Recently, a destination such as Georgia has become increasingly popular among travelers. Indeed, the country of Sakartvelo attracts with its warm hospitality, heartfelt toasts, fiery lezginka, the beauty of wild mountains and perfectly preserved sights. People come here to relax their souls and gain magical power, which is given by friendly Georgians and the Caucasus mountains.
Some facts
One of the cities revered by travelers is Zugdidi (Georgia). It is the administrative center of the Zugdidi region, as well as Samegrelo-Upper Svaneti and the Zugdidi-Tsaish diocese, located in the western part of the country. Translated from Georgian, “Zugdidi” means “big hill”.
The population of the city during the Soviet Union was approximately 110 thousand people. But with the collapse of the USSR and the closure of many enterprises on the territory of Zugdidi, the population of the city decreased to 75 thousand people. Here they mainly speak the Zugdidi dialect of the Mingrelian language, which is considered a classic and standard.
Location
Zugdidi (Georgia) is located at an altitude of 100 meters above sea level. From the capital of Georgia - Tbilisi - Zugdidi is located approximately 300 kilometers away. And it is separated from the nearest settlement on the Black Sea by 30 kilometers. Therefore, many travelers heading to relax on the seashore definitely stop by Zugdidi.
How to get there
There are several ways to get around a country like Georgia. The city of Zugdidi is located in the Colchis Lowland and can be reached by plane, train, bus or car.
If you choose the air route, then in this case passengers are served by the crew of a comfortable aircraft. The ticket price is 150 lari (approximately 3.5 thousand rubles) round trip, travel time is 1 hour. Since the weather in the mountains is often changeable, the flight may be unexpectedly canceled.
The aircraft is a small Canadian-made aircraft that can accommodate 20 people on board. Departs from Tbilisi, from the private Natakhtari airport, which is located near Mtskheta, and arrives in Mestia. You can get from Mestia to Zugdidi by taxi or minibus.
In Zugdidi (Georgia), the railway station is the westernmost in the country. The building, built during the Soviet era, has been perfectly preserved to this day, although it requires major repairs.
Now the city station is an intermediate station for those traveling to Svaneti - this is a mountainous and picturesque region that Georgia is especially proud of. The city of Zugdidi boasts a high-speed train that takes passengers to Tbilisi and back. Travel time is 6 hours.
The cost of a ticket for the Zugdidi - Tbilisi train for a reserved seat is 8.5 lari (202 rubles), if you take a ticket in a compartment, the ticket price will be 18 lari (430 rubles). There are also tickets for the SV compartment - 26 lari (620 rubles) and for 1st and 2nd class seats - their cost will be 24 lari (570 rubles) and 14 lari (333 rubles), respectively.
The most popular way among local residents to get to Tbilisi, and from there to any other point in Georgia, is to use an intercity bus. A bus ticket costs 13 lari (310 rubles). You can also get from Zugdidi (Georgia) to Poti, Rustavi and Chkhorotska. In addition, you can use the services of a private taxi, the cost of which is negotiable.
Attractions
The city of Zugdidi (Georgia) has very modest attractions. Namely, local residents can only boast of the elegant ancestral palace of the Mingrelian princes Dadiani. The Dadiani princes have an ancient aristocratic pedigree, they were related to Napoleon Bonaparte himself. More precisely, one of the Georgian princesses was married to Napoleon’s nephew.
Due to such a well-known relationship, the princes inherited several things of Napoleon, including his death mask. Also, the princes for a long time were the guardians of the Shroud of the Virgin Mary, which can now be seen only on major church holidays.
In addition, their garden brought great popularity to the palace of the Dadiani princes. To create it in the 19th century, the then ruler of Megrelia, Princess Dadiani, invited famous European gardeners who brought with them rare varieties of flora.
Today this place is known as the Zugdidi Botanical Garden, which covers an area of 26.4 hectares. In the modern Zugdidi Garden there are trees that are more than 200 years old, and they are kind of the only specimens on the Eurasian continent.
