridge (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enguri_Bridge) ## Settlements - [Abastumani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/abastumani): Discover Abastumani, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Akhaldarcheli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/akhaldarcheli): Discover Akhaldarcheli, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Akhali Abastumani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/akhali-abastumani): Discover Akhali Abastumani, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georg... - [Akhalkakhati](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/akhalkakhati): Discover Akhalkakhati, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Akhalsopeli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/akhalsopeli): Discover Akhalsopeli, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Alertkari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/alertkari): Discover Alertkari, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Anaklia](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/anaklia): Discover Anaklia, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Baghmarani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/baghmarani): Discover Baghmarani, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Bashi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/bashi): Discover Bashi, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Chakvinji](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/chakvinji): Discover Chakvinji, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Chitatsqari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/chitatsqari): Discover Chitatsqari, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Chkaduashi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/chkaduashi): Discover Chkaduashi, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Chkhoria](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/chkhoria): Discover Chkhoria, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Chkhoushi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/chkhoushi): Discover Chkhoushi, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Darcheli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/darcheli): Discover Darcheli, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Davitiani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/davitiani): Discover Davitiani, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Didi Nedzi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/didi-nedzi): Discover Didi Nedzi, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Didi Nedzis Kakhati](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/didi-nedzis-kakhati): Discover Didi Nedzis Kakhati, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Geo... - [Dikhagudzuba](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/dikhagudzuba): Discover Dikhagudzuba, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Dzveli Narazeni](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/dzveli-narazeni): Discover Dzveli Narazeni, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia... - [Ergeta](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/ergeta): Discover Ergeta, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Ganarjiis Mukhuri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/ganarjiis-mukhuri): Discover Ganarjiis Mukhuri, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georg... - [Ingiri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/ingiri): Discover Ingiri, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Jikhashkari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/jikhashkari): Discover Jikhashkari, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Jumi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/jumi): Discover Jumi, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kakhati](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/kakhati): Discover Kakhati, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khetsera](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/khetsera): Discover Khetsera, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khurcha](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/khurcha): Discover Khurcha, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Koki](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/koki): Discover Koki, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kortskheli](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/kortskheli): Discover Kortskheli, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Menji](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/menji): Discover Menji, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Mogiri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/mogiri): Discover Mogiri, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Nachkadu](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/nachkadu): Discover Nachkadu, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Narazeni](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/narazeni): Discover Narazeni, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Natsatu](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/natsatu): Discover Natsatu, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Natsuluku](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/natsuluku): Discover Natsuluku, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Odishi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/odishi): Discover Odishi, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Oireme](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/oireme): Discover Oireme, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Oktomberi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/oktomberi): Discover Oktomberi, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Opachkhapu](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/opachkhapu): Discover Opachkhapu, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Orsantia](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/orsantia): Discover Orsantia, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Orulu](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/orulu): Discover Orulu, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Palazoni](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/palazoni): Discover Palazoni, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Qulishkari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/qulishkari): Discover Qulishkari, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Riqe](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/riqe): Discover Riqe, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Rukhi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/rukhi): Discover Rukhi, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sabechvaio](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/sabechvaio): Discover Sabechvaio, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sachurghulio](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/sachurghulio): Discover Sachurghulio, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Shamgona](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/shamgona): Discover Shamgona, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tikori](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/tikori): Discover Tikori, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tqaia](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/tqaia): Discover Tqaia, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tsaishi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/tsaishi): Discover Tsaishi, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tsatskhvi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/tsatskhvi): Discover Tsatskhvi, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tsvane](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/tsvane): Discover Tsvane, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Uchashona](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/uchashona): Discover Uchashona, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Urta](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/urta): Discover Urta, a village in Zugdidi Municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zeda Etseri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/samegrelo-zemo-svaneti/zugdidi-municipality/zeda-etseri): Discover Zeda Etseri, a village in Zugdidi 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/zugdidi-municipality) - [Russian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ru/municipalitety/zugdidi-municipality)