Region Shida Kartli | შიდა ქართლი

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Where is Shida Kartli?

Location

Shida Kartli / შიდა ქართლი is located in the eastern part of Georgia with the capital Gori, and has further administrative centres such as Khashuri, Kareli, Kaspi, Tskhinvali and Java. Tskhinvali and Java are currently occupied by Russia.

The region of Shida Kartli is bordered by the Greater Caucasus in the north, the Lichi Mountains in the west, which separate eastern and western Georgia (behind them lies Imereti), and Racha; by the Trialeti Mountains in the south, which form a natural border with southern Georgia, and by the Aragvi Valley and the Ksani River in the east.

Geography

The landscape of the Shida Kartli is very diverse and ranges from the slightly dry steppe landscape of the plains to the forests of the lower mountain range, where oak predominates. The region is heavily forested and the mountains, such as the Trialeti Mountains, are mostly covered with oak and beech forests.

Between 2000 and 2200 m, high mountain meadows with alpine and subalpine vegetation extend, while glacier landscapes are practically non-existent. The main river in the region is the Liachvi, which rises in the mountains of the Greater Caucasus and flows into the Kura. Other rivers include the Tedzami, the Kavtura, etc.

Climate

The climate is continental, moderately warm and dry in some places. The average annual temperature is around 11 °C, the maximum temperature is 42 °C and the minimum temperature is -32 °C.

History and culture

Key historical passages

The oldest traces of human life were discovered in the region of Inner Kartli, where Palaeolithic tools were found between the Lamiskana River and the Kavtura and Tedzami Rivers. The region was already well populated in the 3rd millennium BC, during the Bronze Age, and experienced the emergence of the original ‘Kura-Araxix’ culture in the early Bronze Age.

In ancient times, various states were formed in eastern Georgia. Under Parnavaz, the king of Iberia (which included areas of present-day eastern Georgia), his rule extended over the entire Kartli, including Shida Kartli. This led to the formation of the Inner Kartli region as an independent administrative unit under its own military leader, Spaspeti.

In the 1st to 3rd centuries, the Kingdom of Iberia was further consolidated, while in the 4th century, feudal relationships were established in Old Kartli. The proclamation of Christianity as the state religion in Kartli in the 5th century supported this process. Arab rule in Georgia from the 7th century onwards particularly affected the inner areas of Kartli.

In the 13th century, when the country was unified, the area of inner Kartli played a leading role in the economic and cultural life of the country. Here, in the villages of Ruisi and Urbnisi, important church assemblies were held at which far-reaching church reforms were carried out. Cultural life flourished in the Middle Ages with secular literature, philosophical thought, arts and crafts, and monumental painting.

In the late Middle Ages, the Kingdom of Kartli emerged as Georgia disintegrated into various kingdoms. After the Ottoman conquest of Samtskhe-Zaatakho at the beginning of the 17th century, historical Upper Kartli was separated from the Kingdom of Kartli and the name was transferred to the northwestern part of Inner Kartli.

Culture

When it comes to the culture of the region of Inner Kartli / Shida Kartli, the cultural monuments and magnificent architecture are particularly noteworthy. Numerous castles, fortresses, churches and even an ancient cave city not only characterise the region, but are also important for the whole country.

Highlights include the late medieval fortress of Gori, the cathedral of Nikozi, the churches of Ruisi and Urbnisi, the Samzverisi complex with its church and fortress walls, and Ateni Sioni from the 7th century with its unique paintings and architecture. Not to be forgotten is the cave city of Uplistsikhe from the 6th to 4th century BC. In addition to these attractions, there are many magnificent architectural masterpieces in the Russian-occupied areas that are therefore not accessible to visitors.

The region is rich in folklore, and some of the most popular songs include Kartluri, Namgluri, Harvest Song, Kartluri Chona and Makruli. One of the most famous legends in Georgia comes from this region and tells of the Surami Fortress.

Kartli is the scene of numerous public festivals such as Didgoroba, Goridschwroba and Kudianoba. During the Atozoba, the sick were brought to St. George’s Church to seek healing and pets were sacrificed. The Didgoroba festivities include horse riding demonstrations, wrestling and various ceremonies, as well as some ritual events.

Cuisine and wine

The region’s cuisine is very diverse, offering a wide selection of fish, meat and vegetarian dishes. The tradition of winemaking is as popular here as it is throughout Georgia.

There are several grape varieties, including Shavkapito, Budushuri, Goruli Mzvane, Gorula and Chinuri. Fruits and vegetables are also popular in the region of Inner Kartli / Shida Kartli, especially apples, peaches, pears and plums.

