Just a five-minute walk from Stalin’s house lies the S. Makalatia Historical and Ethnographic Museum. While it may not be as widely advertised as other attractions, this museum offers a fascinating and educational experience that is well worth a visit.
The museum houses a collection of unique materials gathered from numerous scientific expeditions and research dedicated to the culture of Shida-Kartli. Visitors can explore a rich array of ethnographic, numismatic, and archaeological collections. The museum proudly displays works of visual and applied art, as well as ancient archives of documents and manuscripts. Notably, nearly all of the informational displays are available in both Russian and English, making it accessible for a wider audience.
To enhance your experience, it is highly recommended to hire a guide, which is quite affordable at just 3 Lari (approximately $1.10). The staff is exceptionally friendly and, even without a guide, are eager to share their extensive knowledge about the history of the exhibits for hours on end.
The museum is located at K’irion II Street, and you can reach them at the phone numbers (+995 370) 7 28 67 or 2 73 67. The museum welcomes guests every day except Mondays and Sundays, with operating hours from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the region!
The Heoba Treasure was discovered in 1939 in the village of Heoba, Kareli municipality (Georgia). It consists of 265 units of Seljuk and Mongolian silver coins. It includes 21 coins of the Seljuks of Rum (Asia Minor), 94 coins of Genghisid Mengu Khan, coins of Kaanura types I and II, minted in Tbilisi — 147 pieces. Coins of David VII Ulu (1247-1269), the Trabzon Caesar Manuel I Komnenos (1236-1263) and Salah al-Din Yusuf (b. 1236-1260), ruler of Aleppo (Halabi). Most of the treasure is Mongolian money minted in Tbilisi, chronologically they date back to the second half of the XIII century and reflect the picture of the monetary circulation of eastern Georgia at that time. They are kept in the Gori Historical and Ethnographic Museum
