
Chkhari is located in Terjola district on the bank of the Kvirila River. It is an old village which used to be a settlement of the traders and handicraftsman. Historical sources mention them in a story from the 17th century. In 1634 – 1635 the Prince of Samegrelo, Levan II Dadiani, liberated the King of Imereti, George III. As a gift, King gave him traders from Chkhari, who were resettled by the Prince to the village of Rukhi in Samegrelo. There is a historical and architectural complex from the Middle Ages which includes the Church of Saint George and a bell tower surrounded by a defensive wall. A big engraved gold cross made by goldsmith Mamne and other valuable items from the church are now kept in the Museum of Art and Museum of Manuscripts in Tbilisi.
|
Read more...
|

The village Skande is located on the left bank of the Kvirila River. In the medieval times the village was a Summer Residence of the Kings of Imereti. Close to Skande there is a fortress from the 4th century, built on a hill that is 120 meters high. In the 6th century during the Byzantine – Sasanian war, it became a strategic place in Imereti and until the 18th century it paid an important defensive, administrative and residential role. Many kings, noble people and diplomatic corps used to stop in the fortress during their trips. After the 18th century when Imereti became part of the Russian Empire, the fortress lost its function, got abandoned and fell into ruin. The site is an important historical place, not only for Georgians. It is surrounded by a dense forest and only one road from the village of Skande leads to the ruins of the fortress.
|
Read more...
|
|
|
|
|