Travel tips for the region of Shida Kartli

Sights and activities

Cultural sights

• The church of Ateni-Sioni dates from the 7th century and is an outstanding example of Georgian religious architecture. It is located in the Ateni Valley near Gori. In addition to its impressive paintings and architecture, the walls of the church feature unique inscriptions in the Georgian Asomtavruli script, containing historical and personal details, dates and clues.
• Uplistsikhe is a rock-hewn town, one of the oldest settlements in the Caucasus and an ancient religious and commercial centre. It is located about 10 km east of Gori on the left bank of the Kura River, offering magnificent views of the valley. Visitors can discover old streets, a wine press, a theatre, a sewage system, a pagan temple, a secret tunnel to the Kura River and much more during a walk.
• The fortress of Gori, located on a rocky hill in the centre of Gori in Kartli, bears witness to a strong presence since the last millennium BC with its ruins and archaeological remains. It was first mentioned in the 13th century. From the fortress, there is a magnificent view of the Caucasus.
• The monastic complex of Rkoni was an important hub for trade and military routes connecting the region of Inner Kartli/Shida Kartli with other regions in the 12th and 13th centuries. After being plundered in 1400, the area was abandoned despite security measures in the 16th to 18th centuries and later rebuilt. The village of Rkoni can only be reached by 4×4. The drive there offers breathtaking scenery.
• The Kinzvisi Monastery in the municipality of Kareli, near the village of Kinzvisi, consists of a main building from the 12th to 13th century with a central domed temple dedicated to Saint Nicholas. It is an outstanding example of Georgian architecture with important paintings that have influenced the development of monumental painting in the country. Particularly well known is the angel of Kinzvisi, depicted in various shades of blue. The monastery is easily accessible by car.

Natural sights

• The Ateni Valley, just 20 minutes by car from Gori, is rich in cultural and natural treasures. Visitors can admire the striking church of Ateni Sioni and other impressive fortresses. The old mountain villages also attract nature lovers. Small family wineries offer excellent Georgian wines for tasting. The valley is a true paradise for cyclists.
• The Dzama Valley in Kareli is not only known for its natural beauty, but also for its many old churches and monasteries, which are well worth a visit. The valley attracts hikers and cyclists alike.
• Lake Bateti in Georgia is located in the Dzama Valley at an altitude of 1313 metres and was formed by a landslide. The unique landscape, surrounded by forested hills, characterises the lake, which, although it does not have a wide shore, is home to the rare Asian Triton in its clear waters. A stream flows out of the lake and a rich swamp area with a diverse flora thrives in the southern part. The lake can be reached by 4×4 and then on foot. The destination is well suited for day trips.
• Lake Nadarbazevi in Gori, at an altitude of 856 metres, is an artificial reservoir on the site of an earlier lake. With a water surface of 1.18 km² and a depth of 1.8 metres, it offers wide views and is a popular destination for nature lovers, anglers and landscape photographers. It can be reached by 4×4.
• The Biisi waterfall in Gori, near the village of Biisi in the Tana Valley at an altitude of 1080 metres, is a popular destination. It is ideal for hiking, picnics and a refreshing dip in summer. In the lower part, there is a small reservoir that is ideal for swimming. In winter, it turns into an impressive ice wonderland that invites you to climb.

Health resorts

• Surami, a climatic health resort on the southern slopes of the Lichi Mountains, lies 740 metres above sea level. The villages of Bijnisi, Didi Bekam, Zekota, Patara Bekam and Urtkhva belong to the municipality. Here you can stay in cosy guest houses and enjoy the good air and pleasant climate of the health resort.
• Kvishkheti, a village in Khashuri, is characterised by the unique quality of its healing air, which is created by the convergence of warm and humid air currents. Mineral water with healing properties flows in the area of the spa. The resort is particularly suitable for children with respiratory diseases.

Activities

The region of Shida Kartli offers a wide range of attractions and activities. Here are some travel tips for visitors to the region:

• Cultural experiences: Those interested in culture are attracted by the old churches, castles and villages, with the ancient city of Uplistsikhe and Ateni Sioni standing out in particular.
• Hiking: The area around Rkoni Monastery, the Zama Valley to Lake Bateti and the mountains of the Ateni Valley are ideal hiking areas. Most of the trails are not marked, so it is recommended to take a guide.
• Ice climbing is a unique attraction. The Biisi waterfall in the Ateni Valley freezes and forms a stable mass of ice that is good for climbing. This activity requires a good level of fitness and is only suitable for experienced climbers.
• Horseback riding: All hiking trails are also suitable for horseback riding. Numerous providers in various villages offer horseback riding tours.
• Photography: The region’s cultural monuments and landscape offer excellent motifs for photographers. In Gori, there is a local photographers’ association that organises interesting exhibitions.
• Cycling: The region is a dream for cyclists. The valleys of Ateni and Zama offer beautiful routes, and the villages of Kaspi and Khashuri also invite you to take charming tours.
• Culinary and wine tours: The region’s diversity of wines makes it a special travel destination. Numerous small and large wineries offer wine tastings in combination with local cuisine. The Ateni Valley and the Kaspi villages are particularly recommended.
• Jeep tours are a popular activity. The area around Lake Nadarbazevi, the Dzama Valley and other routes in the region attract many jeep fans.

Tours in Shida Kartli

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