The territory of Telavi has been populated since the Bronze Age. Prior to that, this place was home to beautiful, strong elm trees (in Georgian ‘tela’), hence the settlement was named ‘Telavi.’ At present, Telavi is a modern town, with lots of interesting venues and beautiful sights.
BY CAR:
• Kutaisi International Airport – Telavi – 345 km. 4 hr. 15min.
• Tbilisi International Airport – Telavi – 80 km. 1 hr.
• Batumi International Airport – Telavi – 465 km. 5 hr. 45min.
What to see in and around Telavi.
THE GIORGI CHUBINASHVILI TELAVI STATE HISTORY AND ETHNOGRAPHY MUSEUM
Founded in 1927 and situated in the halls of King Erekle II’s palace, it houses a fascinating photo collection depicting old Telavi.
CHOLOKASHVILI STREET
One of the most beautiful and authentic streets in Telavi.
BATONI CASTLE (EREKLE II AVENUE)
Dating back to 1667, it consists of the palace of Kakhetian kings, various royal churches, a castle wall, a bath-house and a tunnel situated on the territory of the palace.
NADIKVARI PARK
One of the landmarks of Telavi, with walking trails, a 12-meter long bridge, panoramic views, an open-air theater and an almost 900 year-old giant maple tree, which is one of the oldest attractions of the town. Old and New Shuamta Monasteries – Old Shuamta is 7 km from Telavi and consists of a V century basilica, one of the most beautiful examples of Christian Georgian Architecture. Nearby you can fi nd New Shuamta, with a church of typical Kakhetian architecture, dating back to the XVI century.
IKALTO MONASTERY
It is located in the village of Ikalto, 7-8 km west of Telavi. Ikalto monastery was founded by Saint Zenon, one of the 13 Syrian Fathers, in the late VI century. It was known as one of the most signifi cant cultural-scholastic centers of Georgia and, according to legend, the prominent XII century Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli studied there. Ghvtaeba, Sameba and Kvelatsminda churches have been retained on the monastery territory, each making which make an attractive addition with their white color against a background of green mountains.
THE MUSEUM OF ALEXANDRE CHAVCHAVADZE
The fascinating story of the Museum, to be found in the village of Tsinandali, began in the XVII century when it became home to prominent Georgian poet, Alexandre Chavchavadze – the fi rst Georgian noble to produce and bottle Georgian wine according to European methods. His vineyard has been cultivated to present day and visitors can see a bottle of Saperavi wine from the fi rst harvest in 1839. There are also 16,500 bottles of other sorts of wines. Visitors can also take a walk in the gardens which house more than 100 plant species.
ALAVERDI
the monastery of Alaverdi is located 20 km from Telavi in the stunning Alazani valley against a background of snowy Caucasus Mountains. The monastery was founded by the Assyrian monk Joseph Alaverdeli and consists of a complex that was famed for being a signifi cant educational- spiritual center and a monastery for monks from its foundation. Later it was turned into a nunnery for nuns from royal families At present this beautiful complex is once again a monastery for monks, where one can also taste wine made by the monks, according to Georgian traditions, in Qvevri (a special clay vessel for wine which is on the UNESCO list).