Where to stay
Tourists in this city are most often in transit - they are heading to the mountainous region of Svaneti. Although there are those who want to get acquainted with the Georgian identity and get to know the traditions of the people better. Such tourists are happy to stay in Zugdidi.
Renting a house in Zugdidi (Georgia) is easy. The same goes for finding a guesthouse. A room in the latter will cost an average of 50 lari (almost 1,200 rubles), but it is advisable to book a room in advance. Here you can also find a house for a few days, which will amaze you with its carved wooden decorations, rich decoration and the friendliness of the owners.
Walking around the city
The city center consists of two squares, which are connected by a boulevard. The length of the Zugdidi boulevard is 511 meters; large trees grow in its center, which in the heat provide wonderful shade and coolness. Along the entire boulevard you can see local restaurants and cafes, as well as the Odishi Hotel, Atrium Cinema, City Hall and Post Office.
In the southern part of the boulevard there is Freedom Square, on which stands the Samegrelo administration building and several banks. Not far from the square is the Zugdit Cathedral. In addition, from here there is a road to the south, smoothly turning into the highway to Kutaisi and Tbilisi.
The northern part of the boulevard abuts the central square. Teatralnaya Street departs from it, on which the local Dadiani Drama Theater stands. On the other side of the square is the city stadium, past which there is an alley leading to the Dadiani Palace.
Modern history of the city
Compared to other CIS countries, modern Georgia has an interesting history of formation. G. Zugdidi does not remain either. You can find a lot of interesting information about him. He also survived bloody events.
The modern history of Zugdidi begins in 1921, when it was conquered by the Kuban Red Army during the Civil War. After the collapse of the Union, the city became a kind of headquarters for Zviad Gamsakhurdia, who then headed the government in exile. After Georgia's attack on South Ossetia, the settlement was captured by Russian troops with lightning speed and was subsequently liberated by them.
Residents of Zugdidi (Georgia) do not like to remember the past, and it is better not to talk to them about recent events. But their warm hospitality and cordiality will remain in the heart of every guest for a lifetime.
City (since 1918) in Georgia, on the Colchis lowland. Railroad station. 50.6 thousand inhabitants (1991). Pulp and paper mill, porcelain and earthenware factory, silk weaving factory; food industry. Theater. Historical and Ethnographic Museum… Big Encyclopedic Dictionary
City. Georgia. Suggested etymologies: from Arab, zug bazaar, market and cargo, didi large or, as more likely, from cargo, zurgi back, ridge. Geographical names of the world: Toponymic dictionary. M: AST. Pospelov E.M. 2001 ... Geographical encyclopedia
Zugdidi- ZUGDIDI, district. mountains Kutais. lips., during East. war served as the residence of the rulers of Mingrelia. After the battle on the river. Ingure (see this word) the army of Omer Pasha concentrated on October 28. 1855 near Z., from where it continued slowly. advance along the way through... ... Military encyclopedia
District city of Kutaisi province, in 117 ver. to the WNW from Kutais, at absolute high 273. In former times it was called Dad and from ancient times was the winter residence of the rulers of Mingrelia. Zugdidi lies near the Chosoushi River, a tributary of the river. Juma. There is a palace here and... Encyclopedic Dictionary F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Ephron
City (since 1918) in Georgia, on the Colchis lowland. Railway station 50.6 thousand inhabitants (1991). Pulp and paper mill, porcelain and earthenware factory, silk weaving factory; food industry. Theater. Historical and Ethnographic Museum. * * *… … encyclopedic Dictionary
City (since 1918) in the Georgian SSR. Located in the Colchis Lowland, 30 km from the Black Sea, on the Black Sea Highway and the road leading to Svaneti (Mestia). Railway station on a branch from the Sukhumi Samtredia line. 40 thousand inhabitants (1970).… … Great Soviet Encyclopedia
Zugdidi- city. Georgia. Suggested etymologies: from Arab, zug bazaar, market and cargo, didi large or, as more likely, from cargo, zurgi back, ridge... Toponymic dictionary
Coordinates: 42°30′37″ N. w. 41°51′33″ E. d. / 42.510278° n. w. 41.859167° E. d. ... Wikipedia
