Tkibuli is a city in the Imereti region, offering a mix of natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural experiences. Explore its mountains, valleys, monasteries, and churches to discover its unique charm.
Tkibuli is a city located on the border of Imereti and Racha Regions, 600-700 meters above sea level. The city is built on the banks of the Tkibula River and surrounded by other rivers, including the Lekhidari, Dzusa, Maghara, Chishura, Tskalsitela, and Kvekhuna, which create small valleys with stunning waterfalls and flow through mountainous terrain covered with forests.
History of Tkibuli
The Tkibuli area has been inhabited since ancient times, with settlements found on the slopes of the Nakerala Ridge, in the valley of the Tskaltsitela River, bronze weapon factories, and the Colchic coins from ancient times. Tkibuli is first noted in historical sources in 1259. In 1825, a coal mine was discovered here, and in 1846 mineral extraction began, making Tkibuli a place of industrial significance.
Things to See
The UNESCO-listed Gelati Monastery is located in the municipality of Tkibuli. The early medieval Motsameta Monastery is also in this area, surrounded by walls on the slopes of a mountain, hidden in the forest where the Georgian saints, brothers David and Konstantine Mkheidze, are buried. Tkibuli and its vicinity are also attractive to hiking lovers, with Mukhura Waterfall, Tskaltsitela Valley, Tsutskhvati Cave, and Tkibuli Reservoir all accessible.
Nature and Resorts
Nakerala Ridge is a breathtaking sight, and there are also camping sites with cool and peaceful spots to wind down on hot summer days. The area has resorts of local importance, such as Tskhrajvari, Satsire, and Kursebi, and shrines like St. George's in Kisoreti, and Jonia and Zenobni Churches in Kursebi. A local lore museum provides excellent detail on the area’s rich history.
Highlights
- UNESCO-listed Gelati Monastery
- Early medieval Motsameta Monastery
- Mukhura Waterfall
- Tskaltsitela Valley
- Tsutskhvati Cave
- Tkibuli Reservoir
- Nakerala Ridge
- Local lore museum
Getting there by car
Driving distance from Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi city centres. Times are one-way; fuel is a rough estimate.
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From Tbilisi
- Distance
- 225 km
- Drive time
- 3 h 3 min
- Fuel (est.)
- ~66 GEL
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From Kutaisi
- Distance
- 44.6 km
- Drive time
- 49 min
- Fuel (est.)
- ~13 GEL
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From Batumi
- Distance
- 183 km
- Drive time
- 2 h 46 min
- Fuel (est.)
- ~53 GEL
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