Region Racha | რაჭა

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Where is Racha region?

Location

The beautiful mountainous Racha region is situated in the west of Georgia at the foot of the majestic Caucasus Mountains. It borders the neighbouring regions of Svaneti in the northwest, Imereti in the south, Shida Kartli in the east and Lechkhumi in the west. Racha consists of two communities, Ambrolauri and Oni, with Ambrolauri being the administrative centre.

Geography

The landscape of the Racha region is mountainous, with both the mighty Caucasus Mountains and mountain ranges bordering the region on its neighbours. The Lechkhumi Mountains border Svaneti, the Racha Mountains border Imereti and the Nakerala Pass borders Imereti.

As a mountainous region, Racha is rich in rivers. The Rioni, the river with the largest volume of water in Georgia, rises in the mountains of this region. Racha is home to some of the highest peaks in the Caucasus, including Zichvarga at 4137 m, Burdschula at 4356 m, Geze at 3870 m, etc. There are numerous glaciers in the Caucasus.

The Racha region is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Picturesque mixed forests cover the slopes of the entire region. The famous Normnatanne grape variety also has its origins here.

The climate

Racha is located at an altitude of 2000 metres above sea level, which results in a humid climate. Winters are cold and long, summers short, warm and sometimes hot. At the higher altitudes of Racha (over 2000 m), the climate in summer is unusually humid for Georgia.

History and Culture

The most important historical passages

The region of Racha has a rich history dating back to the Bronze Age. Initially, Racha and Lechkhumi shared a historical area called Takveri in the 7th century. In the 10th century, the Racha Saeristavo (as a duchy) emerged under the leadership of Rati Bakhvashi.

After the collapse of the Georgian Kingdom in the 15th century, Racha became part of the Principality of Samegrelo. Later, the region became part of Imereti after King Solomon II of Imereti took possession of it. The region was ruled by various noble families, such as the Tsulukidze, Iashvili, Japaridze, Inasaridze and Lashkh

Today, Racha is one of the regions of Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti.

Culture

The region’s culture is characterised by a rich tradition of folk songs and unique architecture. Well-known Rachuli songs such as ‘Kvedvrula’, ‘Rashovda’, ‘High in the mountains’ and others are very popular. Rakhuli folklore has also been preserved, with legends about the founding of villages and the meaning of place names. Rakhuli folk dance is widespread and danced throughout the country. There is a fascinating wind instrument called gudastviri, on which a special type of song is sung called shairi.

The architecture in Racha is unique. The inhabitants are known as the best builders in the country, especially for their wooden buildings with beautifully decorated balconies. Many old houses in Georgia, including in Svaneti, were built by the Ratchvelis and are known for their ornamental details.

The Racha region is home to some treasures of Georgian religious architecture, such as the medieval Nikortsminda and the late medieval Barakoni. Also of interest is a 19th-century architectural gem in the form of a synagogue in Oni.

Rachuli cuisine attracts gourmets with bean stew, rachuli ham, lobiani and other traditional dishes. The region has established wine production, particularly of the high-quality, natural, semi-sweet Khvanchkara. The Rachuli were not only talented builders, but also excellent bakers.

Cuisine and wine

Rachuli cuisine attracts gourmets with bean stew, Rachuli ham, lobiani and other traditional dishes. Wine production has become established in the region, particularly for the high-quality, natural, semi-sweet Khvanchkara. The Rachuli were not only talented builders, but also excellent bakers.