This term has other meanings, see Bahia (meanings). Bahia (Zugdidi) ... Wikipedia
ZUGDIDA-TSAISH DIOCESE- [cargo. The Georgian Orthodox Church (GOC) (since April 5, 1995) with pulpits in Zugdidi in honor of the Blachernae Icon of God th Mother, Tsaish in honor of the Dormition of the Most Holy. Theotokos and Tsalenjikha in honor of the Transfiguration of the Lord... ... Orthodox Encyclopedia
Books
- My dear Fannichka! , Strauss Emil Category: Memoirs Series: Library of the Russian Revolution Publisher: Kuchkovo pole,
- My dear Fannichka! Letters from the German doctor E. Strauss to his wife F. Wiesel from a military hospital in Zugdidi. Russian-Turkish War 1877-1878, Emil Strauss, This book is a translation into Russian of letters from the German doctor Emil Strauss to his wife Fanny Wiesel from a military hospital in Zugdidi during the Russian-Turkish War (1877-1878). Written in the form... Category: Biographies, memoirs and fiction Publisher: Kuchkovo pole, Manufacturer:
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Zugdidi is located 30 kilometers from and is the administrative center of the Samegrelo region, in Western.
Peculiarities
Centuries ago, the city was called Dadi, in honor of the Dadiani princes who owned these lands. Previously, Zugdidi had a pronounced industrial status, but during the reign of Shevardnadze, many factories and factories were looted and closed. Among cultural and scientific institutions, branches of the Research Institute of Tea and Subtropical Crops stand out. Among the famous natives of this Georgian city, a special place is occupied by such outstanding personalities as chess player Nona Gaprindashvili, football players Zaza Janashia and the great goalkeeper Otari Gabelia, as well as Russian producer Gela Romanovsky. Today, just over 70 thousand people live in Zugdidi, and the urban area is about 17 square kilometers. There are almost no outstanding architectural structures or historical monuments here, but many interesting objects are located in the areas adjacent to the city, and in combination with beautiful nature and picturesque landscapes, Zugdidi becomes even more attractive.
general information
Zugdidi is located in western Georgia, 30 km from the Black Sea in the Colchis Lowland at an altitude of 110 m above sea level. The city covers an area of 16.85 square meters. km. The population is 76.6 thousand people. Time zone UTC+4, local time is 1 hour ahead of Moscow.
A brief excursion into history
In ancient times, Zugdidi had the name Dadi, and was the residence of the Dadiani princes. In 1850, silk production was widely developed here, but by the 20th century it had faded away. At the end of 1855, the city was occupied by Turkish troops during the Crimean War, and during the Megrelian uprising in 1857, Zugdidi was taken by the rebels. In 1921, the city was occupied by units of the Kuban Red Army during the Soviet-Georgian War.
How to get there
Usually night trains heading to Tbilisi stop in Zugdidi; you can also get there from other Georgian cities by minibus. There are flights from Russia to Tbilisi and Batumi.
Transport
Zugdidi is a small city, you can move around the center on foot, for longer distances you can use public transport - minibuses, buses. There are private taxis, but it is better to agree on the cost in advance.
Attractions and entertainment
The main attraction of the city and its symbol is the ancestral Dadiani Palace, directly related to the ancient aristocratic family of princes. One of the princesses who belonged to the Dadiani family was married to Askil Murat, who was the nephew of the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. Thus, this family has a direct connection with the family of the great conqueror. Some pieces of furniture and interior design, inherited by the princess and then by her children, at different times belonged to Napoleon. The estate itself, with its somewhat gloomy appearance, resembles medieval castles in Europe. However, the real pride of the Dadiani Palace is the amazing green garden, for the improvement of which, in the middle of the last century, the best gardeners from the European continent were specially called here, as well as the seeds of rare exotic plants that were planted in front of the windows of the castle. Today, some of the trees in the garden are more than two hundred years old, and they are considered absolutely unique specimens in Eurasia, and the picturesque green area in front of the palace is now called the Zugdidi Botanical Garden.
