Tskhvarichamia is a village in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, located in the Tezami River Valley, known for its protected forests and historical monuments. It's a part of Tbilisi National Park and offers a beneficial microclimate and comfortable climatic conditions year-round.
Tskhvarichamia, meaning 'Sheepeater' in English, is a village in the Tezami River Valley, at an altitude of 1,180 meters above sea level on the Sabaduri Ridge. The village is considered one of the central settlements in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region and serves as the center of the Tskhvarichamia community, which includes five other villages.
The area has a moderately humid subtropical climate with long warm summers and moderately cold winters, making it a comfortable destination to visit throughout the year.
Things to See
The village is home to several historical monuments, including the Great Church of Tskhvarichamia, also known as the Church of the Ascension of the Savior, which dates back to the 7th-8th centuries. The church is built with cobblestones as a three-nave basilica and features a dome on the western entrance.
Another notable site is the Small Church of Tskhvarichamia, dating back to the 8th-9th centuries, located on the right bank of the Tezami River. This hall-style church is known for its unconventional architectural details, such as an irregularly rounded apse on the east side and a narrow storage facility with arches on the south side.
The Church of Saint Mary in Tskhvarichamia, built in the 19th century, is also worth visiting, particularly for its relief cross on the western facade.
Nature
The forests of Tskhvarichamia are listed among the country's protected areas, as the village is part of Tbilisi National Park. The park is known for its biodiversity and offers a well-developed network of hiking, equestrian, and cycling trails of varying difficulty levels.
The Sabaduri Forest, a famous spot within Tbilisi National Park, is especially popular in the fall and winter seasons, with vibrant red and yellow foliage or snow-covered pathways offering beautiful photo opportunities.
How to Get There
Tskhvarichamia is approximately 35 kilometers from Tbilisi and can be reached by car via the Tbilisi-Tianeti Highway in about one hour. From Kutaisi, the village is around 220 kilometers away, and the drive takes around 3 hours, while from Batumi, it's about 360 kilometers away, taking around 5 hours.
Public transportation to Tskhvarichamia is available from Tbilisi, with marshrutkas departing several times a day from the Didube bus station, although the schedule may vary depending on the season and weather conditions.
Highlights
- Historical monuments, including the Great Church of Tskhvarichamia and the Small Church of Tskhvarichamia
- Protected forests and biodiversity of Tbilisi National Park
- Sabaduri Forest, popular for its fall and winter scenery
- Church of Saint Mary in Tskhvarichamia, with its relief cross on the western facade
- Tbilisi National Park, with its hiking, equestrian, and cycling trails
- Ilia Chavchavadze Saguramo State Museum, a cultural heritage site of national significance
- Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Tskhvarichamia's beneficial microclimate and comfortable climatic conditions year-round
Gallery
Plan your visit
Tours, guides and services available in this region:
