Ozurgeti (ოზურგეთი) is the town of 14,000 people (2024) in Georgia, capital of Guria region. It is a good jumping off point for nearby beaches, mountain resorts, old monasteries and rural tourism.
Understand
[edit]Ozurgeti was founded in the Middle Ages, 16th century. The city was the residence of the Prince of Guria and became a trading center in later centuries. Ozurgeti received its town charter in 1840, after the Russian Empire conquered the Principality of Guria. The town was a strategic location in the Russo-Turkish Wars during the 19th century. In 1905, Ozurgeti was one of the centers of the Georgian Social-Democratic Movement and of the so-called "Gurian Republic" which existed during the Russian Revolution. During the Soviet period, Ozurgeti became the hometown of tea producing and citrus growing in Georgia. From 1934 to 1989, the city was named after the Georgian Communist Party leader of the 1920s and 1930s, Philip Makharadze. Today's layout and image of the town was established during Soviet times. Nowadays, like the entire region, the city is experiencing economic decline and population decrease.
Get in
[edit]By plane
[edit]The nearest international airports are Batumi (60 km) and Kutaisi (85 km) International Airports.
The following airlines operate service to/from Kutaisi International Airport:
- WizzAir (Athens, Barcelona, Berlin-Brandenburg, Budapest, Brussels, Dortmund, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Katowice, Larnaca, London-Luton, Lyon, Memmingen, Milan-Malpensa, Paris-Beauvais, Poznan, Prague, Riga, Rome-Ciampino, Thessaloniki, Venice, Vilnius, Warsaw, Wroclaw),
- Service Air (Mestia).
By train
[edit]
Ozurgeti has a railway station, which can be reached from Batumi and Tbilisi. Ozurgeti is end point of a branch line from Natanebi on the Black Sea coast.
There is a daily train pair each to Tbilisi and Batumi. Ticket prices from Tbilisi to Ozurgeti vary between 17-44 lari. Train to Tbilisi takes about 7 hours. Tickets from both cities can be bought at stations and online.
1 The station a magnificent neoclassical building, approximately 500 m north of the center, at the end of the Ilia Chavchavadze Street. There is a ticket office and Mini Bus station over there. Taxis await incoming passengers. A taxi from the station to city costs 3-5 lari, to villages 5-20 lari.
By bus
[edit]There are daily arrivals and departures in several directions: Kutaisi (from Kutaisi main station, behind the Mcdonalds, at 10:30 11:30, 13:10, 14:30, 15:30, 16:30, 17:30), Samtredia, Kobuleti and Batumi, also Tbilisi, as well as marshrutkas to nearest villages and sites of tourist interest in the area. 2 The main bus station is in the center of the city.
You can reach Ozurgeti from the Ureki railway station (the Tbilisi–Batumi train stops at Ureki). A bus from Ureki station to Ozurgeti operates according to the train arrival schedule. Payment can be made with a Bank of Georgia card or a Metromoney card (Tbilisi transport card).
By car
[edit]Ozurgeti lies on the crossroad of well-developed regional roads "2" (Kobuleti - Samtredia), "46" Ureki-Ozurgeti and "84" Lanchkhuti- Ozurgeti. Roads are beautiful and are ideal for a scenic drive.
- filling stations
- 1 Wissol (ვისოლი), Takaishvili Str. petrol
- 2 Gulf (გალფი). petrol
- 3 Lukoil (ლუკოილი), Kostava Str. petrol
- 4 Socar (სოკარი), Takaishvili Str. petrol
- 5 Rompetrol (რომპეტროლი), Aghmashenebeli Str. petrol
Get around
[edit]
A small town, Ozurgeti is easily covered on foot. The town has no public transport system. Buses and mini-buses (Marschrutkas) go only in the surrounding area. Cycling can be an option, also, but there are no bike rentals, though. Bikes are sold in "Univermagi" for 250-300 lari. Taxis are cheap and cost 5-10 lari within the town.
Ozurgeti has following districts: the center, where government, financial, shopping and service provider institutions are based, Seri south from the center, located on the small hill, historical part of the town Ekadia, former village, now part of the town, south of river Bzhuzhi; Anaseuli - Soviet-era settlement with former tea factory and scientific institutions and sleeping districts: Lashe-Gakiruli in the eastern part of the town, Zvani in the western part and Moidanakhe on the northern hill, where the town's major cemeteries are located.
See
[edit]The main sightseeing in the town is an archaeological site, 1 remains of Baths, which were built and used by rulers of Principality of Guria - Gurieli. Baths are on the central square of the town. Ruins are left open-air, so its free to visit. These baths must have been oldest building in the town. The oldest survived building of the town is 2 Palace of Dimitri Gurieli, built in 1863, used to be a residence of the noble family, which is now used as a residence of the local Bishop of Georgian Orthodox Church. 19th-century typical Gurian wooden houses, with balconies and tile roofs can be found scattered in the town.
The city center is dominated by a 3 Dramatic Theater- the second largest theater building in Georgia, with statue of Alexander Tsutsunava, famous Georgian movie director, born in Ozurgeti. The city center extends along the Chavchavadze street north to the quite remarkable train station. All around are typical magnificent Soviet buildings of the 1930s to the 1960s, in the classical style, such as 4 Former movie theater - built in 1930s and renovated 1980s, but nonfunctional yet and 5 former hotel - constructivist building from the 1970s. Slightly away from the town center is an industrial complex of a 6 clay factory with glorious Soviet residential and administrative buildings and wall mosaics. Also worthy is a 7 mural at a sports school near the train station. Another Soviet industrial and administrative building can be found in 8 Anaseuli, an outskirt in south-western part of the town.
Museums and galleries
[edit]- 9 Historical Museum Of Ozurgeti (ოზურგეთის ისტორიული მუზეუმი), Chanturia Str, [email protected]. 10:00-18:00 everyday. The Historical Museum of Ozurgeti was founded in 1936. More than 6000 exhibits, from 9,000 BC until today, are stored in the museum. Numerous unique materials have been accumulated during 75 years in its collections, including Neolithic stone weapons, produced 7000 years ago, Best models of Kolkhian culture from Early, Middle and Late Bronze age, collections of Kolkhian axes; burial ground stocks aged with Late Bronze- Early Iron period; Golden and silver things of Antique period: golden breastplate, the fragment of golden bracelet (both of them are beautified with Almandine crystal); silver dish, measuring-glass; The water pipes, heads of the columns, the thing for incense, glass of the window, the brick for building; diversified numismatic collections: Kolkhian Tetri of 6th-3rd centuries BC, golden coin of Alexander Macedonian; the coins of Georgian kings; silver, rare European coins; well-known Rapier of Napoleon, many historical photos, documentary materials. free of charge.
- 10 Ozurgeti fine art Gallery (ოზურგეთის სახვითი ხელოვნების ცენტრი), #6 Shota Rustaveli Str, [email protected]. M-F 10:00-17:00. free of charge.
- 11 Ekvtime Takaishvili Archaeological Museum-Reserve (ექვთიმე თაყაიშვილის სახელობის არქეოლოგიური მუზეუმ-ნაკრძალი), #8 9th April Str, ☏ +995 590880118, [email protected]. M-F 10:00-17:00. free of charge.
Here are archaeological artifacts exhibited, as well as an exhibition on the life of Ektwmie Takaischwili can be seen. Museum is located in old Gurian type wooden house, with fireplace and balcony.
Parks and gardens
[edit]
Ozurgeti is known for its gardens, some of them date back to the 19th century. Scottish gardener Jacob Mar developed town garden in early 1810s for his client Principal of Guria Mamia V Gurieli. That garden now is divided into three parts: 12 Platanus garden is in front of Theater building and has access to free Wi-Fi, platanus trees make a "მ" (M in Georgian Alphabet) shape; so called 13 Samkuthkha (triangle garden) is on the right side of the theater building and has an open-air mini-football, basketball and tennis ground, there is, also, Statue of Alexander Tsutsunava, famous Georgian director, who was born in Ozurgeti and Ozurgeti dramatic Theater is named after him; and former 14 "Beria Park", which is located in front of Dimitri Gurieli's palace. Slightly south of the park, a car-free area with a Soviet-era 15 mermaid sculpture and musical fountain can be found.
Other parks are:
- 16 Park of Culture and Resort (კულტურისა და დასვენების პარკი), #2 Kostava Str, ☏ +995 551106194, [email protected]. 24/7. Created in 1930, it covers about 3 hectares in front of town hall building, #2 Kostava Str. It is used as children's amusement park. There is free WI-Fi available free of charge.
- 17 Saparaskevo, in the center of town, below of Museum and Public Service Hall. A market used to be held here on Fridays.
- 18 Ekadia Forest-Park, in the south of town, in Ekadia district. Forest-park was developed in 1960s, but now its not used. Good views of the town can be seen from the park
Around the town
[edit]
- 19 Shemokmedi Monastery (შემოქმედის მონასტერი). This 12th-to-16th-century monastery is on the hill in the eponymous village of Shemokmedi, about 7 km southeast of Ozurgeti. The monastery complex consists of two church buildings and a bell tower from the 16th century. The main church, a three-aisled basilica without cupola, was built in the 12th century. The walls are built of hewn stone, the floor is covered with marble. The second, smaller church called "zarzma" was built in the 16th century by the prince of Guria Vakhtang I. Gurieli as home to an icon of the Transfiguration of the Lord. In the Middle Ages, the monastery was one of the richest monasteries in Georgia. In the monastery there were several relics, such as very valuable icons, stored. Great views of Guria's villages can be seen from the hill. free of charge.
- 20 Jumati Monastery (ჯუმათის მონასტერი). This 16th-to-18th-century monastery is located on the hill in the village of Jumati, 14 km north of Ozurgeti. The monastery consists of a basilica of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, a bell tower and a wall. The facility was built in the early Middle Ages, while the frescoes date from the 16th to 18th centuries. The bell tower with a square base was built in 1904 and is partially destroyed today. Jumati Monastery was an important religious and cultural center of Guria. Here valuable icons, relics and documents, some of which also had secular significance, were kept. In the 20th century the monastery was robbed several times. Fragments of several icons from Jumati are now in the Hermitage at St. Petersburg, the Louvre in Paris and the Metropolitan Museum in New York. Beautiful views of Guria and Samegrelo lowlands of the Northwestern Georgia region and Black Sea can be seen from the hill.
- 21 Likhauri fortress (ლიხაურის ციხე და ეკლესია). and 22 Likhauri church These are in the village of Likhauri, 5 km south offrom Ozurgeti. The church is in the center of the village, while the fortress is to the west, on the hill. St. Mary's Church of Lichauri was built in the 12th century of carved stone. It has a free-standing bell tower. The fortress was built in the 12th century, allegedly by Queen Tamar, so it is also called the Fortress of Tamar.
- 23 Church of Achi (აჭის ეკლესია). Early medieval period. In the same village there is a one-nave hall church from the 13th-14th century. It has beautiful and well-preserved frescoes.
- 24 Two Churches is Dvabzu (დვაბზუს ეკლესიები), one of them is dated in the 6th century and one in 1874. Churches have local cultural heritage site status.
- 25 Chala church and belltower (ჭალის ეკლესია), a 19th-century church ruins is 5 km west from Ozurgeti and is considered a local cultural heritage site.
- 26 Vashnari (ვაშნარი). Historic city consists of remains of a basilica, a monastery and civic buildings dating back to the 4th century. It is near the village of Gurianta, 6 km west of Ozurgeti.