One of the most important cultural and historical sites in the Samegrelo region is located a few kilometers from Zugdidi. Unique Svan towers, which served as a defensive structure in the Middle Ages, are now a symbol of the early Middle Ages on the territory of Georgia. In those days, raids by conquerors from other lands were considered commonplace, so in order to warn the settlement about the invasion of uninvited guests, similar high-rise buildings were built, which can equally be attributed to both an observation tower and strategic objects that were of no small importance in the defense process. When enemies approached, the man on duty on the tower lit a fire, thus warning the inhabitants of the impending danger. Externally, these towers are square-shaped (approximately 5 by 5 meters) stone elevations up to 25 meters high. Today, the youngest Svan towers are at least two hundred years old, and the special lifting structures that served to transport people up have collapsed everywhere, and climbing up on your own is very dangerous. Therefore, tourists who come to these places have to be content with only taking photographs at the foot of the stone towers.
About five kilometers north of Zugdidi is the village of Rukhi, where the majestic Rukh Fortress, built by Levan II Dadiani in the first half of the 17th century. In 1780, a battle took place near its walls between the army of Solomon I of Imereti and the Turks, which ended in the complete defeat of the representatives of the Ottoman Empire. Now the fortress is partially destroyed, and the plain on which it is located is overgrown with grass. However, the appearance of the building has retained its former grandeur and still evokes admiration for its fundamentalism.
One of the most picturesque places in the surrounding area of Zugdidi is Lake Tobavarchkhila, which amazes with its pristine beauty, but is difficult to access due to its geographical location. Nearby there is an impressive mountain waterfall and a number of deep canyons that harmoniously fit into the surrounding landscapes. The border with Abkhazia is located very close, which local residents periodically cross illegally, but Russian citizens are regularly “slowed down” by border guards, not allowed into Abkhaz territory under various pretexts.
Accommodation
Today, the tourism infrastructure in Zugdidi is poorly developed. Several small local hotels and a couple of restaurants are all that the city can currently offer to its guests.
Kitchen
One of the most popular national dishes is shish kebab and khinkali, which are eaten directly with your hands.
Shopping
At the local market, which is open until noon, you can buy original gifts and souvenirs - daggers with national ornaments, carpets, silver and gold jewelry. When in Zugdidi, you should definitely try Georgian wine - national pride, and of course, all kinds of cheeses, dairy products and herbs - indispensable attributes of any meal.
Precautionary measures
Zugdidi is a safe town, but you should respect local customs and culture and women should dress more modestly.
Neighborhood
Nearby is Mestia, which can be reached from Zugdidi by minibus; it is also worth visiting Kutaisi as a day excursion.
Almost all the buildings are new buildings, so the city cannot be called too photogenic. Among the attractions here, only the Dadiani Palace with Botanical Garden. Therefore, in order to look at interesting cultural and historical sites, you need to travel outside the city area. Otherwise, this is a nice, cozy, safe town, located between the picturesque mountain ranges.
The city of Zugdidi attracts a large number of tourists, there are many attractions here, and there is something to see in terms of architecture. Conditions have been created for various types of recreation; single tourists, married couples, and groups of friends come here. Another advantage of the city is its close location to the Black Sea, the distance to the coast is only 30 kilometers. The location of Zugdidi played a role in its name; it is translated into Russian as “great hill”.
The city is located in a valley, so parts of it are often present in photographs of Zugdidi. More than 100 thousand people live here, and the population has not changed significantly over time. Even in times of demographic crises, stability remains here. Tourist demand is an important part of the city's economy, so Zugdidi bypasses many problems.
The following important characteristics of the settlement can be identified:
- subtropical climate (no sub-zero temperatures);
- frequent rains in winter;
- distance to the capital - 300 kilometers;
- conversations in the Zugdidi dialect of the Georgian language.
The last factor must be taken into account in order to find closer contact with local residents.
July and August are best for a beach holiday. June and September are also characterized by hot weather, but frequent rains may interfere with rest. Not everyone comes to sunbathe and swim; Zugdidi has important sights for Georgia that tourists from near and far come to see.