Travel tips for the Racha region

Sights and activities

Cultural sights

• The church of Nikortsminda is an outstanding example of national architecture and dates from 1010-1014, the beginning of the 11th century. The church is known for its unique decorations and wall paintings.
• In the village of Brili, near Oni, the archaeological excavations are unique, with artefacts and finds from the first millennium BC.
• The church of Barakoni, dating from the 18th century, is another example of Georgian culture and architecture. It is a cruciform church with a dome and is one of the last significant monuments in the tradition of medieval Georgian architecture.
• The Church of St George in Mravaldzali, near the village and community of Oni, is an 11th-century monument thought to be associated with the founding of Racha Saeristavo around 1010 by Bagrat III.
• The medieval fortress of Minda, dating from the 13th to 14th century, is perched on a hill near the Barakoni church and can only be reached on foot. The walk there is not long and of medium difficulty. The ruins of the fortress consist of a wall and three towers. From here, there are magnificent views over the valley.
• The Oni synagogue, built in the 19th century, is a fine architectural example. It is centrally located and can also be reached by car. After the synagogues in Tbilisi and Kutaisi, the synagogue in Oni is the third largest in the country.

Natural sights

• Lake Udziro in Racha, near Glola and Shovi, is located at an altitude of 2800 m on the slopes of Katitsvera and offers a magnificent view of the Caucasus. The lake is only accessible on foot and requires a hike of 6-7 hours, suitable for experienced hikers. It is an unforgettable experience to camp by the lake and enjoy the view the next morning. The route is also suitable for horse riders.
• The Buba glacier near the village of Shovi at the foot of the Caucasus offers a wonderful day hike. The moderately difficult route leads through picturesque forests, alpine meadows and mountain landscapes.
• The Sakinule Cave, also known as the Ice Cave, is a deep rock cave where it is below zero degrees Celsius all year round. Water droplets seeping from the rock freeze immediately when they touch the ground. The cave is located 3 km from the village of Nikortsminda at an altitude of 1200 m above sea level. The cave is made of limestone from the Lower Cretaceous.
• The Muradi Cave consists of two large ‘halls’, both accessible through a four-metre wide and one-metre high entrance. These halls contain beautiful stalactites, stalagmites and speleothems, including sparkling, ball-sized stalagmites that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
• The Saswano Lakes in the Lechkumi Mountains between Racha and Svaneti are located at an altitude of 2600 metres and can only be reached on foot. Hikers can enjoy the breathtaking landscape and the surrounding mountains here.
• Mineral springs – Over 40 mineral springs in the Racha region are known for their healing properties. The most important are the Uzera and Shovi springs, which are among a large number of springs in the region that are valued for their health benefits.

Resorts

• Schovi, a balneoclimatic health resort near Oni in the valley of the river Chanjakhi. 1520 metres above sea level, 30 km from Oni, surrounded by coniferous and deciduous forests. Treatments: mountain climate and mineral springs. There are sanatoriums, holiday homes and guesthouses. There are several small guesthouses where rooms can be rented. The well-known Nordmann fir trees grow in the health resort.
• The resort of Uzera in the municipality of Oni, on the Rioni River at an altitude of 1050 m, offers beautiful nature, forests, alpine meadows and views of icy peaks that attract tourists. The climatic-balneological resort has moderately cold winters and long warm summers, ideal for mountain lovers with mountain climate and mineral water ‘Utsera’. Utsera is beautiful in the summer greenery and autumn colours, and also culturally, with the ruins of four medieval churches and a fortress.

Activities

• Hiking: Hiking is the most popular activity in this mountainous region. There are hiking trails almost everywhere in the villages and gorges, but not all of them are marked. Well-known routes such as the Uziro Lakes Route, the Buba Glacier and the Saswawano Lakes are marked, but for safety reasons it is recommended to hike with local guides. – Horseback riding: Most hiking trails are also suitable for horseback riding. There are several providers in the region that organise riding tours in Ratscha.
• Photography: The region offers excellent opportunities for landscape and architecture photography, as well as for taking pictures of old church paintings.
• Cycling: Numerous gorges and mountain trails are ideal for mountain biking. Tours from 1 to 7 days are possible.
• Culinary and wine tours: the region’s unique cuisine and wines make it a popular destination for food and wine tours. Activities such as traditional bread baking or wine tasting are possible.
• Cultural tours: culture lovers are attracted by the region’s old churches, castles and other attractions.
• The Rioni river is ideal for rafting.

Tours in Racha region

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