- 27 Askana fortress (ასკანის ციხე). With 6-m-high stone walls built in the 4th century. It is in the village of Mtispiri, 16 km southeast of Ozurgeti
- 28 Chanieturi Monastery (ჭანიეთურის მონასტერი).
- 29 Jikheti monastery (ჯიხეთის მონასტერი), a 19th-century monastery, is 40 km northeast from Ozurgeti
- 30 Erketi monastery (ერკეთის მონასტერი) was built in the 9th century and is in village Erketi, 32 km east of Ozurgeti.
- 31 Udabno Monastery (უდაბნოს მონასტერი) consist from two churches, one of them is caved. Monastery is in village Shua Amaghleba, 35 km northeast of Ozurgeti
- 32 Egnate Ninoshvili Museum (ეგნატე ნინოშვილის მუზეუმი) is in village Archeuli, 30 km north from Ozurgeti. Egnate Ninoshvili was most famous Gurian writer, one of the leaders of the social democratic movement of the late 19th century in Russian Empire. Museum is organized in an old house, where Ninoshvili was born
- 33 Our Saviors and 34 Saint George churches in Aketi. Village Aketi is 20 km northeast from Ozurgeti. Saint George church was built in developed middle ages and Our Saviors church was built in 1899.
- 35 Eristavi Palace and garden in Goraberezhouli, 25 km northeast from Ozurgeti, is only remained secular sightseeing in Guria. The territory consists of a garden, stone fence, and a palace. It is dated from the 17th century.
- 36 Chekhedana (ჩეხედანა), vill. Tskhrapona, Kobuleti Municipality (from Kobuleti). Chekhedana church was built in 1609 by Mamia II Gurieli. The building was completely destroyed, then rebuilt in the 1990s. Free of charge.
- 37 Mamukas Castle (მამუკას ციხე), vill. Alambari, Kobuleti Municipality (from Kobuleti). 18th-century castle, which was owned by Mamuka Tavdgiridze, was destroyed in 1959 because of earthquake. Only its south wall is still standing. Free of charge.
- 38 Khino (ხინოწმინდა), vill. Khino, Kobuleti Municipality (from Kobuleti). Khino Cathedral was one among three Eparchial Centers of Guria. Nowadays the village lies in Kintrishi Reserve. Free of charge.
Do
[edit]Activities
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- 1 Enjoy the views from Ekadia Church. 24/7. This Orthodox church built in 2015 is on the hill in southern part of the town, where a Medieval Orthodox church used to stand. Excellent views of the town can be seen from there. free of charge.
- Cycle around the town there are no bike rentals. Bikes are sold in "Univermagi" for 250-300 lari.
- Swim in the rivers. If you are brave enough, swimming in the river Bzhuzhi in the southern part of the town during hot summer days makes you feel local.
- Fish in the small rivers such as Bzhizhi, Ochkhamura, Achi and Natanebi.
Festivals and performances
[edit]- 2 Ozurgeti Dramatic Theatre (ოზურგეთის დრამატული თეატრი), #1 Chavchavadze Str, ☏ +995 496273373. Nowadays the theater is only one working institution. The theatre hosts not only plays, but some concerts and performances as well. Information about upcoming events is available in front of the building on the information board. 3-5 lari.
- Alegro a city festival dates back from the 19th century. Allegro takes place in the center of the town in early autumn, September or October
- Giorgi Salukvadze Ethnographic Festival, in which the neighboring countries (Turkey, Ukraine, Turkmenistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan) participate, is held in the summertime
Sports
[edit]Football (soccer) remains the most popular sport in the country, and in Ozurgeti as well. The town has two sports clubs - Mertskhali (the swallow), which has the home ground 3 Megobroba (friendship) and Rugby club Artsivebi (eagles), which has the home ground 4 Zvani field.