Main attractions
Among all the architectural monuments, the Dadiani Palace occupies a special place, whose majestic appearance puts it on a par with the most famous castles in Europe of the Middle Ages. The creation of this architectural masterpiece was carried out by the famous architect Edgar Rice. The Dadiani princes have family ties with Napoleon, to which great importance is attached.
In the middle of the 19th century, the owner of Megrelia (he was David Dadiani at that time) founded a museum in the castle, which stores the following things:
- pieces of Napoleon furniture;
- icon of Tamara, the famous queen of Georgia;
- samples of weapons from Europe during the Middle Ages;
- various relics from Constantinople.
The museum contains more than 40,000 exhibits; the collection is based on the prince’s personal belongings and valuables important for Georgia.
The botanical garden located next to the castle is characterized by its magnificent beauty. The princess was in charge of its improvement; the best European gardeners were invited for this purpose. Ordering seeds of rare plants gave the garden uniqueness, so that their presence surprises not only tourists, but also city residents.
Zugdidi has many interesting architectural monuments that become popular photo subjects, but another famous place is located outside the city limits. We are talking about the Rukh fortress, where at the end of the 18th century a major battle took place between Georgians and Abkhazians. The partially destroyed walls did not lead to the loss of the majesty of the view. If you look at the map, the fortress is located several kilometers from the borders of the modern city.
How to get to Zugdidi
Many people prefer to travel by private car; finding the city of Zugdi Di on the map will not be a problem. If desired, you can get to Zugdidi in other ways:
- public transport (buses and minibuses);
- fast train (travel time only 6 hours).
Traveling by car has many benefits due to the amazing views you can enjoy along the way. Along the way, you can stop by the beautiful mountain lake Tobavarchkhili, which is located 20 kilometers from the city. Many people take photos in this place, which they then keep as memories for the rest of their lives. By car it will be easier to move around Zugdidi itself, which is quite large. This will make it easier to get from one part of the city to another; you will not depend on public transport schedules and other things.
Where to stay in the city
Those who want to see the sights of Zugdidi come for at least a few days, so a reasonable question arises where to stay for this time. Among the cities of Georgia, Zugdidi is one of the resort cities, so the hotel business is developed at a good level. Each hotel has rooms of various classes; during periods of reduced tourist activity, discounts often appear.
The average cost of living in a small hotel room will be about 10 dollars (500 rubles) per day.
Tourists can be divided into two categories: some immediately have a clear plan of activities, others look for interesting places in Zugdidi on the map after arrival. To ensure yourself interesting entertainment, you should prepare for the trip in advance. In the city you can easily use various services:
- Car rent;
- excursion tours;
The low cost of hotel rooms allows you not to worry about where to sleep. There are also cheaper options in hostels, then the trip will definitely not require serious financial expenses, and you will be able to stay in the city longer. In the summer, at any time you can go from the city to the Black Sea shore to sunbathe and swim. In Zugdidi it is easy to combine business with pleasure, you can have fun and learn something new about the local culture, which is multifaceted.
Zugdidi is a large city located in western Georgia, is the center of the Zugdidi region, as well as the Zugdidi-Tsaish diocese and Samegrelo-Zamo Svaneti. Translated from Mingrelian, Gugdidi means “big hill”. The population of the city is about 75 thousand inhabitants, that is, a sixth of all Samegrelo and a seventh of the Megrelian people. Here they speak the Zugdidi dialect of the Mingrelian language, considered the standard and classic.
The distance from Tbilisi to Zugdidi is approximately 300 kilometers. The city is located at an altitude of one hundred meters from sea level.
How to get there
There are only two ways to get to Zugdidi - air and land. The land way is by jeep or one of the rare regular buses. This road can be called very long and tiring. There is a comfortable twelve-seater plane Tbilisi - Mestia, the ticket price for which is 90 GEL. You just need to remember that it is impossible to predict the weather in the mountains, so sudden flight cancellations may occur. You can also get there by bus from, but the road will be too tiring.
