The biggest city of Kakheti, Telavi is distinguished by the abundance of cultural monuments of different eras. Here you will find settlements of the Bronze Age, medieval temples of great cultural importance, and ruins of palaces and fortresses, which have witnessed many interesting historical events. The best season to visit Telavi is Autumn, as the Summer is usually super hot, and you can even match your holiday with Rtveli activities, a traditional vintage and rural harvest holiday in Georgia accompanied by feasts, musical events, and other celebrations.
The Complex of King’s Palace and Museum. Photo Source: Wikipedia.org
The complex of King’s Palace and Museum
The architectural complex is the only remaining royal palace in Georgia. The complex, with its architectural-historical features, is a remarkable monument of Georgian cultural heritage. The museum complex includes the palace of the King of Kakheti XVII-XVIII centuries, the churches of the King’s Gate X-XVIII centuries, the remains of the philosophical-theological school founded by Erekle, the King’s Bath – XVII century, the tunnel in the palace – XVIII century.
The construction of the palace began during the reign of King Archil II in the 17th century. The court church, the eastern walls, and the baths were built during his lifetime. Since then, the palace has been rebuilt many times. King Erekle transformed the palace into a fortress as there was the constant threat of invasion at that time. The palace is built in the Persian style, with stained-glass windows, high ceilings, and wide terraces.
Telavi Historical Museum. Photo Source: www.telavisistoriulimuzeumi.ge
Telavi Historical Museum
There are more than 67,000 objects in the building including locally found ancient human remains, unique archaeological and ethnographic items, and natural history material. The rich heritage of Christian culture, carved and painted crosses and icons, embroidery, partition enamel, oriental monuments, a rich collection of numismatics, delicate gold and silver jewelry from ancient Kolkheti, and more.
Another important part of the complex is an art gallery named after Ketevan Iashvili, one of the first female pharmacists and cosmetologists in Georgia. As an art enthusiast, she donated 187 exhibits of her private collection to the museum. Among them, are interesting samples of Dutch, French, German, and Russian, works of Ivan Aivazovsky, Ivan Kramskoi, and other artists of the “Peredvizhnik” period. Paintings and small plastic works of the 19th century, as well as Georgian artists Elene Akhvlediani and Lado Gudiashvili.
Cholokashvili Street. Photo Source: Insi.ge
Cholokashvili Street
Cholokashvili Street — one of the best streets to wander in Telavi. The street was recently restored, but the historical appearance of the buildings has been preserved to this day.
The old houses with balconies of different architecture attract the interest of Georgian and foreign visitors as well.
Nadikvari Park. Photo Source: Baudesign.ge
Nadikvari Park
Nadikvari Park is located in the eastern part of the city, on a small hill. It is a culture and recreation park with beautiful lawns, walking paths, a fountain, an amphitheater, and children’s attractions. From the northern part of the park unfolds a great view of the city, which stretches from the Alazani River Valley all over to the Caucasus Mountains.
Plane Tree. Photo Source: Bakurianiwater.ge
Plane Tree
Another marvelous sight in Telavi is a plane tree (Platanus) which is 40 meters high and 11 meters wide around the trunk. The tree is more than 900 years old, one can imagine what this tree has seen during nine centuries. This landmark of Telavi is located near the Erekle II statue.
Telavi Market. Photo Source: Wikimapia.org
Telavi Market
The history of the Telavi market dates back to the 17th century when during the invasion of Shah-Abbas, the trade caravan city of Gremi was destroyed and Telavi took over this function.
Here you can find fresh products in every season of the year. The farmers bring wine, vegetables and garden crops, grains, meat products, dairy products and sweets from their family farms.