- 5 [formerly dead link] Sports Palace (სპორტის სასახლე). 10:00-22:00. Championships in some sports like volleyball, handball, indoor hockey are being held here. Posters are available in the building facade. free of charge.
- 6 Chess club (საჭადრაკო კლუბი). 10:00-14:00. Chess and checkers can be played here for free. Sometimes championships in chess are being held too. free of charge.
Chess, Checkers, backgammon, also domino and card games are very common for Ozurgtei. You can find people sitting in yards and playing games. Feel free to join them, just avoid gambling.
Buy
[edit]There are two supermarkets in Ozurgeti: 1 "Chemi Marketi" (My Market) in the large shopping center on Guria Street and 2 Moderni on Ekvtime Takaishvili Street. Locally made bread and pastry, named 3 "Vasadze's Bread" can be found on Gabriel Episkoposi Str., below the church. 4 Tee and Coffee House is near it.
- 5 "Bazari" (ბაზარი), Guria Str. everyday, 08:00-16:00. An open-air market - among other things there are sold fruits, vegetables, clothing, meat, cheese. free of charge.
- 6 Imedi (იმედი), 5, Giorgi Chanturia St. everyday 09:00-18:00. Old Soviet department store where is today Chinese rubbish mostly sold.
- 7 Biblusi (ბიბლუსი), 9th April Park, ☏ +995 593100391, [email protected]. everyday 09:30-18:00. A small book shop.
- 8 Wine House (ღვინის სახლი), Aghmashenebeli Str. A well-stocked wine shop
ATMs
[edit]Eat
[edit]Eating in Ozurgeti is very cheap. Prices per person may be vary from US$7-10. Do not buy wine in restaurants as it's better to buy wine in a shop and take it in the restaurant.
The best choices of food are corn bread, cheese, cucumber and tomato salad, eggplant with nuts, barbecue, kebab, Khachapuri, beef with potatoes (Ojakhuri), fried chicken in garlic (Shkmeruli).
The local khachapuri (cheese bread) speciality for this region is 'Guruli Khachapuri', a calzone-type pastry stuffed with typical Georgian cheese and boiled eggs. Positively delicious but potentially difficult to find, as it's traditionally a festive dish.
Cafes
[edit]- 1 Coffe Inn (კოფეინ ოზურგეთი), #6 Rustaveli Str. 08:30-23:00. Takeaway coffee and pastries 1-10 ₾.
Restaurants
[edit]- 2 Terrace pub (ტერასა პაბი), #9 Viktor Dolidze Str, ☏ +995 599300405, [email protected]. everyday 11:00-22:00. Excellent place for Beer, Pizza and Burgers in Town 20-30 ₾.
- 3 Tonus (ტონუსი), #25 Akaki Tsereteli Str, ☏ +995 496 276035, +995 496 273833, fax: +995 496 276035, [email protected]. everyday 09:00-23:00. Slightly away from the center, restaurant Tonusi has its own brewery. The building is a jewel of Soviet industrial architecture. Beer on tap is sold outside, also.
- 4 Pirosmani (ფიროსმანი), Guramishvili Str. Restaurant with Georgian cuisine.
- 5 Etno Guria (ეთნო გურია), #39 Guria Str, ☏ +995496200010. 10:00-00:00. Restaurant with Georgian cuisine. 20-30 ₾.
Sleep
[edit]There is only one hotel in Ozurgeti and some guesthouses. Guesthouses are a good option for budget travelers. They are clean, safe and cheap, as well as giving the opportunity to meet local people. A wide range of accommodation are available in the beach resort towns Ureki and Kobuleti, where, however, many businesses are closed during winter.
- 1 Menabde Winery (მენაბდის მარანი), შჰემოკმედი, ☏ +995 599 09 42 46. Winery and boutique hotel in village Shemokmedi, near Ozurgeti from 270 ₾.
- Guesthouse, Dimitri Bakradze Str, ☏ +995 599987247.