There are minibuses from Mestia to Zugdidi. The fare is 15 GEL. It should be taken into account that taxi drivers start working early in the morning, but after lunch you won’t find any.
What interesting sights to see in Zugdidi
The city has a very modest history. We can mention the residence of the Dadiani princes and the ancient temple. Back in the nineteenth century, no more than one thousand people lived in these places, whose houses were located not far from the palace. The modern city is practically a new building, and there is nothing to photograph here except the palace and the temple.
Not far from Zugdidi you can see the Rukh Fortress, located seven kilometers away. There is a resort and beach suburb of Anaklia, which is thirty kilometers away. If you move towards Tbilisi, then after eleven kilometers you can get to the village of Tsaishi, where you can get acquainted with its famous cathedral. And if you go towards Mestia, you can get to the village of Kortskheli, where they will show you an unknown cave and a temple of the 12th century. In the city of Tsalenjikha you will be introduced to the Spassky Cathedral, and in the cities of Jvari and Chkhorotsku you will be shown ancient fortresses.
To the south of Zugdidi, on the Tbilisi highway, it is worth seeing the city of Khobi, which has the Khobi Monastery, where an exhibition of Mingrelian Christian relics is kept.
Prices for travelers to Zugdidi
Tourists in the city are most often transit tourists heading to Svaneti. Local residents treat visitors this way, implying that they have nothing to do in Zugdidi. The number of hotels in Zugdidi is also limited. Or rather, there is only one hostel, which is called “Zugdidi-Hostel”, and you can spend the night there for 20 GEL. The hostel address is Griboedova Street, building 1. It is located one and a half kilometers from Freedom Square, not far from the river bank.
There are also few restaurants in Zugdidi. There are several cheap eateries near the market. We can recommend the interesting and serious restaurant "Diaroni", located on Konstantin Gamsakhurdia Street. This restaurant is located in the city center, not far from the central square, about eighty meters if you move on the right side. This restaurant has a wide range of inexpensive dishes. For example, a large bowl of satsivi costs 20 lari. It is very tasty to eat satsivi together with elarji. In general, this is where high-quality Megrelian food and aromatic coffee are served.
Walk around the city
In the city center there are two squares, which are connected by a 511-meter-long boulevard. The boulevard is lined with large shady trees and a few cafes. There is also a hotel, cinema, post office and city hall building here. The boulevard ends with Freedom Square, around which several banks and the local administration cluster.
The boulevard begins from the central square, from which Teatralnaya Street departs, leading to the Shalva Dadiani Drama Theater. If you move north, you can reach the stadium. In the west there are several khachapurs, in the north there is an alley leading to the Dadiani Palace.
Parallel to the boulevard runs Gamsakhurdia Street, on which only a restaurant can be mentioned. David Agmesenebeli Street smoothly flows into the Tbilisi highway. The Zugdidi Cathedral has not yet been completed; it should become the central cathedral of the Zugdidi-Tsaish diocese.
It is worth mentioning Rustaveli Street, leading to the eastern and western parts of the city. You can use it to get to the shopping center and Zugdidi market, and then to the railway station. Having reached the Svan Tower, the tourist will be able to take a minibus, which will take him to Svaneti.
City `s history
The former name of Zugdidi is Dadi. For many years, these places were the winter residence of the owners of Megrelia - the Dadiani princes. If you drive seven kilometers, then on the banks of the Enguri River you can see the ruins remaining from the Rukh fortress. In these places a bloody battle took place between King Solomon and Katsia Dadiani.
In 1850, the Frenchman Rozmordyuk founded a silk-winding factory in Zugdidi, which ceased to exist at the beginning of the 20th century. When the Crimean War was going on, the city was occupied by the Turkish army, commanded by Omer Pasha. In 1857, the village blacksmith Utu Mikava led an uprising and captured Zugdidi.
After the Russian Civil War, the Kuban Red Army headed to Georgia and conquered Zugdidi in March 1921.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Zugdidi became the headquarters of Zviad Gamsakhurdia, who headed the government in exile. On August 11, after the Georgian attack on South Ossetia, Zugdidi was captured by Russian troops, but was soon liberated.
