Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti are part of the northwestern Georgia. This area includes the historical provinces of Racha, Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti.
It covers an area of 4,600 km² with a population of 32,000. The administrative center of the region is the town of Ambrolauri.
There are 4 municipalities in the region, among them two : Ambrolauri and Oni are in Racha province, the remaining two, Tsageri and Lentekhi, laid respectively in Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti provinces.
It covers an area of 4,600 km² with a population of 32,000. The administrative center of the region is the town of Ambrolauri.
There are 4 municipalities in the region, among them two : Ambrolauri and Oni are in Racha province, the remaining two, Tsageri and Lentekhi, laid respectively in Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti provinces.
Short Historical Overview
Kvemo Svaneti
In the early centuries, Kvemo Svaneti was a part of Colchis, after it became a part of Egrisi. In the 11th-15th centuries, Svaneti was a Saeristavo (Duchy) of the Georgian Kingdom.
Racha
In early period, Racha with Takveri was forming the Takveri Saeristavo as part of Egrisi. Later, with Lechkhumi, Racha formed the Saeristavo of Racha-Lechkhumi. In the end of the 10th century, the Saeristavo of Racha was created.
After the final abolishment of the Saeristavo, Racha became a part of Imereti and after the unification of Imereti with the Russian Empire, Racha became an okrug and an uyezd according to the Russian imperial organisation.
After the final abolishment of the Saeristavo, Racha became a part of Imereti and after the unification of Imereti with the Russian Empire, Racha became an okrug and an uyezd according to the Russian imperial organisation.
Lechkhumi
In the region of Lechkhumi, human life can be traced back to the Neolithic period. During the Antiquity, the region was densely populated. In ancient sources, the region was called Sarkineti (Land of Iron); and during Lazica, it was called Skvimnia.
In foreign sources, the region was first mentioned in the 6th century with the name of Skvimnia. Its long-time center is the city-fortress Tsageri. At this time, Skvimnia was gouvernated by an Eristavi (duke) under the king of Egrisi.
The Skvimnians's (Lechkhumians) main occupation was agriculture. This region was well-knew for its wine and metallurgic centres.
In foreign sources, the region was first mentioned in the 6th century with the name of Skvimnia. Its long-time center is the city-fortress Tsageri. At this time, Skvimnia was gouvernated by an Eristavi (duke) under the king of Egrisi.
The Skvimnians's (Lechkhumians) main occupation was agriculture. This region was well-knew for its wine and metallurgic centres.
Economy of the Region
Viticulture
The Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti regions are motherlands of two of most prestigious and highly valued wines in Georgia. The Usakhelauri grapes are grown on the mountain slopes near the villages of Okhureshi, Aubi and Isunderi. These grapes are quite scarce and only a limited amount of land is available making them rare and expensive.
Khvanchkara is a red wine made from the Alexandrouli and Mudzhuretuli grape varieties cultivated in the Khvanchkara vineyards, near the town of Ambrolauri. It is one of the most popular Georgian wines.
Khvanchkara is a red wine made from the Alexandrouli and Mudzhuretuli grape varieties cultivated in the Khvanchkara vineyards, near the town of Ambrolauri. It is one of the most popular Georgian wines.
The total area of vinyards in the region is 1696,4 ha. In Ambrolauri municipality there are Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli, while in Tsageri municipality are presented Tsolikauri and Usakhelauri vinyerds. In Ambrolauri and Tsageri municipalities operates 10 wine factories and 45 small wine cellars. Khvanchkara is a red wine made from the Alexandrouli and Mudzhuretuli grape varieties cultivated in the Khvanchkara vineyards, near the town of Ambrolauri. It is one of the most popular Georgian wines.
Mineral Waters
The region is rich of naturals springs and wellness resorts. There are 28 varieties of mineral waters in Utsera resort in Oni municipality. They are rich of calcium and iron, contain iodine and other minerals. In Shovi of Oni municipality resort 16 varieties of mineral waters were discovered. They contain calcium, sodium, iron, magnesium and other minerals.
Tsageri municipality is also famous for its mineral waters among them Lashichala and Dzuguri medical mineral waters, as well as Alpana, Akhalchala, Ladzgveri and Usakhelo.
In Ambrolauri municipality Bugeuli and Qveshvake villages are famous for the same too. Khvanchkara is a red wine made from the Alexandrouli and Mudzhuretuli grape varieties cultivated in the Khvanchkara vineyards, near the town of Ambrolauri. It is one of the most popular Georgian wines.
Tsageri municipality is also famous for its mineral waters among them Lashichala and Dzuguri medical mineral waters, as well as Alpana, Akhalchala, Ladzgveri and Usakhelo.
In Ambrolauri municipality Bugeuli and Qveshvake villages are famous for the same too. Khvanchkara is a red wine made from the Alexandrouli and Mudzhuretuli grape varieties cultivated in the Khvanchkara vineyards, near the town of Ambrolauri. It is one of the most popular Georgian wines.
