Essential Guide to Zugdidi

Zugdidi, the capital of the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region in western Georgia, is often viewed by travelers as a brief stopover en route to the hidden mountain villages of Mestia and Ushguli in Upper Svaneti. While the city may not boast a long list of blockbuster attractions, Zugdidi, like many small Georgian towns, radiates a quiet charm that lingers with those who take the time to explore.

Samegrelo is the ancestral homeland of the Mingrelians, an ethnic subgroup of Georgians with their own dialect, rich traditions, distinctive cuisine, crafts, music, and folk dances. One of the most compelling reasons to visit Zugdidi is to sample the flavors of authentic Megrelian cuisine—famed for its bold spices and regional dishes.

At the heart of Zugdidi’s cultural landscape is the Dadiani Palace, once the residence of the region’s noble Dadiani dynasty. The Dadiani ruled Samegrelo from the 12th century until 1866, and their family even shares a link with the French imperial line—Salome Dadiani married a grandson of Napoleon Bonaparte’s sister. Today, their former palaces and gardens serve as Zugdidi’s most captivating historical landmarks.

The town center is compact and best explored on foot, offering a pleasant, walkable experience. For destinations further afield, local buses and taxis are convenient options, while marshrutkas (minibuses) provide easy access to nearby attractions such as the Ruins of Rukhi Fortress and the Black Sea coast.

The Dadiani Palace Complex consists of two grand palaces: the 19th-century palace of Princess Ekaterine Chavchavadze-Dadiani and the residence of her son, Prince Niko—the last Mingrelian ruler. The grounds also feature a monastery and the former private estate of the family, which now houses the Zugdidi Botanical Garden.

Established in 1839 by Prince David Dadiani, the Dadiani Museum is home to a collection of approximately 45,000 artifacts. These include rare books, coins, military relics, and aristocratic furnishings. The museum’s crown jewel is a bronze death mask of Napoleon Bonaparte, cast in 1833—one of only four known to exist—brought to Zugdidi through the family’s connection to French royalty.

Not far from the palace lies the Cathedral of the Blachernae Icon of the Mother of God, which safeguards sacred Christian relics, including pieces of the Virgin Mary’s robe and belt.

Zugdidi’s Botanical Garden was designed in 1840 by Italian landscape architect Joseph Babini. Featuring saplings imported from France and Italy, the gardens once included a greenhouse and an artificial lake with an island. Much like the Batumi Botanical Garden, Zugdidi’s garden is a true dendrological treasure, highlighting rare exotic trees over ornamental flowers or shrubs. The main entrance lies just behind the southern wing of Niko Dadiani’s palace.

This lively pedestrian promenade stretches through the city center to Liberty Square and has recently undergone a major renovation. Lined with cafes, the boulevard showcases a blend of modern architecture and historic buildings, including traditional houses with intricate wooden balconies.

Located on Tamar Mepe Street just behind the train station, the House of Folklore is more than a museum—it’s a living homage to Megrelian heritage. This hybrid museum, restaurant, and studio is run by Besik Chitanava, who has dedicated his life to preserving and promoting Mingrelian embroidery, music, architecture, and cuisine. Visits must be booked in advance.

Samegrelo is renowned for its folk art, including intricate wood carvings and traditional clay pottery. These and other handmade goods can be found at the local weekend market held in front of the Botanical Garden every Saturday and Sunday from 6:00 p.m. until late during the warmer months. For fresh produce and daily essentials, the central city market is open every day until late evening.

The rooftop restaurant at Garden Palace Hotel offers one of the best evening views in Zugdidi. On one side lies a scenic skate park and the lush expanse of the Botanical Garden, while on the other, the city’s apartment blocks stretch toward the horizon. On a clear day, you can even spot the road winding up to the mountains of Svaneti.

Zugdidi is a great launchpad for discovering the rest of Samegrelo and nearby Svaneti. Before heading into the highlands, take a detour to the villages of Menji and Sujuna. Menji is home to three hauntingly beautiful abandoned sanatoriums. In Sujuna, you’ll find the House-Museum of Akaki Khoshtaria, built in 1915, along with a derelict synagogue and the Church of St. George.

Just a 15-minute drive from Zugdidi, the village of Rukhi is home to a 17th-century fortress built by Levan II Dadiani. The ruins offer sweeping views over the Enguri River. You can reach the village via a marshrutka from the Zugdidi market; the round trip and exploration typically take about 90 minutes.

• Tsaishi Cathedral of the Assumption (6th century) – Seat of the Zugdidi Diocese (20 minutes away)

• Tsalenjikha Cathedral (12th century) – Known for its arcaded galleries and rare Byzantine frescoes (30 minutes)

• Khobi Monastery (13th century) – A spiritual site steeped in medieval history (40 minutes)

• Anaklia and Ganmukhuri – Swim on Black Sea beaches and walk across Europe’s longest pedestrian bridge linking the two resorts (45 minutes)

• Enguri Dam – Enjoy panoramic views at the world’s second-highest concrete arch dam (1 hour)

• Chakvinji Fortress – A former summer residence of the Dadiani princes (30 minutes)

• Nokalakevi Fortress Town – An open-air archaeological site linked to the legend of Jason and the Argonauts, with natural hot springs nearby (1 hour 15 minutes)

• Poti – Georgia’s largest port, featuring historic architecture and Kolkheti National Park (1 hour 15 minutes)

• Martvili Canyon and Monastery – Along with the less-discovered Balda Canyon (1.5 hours)

from Tbilisi to Zugdidi

The most convenient way to travel between Tbilisi and Zugdidi is by train. The journey takes just over 5.5 hours, with departures from Tbilisi Central Railway Station in the morning and arrivals in Zugdidi by early afternoon. The return train leaves Zugdidi in the evening and reaches Tbilisi before midnight. Marshrutkas also operate between the two cities starting from 9:00 a.m., with a travel time of 5.5 to 6 hours depending on traffic. They run roughly every hour. Omnibus buses are another option, covering the distance in about six hours.

from Zugdidi to Mestia

In summer, several marshrutkas run daily from Zugdidi to Mestia. During the off-season (October to May), departures are limited to one or two per day, typically in the morning or early afternoon. You can catch them either at the bus stop near the Zugdidi railway station or from another stop near the central market and bridge. The scenic journey takes 3.5 to 4 hours with at least one rest break, usually near the Enguri River.