Best Things to See and Do in Kvemo Kartli
Kvemo Kartli, translated as Lower Kartli, is one part of the greater Kartli region, just like Shida Kartli. Though its name has changed many times over the centuries, what Georgians call Kvemo Kartli today is located south of Tbilisi and is distinguished by its diverse ethnic population. Here’s what to see and do on your next visit.
1. Wander through an ancient walled town
Ruins
Samshvilde is one of the oldest historical walled towns of Georgia, from which only ruins are left. The stronghold was built near the confluence of two rivers, on a natural land surrounded by vertical ravines.
Remains of Samshvilde Fortress | © Aleksey Muhranoff / WikiCommons
2. Get to know the Georgian diplomat of the 17th century
Prince Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani was a relative of the royal Bagrationi dynasty. He was a significant figure of the Renaissance, a remarkable story teller, translator, great lexicographer, diplomat, and a scientist.
Inside the museum | © DDohler / WikiCommons
3. Tour the settlement of the first Europeans
Museum, Ruins
The Dmanisi Historical-Archaeological Museum-Reserve represents a medieval ancient town where the archaeological excavations are constantly undertaken. It is home to a fortress and several religious structures.
Ruins of Dmanisi Castle | © Larry V. Dumlao / WikiCommons
5. Hike the canyons of Dashbashi
‘Dashbashi‘ is a Turkish word meaning ‘stone-head’. Dashbashi village, in Tsalka Municipality, is home to one of the most remarkable natural landmarks of the country.
Dashbashi Canyon | © Paata vardanashvili / WikiCommons
6. Visit one of the last standing fortresses of the region
Kolagiri Fortress, also known as Queen’s Stronghold, is a fortress that was built at the end of the 18th century by Queen Darejan, and is one of the last standing fortresses built in the Kartl-Kakheti regions. The cube-shaped fortress is built with raw stone and covers some 2,000 sq. meters (21,528 sq. feet), with bricks in the fortress used as a decorative feature on the entrance towers.
Kolagiri Fortress | © Lgabelia / WikiCommons
Try tenili cheese
Meskhetian cuisine features dishes that are largely forgotten in other areas of the country. Cattle-breeding is a particularly developed field in this part of the country, which makes the region rich in dairy products and meat dishes.
Meskheti’s tenili cheese is aged in cream and kept in pots – it has a soft consistency and a very pleasant aroma. Other dairy products of note include cream, filtered matsoni (a Georgian version of Greek yogurt), and a cheese made from ewe’s milk known as Meskhetian Guda.
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