Tourism
The spectacular mountains of the Racha-Lechkhumi region are full of beautiful sceneries and providing plenty of opportunities to see and do. The mountain area is covered with lush green forests and wonderful rivers.
Trekking and rafting provide wonderful views on landscapes. Keen climbers will have plenty of challenges on Mounts Khvamli and Lechkhum while rafting on the River Rioni might be a great adventure.
Horse riding deep into the forests is also a possibility to discover unchanged and pure nature.
Trekking and rafting provide wonderful views on landscapes. Keen climbers will have plenty of challenges on Mounts Khvamli and Lechkhum while rafting on the River Rioni might be a great adventure.
Horse riding deep into the forests is also a possibility to discover unchanged and pure nature.
Racha
There are many important cultural monuments from different periods in Racha. Magnificently decorated temples, interesting murals, special patterns of Georgian architecture harmoniously blending with beautiful nature of Racha. The fresh air, the waterfalls hidden in the greenery, the crystal-clear alpine style lakes, glaciers and lush meadows kept the region a real paradise for adventure lovers and might leave them speechless at the end.
Resorts
- Shovi
- Khidikari
- Utsera
Cultural monuments
- Nikortsminda
- Khotevi Church
- Barakoni church of Virgin Mary
- Mravaldzali
- Reketi church of st. Nikoloz
- Upper Krekhi church of archangel
- Khotevi fortress
- Minda fortress
- Labechini archangel church
- Leknari Monastery
Nature
- Udziro Lake
- Sasvano Lakes
- The glacier Buba
- Znakvi waterfall
- Bareuli waterfall
- Apanti waterfall
- Muradi cave
- Skhvavi freezer
- Satsalike mountain
- Khikhata mountain
Lechkhumi
The territory of Lechkhumi preserves the history of millenia. Here we find pre-christian settlements, medieval castle-fortresses and temples. The nature of Lechkhumi hidden in the green reminds us of Tsalkoti with waterfalls, lakes, beautiful fields and wide views. Visitors are particularly impressed by the Sairme pillars and Khvamli Mountains of great historical importance, where, according to the myths, the Prometheus was chained at the order of Zeus, who was later rescued by Heracles.
Resorts
- Lashichala
- Akhalchala
Cultural monuments
- Goni St. George Church
- Dekhviri Fortress
- Orbeli Fortress
- Muri Fortress
- Tskheta St. George Church
- Zubi Fortress
- Tabori Transfiguration Church
- Lailashi Dadiani complex and church
- Maximus the Confessor Church in Muri Village
- Basilica of the village of Gvesi
Nature
- Khvamli Mountain
- Sairme Pillars
- Askhi Massif
- Kulbabi Lakes
- Ghvirishi Waterfall
- Village Lailashi
- Rachkha Waterfall
- Verdzistava Waterfall
Suvalkija region
Suvalkija / Suduva - is the region on the left bank of the Nemunas, covering the major part of Lithuanian Uznemune (Marijampole county, Calvary, Kazlu Ruda, Marijampole Fork and Vilkaviskis districts, Kaunas county, Kaunas district Southern Region and the western part of the debate), that's wy called Uznemune.
Suduva people business from the first millennium beginning was and is agriculture. In Suduva earlier than in other places of Lithuania was abolish serfdom, fertile soil conducive to farming and diligence let for Suduva people to be the richest people in the region of XIX - XX centuries between Lithuanian farmers.
In nineteenth century end in the west of Suvalkija used kapsai and zanavykai adjectives formed the basis of the current generic (literary) Lithuanian language. The region is famous for always wise human beings among them Jonas Jablonskis - creator of the Lithuanian language and Lithuanian national anthem author - Vincas Kudirka. Suvalkija people are famous not only for thei intelligence but also for the economy.
Suduva people business from the first millennium beginning was and is agriculture. In Suduva earlier than in other places of Lithuania was abolish serfdom, fertile soil conducive to farming and diligence let for Suduva people to be the richest people in the region of XIX - XX centuries between Lithuanian farmers.
In nineteenth century end in the west of Suvalkija used kapsai and zanavykai adjectives formed the basis of the current generic (literary) Lithuanian language. The region is famous for always wise human beings among them Jonas Jablonskis - creator of the Lithuanian language and Lithuanian national anthem author - Vincas Kudirka. Suvalkija people are famous not only for thei intelligence but also for the economy.
Nature
Few rivers cross the region, and, except for the Nemunas, they do not have a very high water level. The largest and most prominent river in Suvalkija is the Sesupe, and its water level is highest where it runs along the border with the Kaliningrad region.
Lakes
Small lakes, of which there are 100 in the county, add diversity to the landscape of plains, especially in the region of Vilkaviskis. The largest lake, Vistytis, is situated in the Suduva hills.
Agriculture
Two-thirds of Marijampole is covered by agricultural land, the highest ratio of any Lithuanian county. Suvalkija is also known for its fertile soil.
Forests
Forests are not characteristic of the region, and with only 19 % of the county covered by forest, this makes Marijampole the least forested county in Lithuania. The largest forested area can be found in Kazlu Ruda, situated in the northwest of the county.
