Population 19,629, elevation 550–700 m, perched on Tsiv-Gombori ridge with 360° views of Alazani Valley and Caucasus. Capital of Kakheti region and former royal seat of King Erekle II. Home to 300+ family wineries within 20 km.

Single Platanus orientalis with 48 m crown, 12 m trunk circumference, 42 m height. Older than Notre-Dame. Supported by 28 stone pillars. Designated national monument 1973.

17th–18th century fortress-palace with Persian iwan, two churches, secret tunnel, and best panoramic terrace in Kakheti.

500+ vendors, 3 hectares, mountains of churchkhela, antique corner, live sheep auctions. The most authentic market in eastern Georgia.

70% of Georgia’s wine produced here. From garage maranis to luxury châteaux. Birthplace of qvevri method.

1835 Italianate palace with first piano in Georgia, 200-year-old English garden, and 20,000-bottle wine cellar.

Only surviving part of 16th-century capital destroyed by Shah Abbas in 1615. Church of Archangels with unique frescoes.

Founded by Saint Abibos. Contains Georgia’s oldest church (4th c.) and Zoroastrian fire temple remains.

11th-century cathedral with 50 m dome (2nd tallest in Georgia). Active monastery with own marani since 1011.

11th–13th century academy where Shota Rustaveli studied. First wine school in Caucasus.