Ozurgeti, Guria

Ozurgeti (ოზურგეთი) stands as the capital of Guria throughout the ages, a vibrant city with a population of around 20,000 residents. Once the capital of the Gurieli princes, it retains a modest palace from that era. During the Soviet period, it was known as Makhardze. The city is beautifully situated along the banks of the Natanebi and Bzhuzhi rivers, which are notable for bringing magnetic sands to the Black Sea coast. Ozurgeti stretches impressively from east to west over a distance of 7 kilometers.

In Soviet times, the city was described as follows:

“Cypress trees, palm trees, magnolias, bananas, oleanders, and various ornamental trees and shrubs adorn the parks, gardens, and streets of the city. In every yard, lemon, orange, and tangerine trees bloom and bear fruit, alongside persimmons and figs. Vines of Isabella grapes, with their dark, fragrant berries, climb up the trees.”

Ozurgeti is indeed a charming and green town, boasting two bustling markets and a functioning railway station. The city’s main attraction is the grand and majestic Ozurgeti Theatre, the largest and most ambitious building in the area. The square in front of the theatre serves as the cultural heart of the city. On the southern side of the square stands an unusual structure that resembles a windowless bunker; this is, in fact, the Ozurgeti Historical Museum, located at Chanturia Street, House 1. The museum houses artifacts from the Neolithic era, the Bronze Age, and antiquity, including the famous Colchian bronze axes. Among its treasures are various coins, weapons, and, according to local lore, Napoleon’s sword brought to Guria by a descendant of Murat.

To the west of the theatre stretches a long park, where the main church of Ozurgeti, built in the Georgian style, stands proudly at its center. The park is equipped with benches and remnants of a fountain, making it a popular hangout spot for the youth.

Just west of the park and the church lies the city’s most significant landmark—the Palace of the Gurieli Princes, established in 1863. The building is quite modest and may not be immediately recognized as a palace, but it is indeed one. The street on which it stands is named “April 9th.”

One of the unique features of Ozurgeti is its two markets. The new market is located on May 26th Street, which intersects with Chavchavadze Street. This beautiful building, both inside and out, is a bustling hub where a wide variety of food, including local wines, is sold.

Approximately five kilometers east of Ozurgeti, you can find the Shemokmedi Cathedral. Five kilometers south of the city lies the village of Likhauri, which is home to a church and even a small museum. Rumor has it that there is also a fortress in the area. Twenty kilometers to the north is the village of Jumati, which also features a cathedral. About 25 kilometers away is the beach town of Kobuleti, and along the route is the village of Alambari, known for its fortress. We also recommend taking a look at the abandoned tea plantations in the area.

To the east, in the mountains, lies the Askana Fortress, though reaching it can be challenging. Approximately five kilometers along the Poti highway is the village of Guriantha, where the family temple of the Nakashidze princes can be found.

Ozurgeti is located 350 kilometers from Tbilisi and 60 kilometers from Batumi, making it a convenient stop for travelers exploring the beautiful region of Guria.