- 2 Guesthouse, #55a David Aghmashenebeli Str, ☏ +995 496275411. 30-40 lari per night, breakfast included.
- 3 Guesthouse, Dimitri Eristavi Str, ☏ +995 496275411. 30-40 lari per night, breakfast included.
- 4 Guriis Khibli (გურიის ხიბლი), Gagma Dvabzu, ☏ +995 599787516. Very nice guesthouse with rural activities is outside of town, in village Dvabzu. 30-40 lari per night, breakfast included.
- 5 Komli (კომლი), 25 Shemadin Chkuaseli Street, Tsitelmta, ☏ +995 599260402. Very nice guesthouse with rural activities is outside of town, in village Tsitelmta.
Talk
[edit]- See also: Georgian phrasebook
Gurians speak much more quickly than average Georgians from other regions, so it is more complicated to understand them. The older generation speaks Russian. When in need for help, look for younger people; they are more likely to know some English.
Learn
[edit]There are no universities in the town. Only one 8 Vocational kollage operates. Wide range of driving schools is in Ozurgeti.
Work
[edit]In Ozurgeti, finding employment is particularly difficult for foreigners, since even locals struggle to secure jobs due to the limited number of positions and the high level of unemployment. For foreigners, this challenge is further compounded by the language barrier. Wages in Ozurgeti are low, even compared to the national average in Georgia.
Connect
[edit]Free wireless internet is available in the Platanus garden and Culture and Resort Park, free internet is available in Public Service Hall, also.
- 6 Georgian Post Service Center (საქართველოს ფოსტა), #2 Gogebashvili Str. The Postal Code of Ozurgeti is 3500. 1 lari per hour.
There are 3 GSM operators of mobile phone service: Magticom, Geocell and Beeline. Their offices are near each other on the Chavchavadze Str.
Stay safe
[edit]Ozurgeti is very safe for travelers. the crime rate is among the lowest in Europe. Most of the streets are illuminated at night. Police cars patrol the streets in the town and can help with any problem. Call 112 in any case of emergency (police, ambulance, fire).
- 7 Police (პოლიცია), #5 Chavchavadze Str, ☏ +995 496275342.
Stay healthy
[edit]Tap water is good for drinking in Ozurgeti. Ozurgeti has one of the best tap water among Georgia's cities.
You will find many gyms in the town. One of them is on the second floor of shopping mall on Eristavi Street, called My Fitness. Monthly ticket covers 12 visit and costs 70 lari. Round 1 is on Takaishvili Street. Monthly unlimited ticket costs 60 lari. There is a gym in Sports Palace is on the second floor. Ticket costs 50 lari and covers 12 visit to the gym. You can work out in Park of Culture and Resort, where open-air training equipment is available.
Modernized 9 Hospital is on the "Seri" hill and is seen from the town center.
There are four pharmacies open 24/7, in front of "Bazari", GPC, PSP, Impex and Aversi.
Cope
[edit]There is no tourist office or travel agency in Ozurgeti.
- 8 Public Service Hall (იუსტიციის სახლი), #9 Petritsi Str. M-F 09:00-18:00.
- 9 Town Hall (მუნიციპალიტეტის მერია), #1 Kostava Str, ☏ +995 496274740. M-F 09:00-18:00.
Go next
[edit]In Guria
[edit]There are plenty of buses and minibuses to neighboring villages (generally 1-4 lari). Buses and minibuses leave from central bus station in the south part of the town, or from the station on Aghmashenebeli Str, near big roundabout. The best destination may include
- villages and rural tourism
- Mountain resorts
- Bakhmaro (only in summer)
- beach resorts (only in summer)
Other regions
[edit]Outside of the Guria region, popular destinations may include Kobuleti and Batumi. There are plenty of minibuses, they leave in every hour from 08:00 to 17:00 to Batumi. Travel to Batumi costs 5 lari, to Kobuleti - 3 lari.