Nakalakevi: History of Ancient Tsunda

Nakalakevi is considered to be ancient Tsunda and was once the political and religious center of Javakheti. The settlement lay along historic trade and military routes. This gives your trip planning a clear historical focus: the area’s former role and the architecture of Tsunda Church offer specific topics to explore if you are interested in history and cultural heritage.

Tsunda Church

The Tsunda Church associated with Nakalakevi is a richly decorated hall church dating from the 12th to 13th centuries. It stands on a small rock and bears an inscription in Asomtavruli. The enclosed courtyard is accessed through the church. Its building style, ornamentation, inscription, and courtyard entrance offer different ways to understand the structure.

Farmstay offer associated with Nakalakevi

A farmstay offer associated with Nakalakevi was described in 2021 as including horseback riding tours, fishing in a nearby lake, and practical activities related to farming and food. Topics included endemic vegetable varieties, cheese and matsoni, as well as khachapuri, Meskhetian bread, and kada; the bread and kada were baked in an oven. The offer thus complements the historical focus with farming and food culture. The offer described in 2021 included accommodation at the foot of Tmogvi and another location near Lake Tsunda. Before your trip, check whether the accommodation and activities are still available.

Samtskhe-Javakheti as a regional setting

Samtskhe-Javakheti is an administrative region comprising the two historical provinces of Samtskhe and Javakheti. The Javakheti Protected Areas include Javakheti National Park and the managed reserves of Bughdasheni, Khanchali, Madatapha, Sulda, and Kartsakhi. The protected areas are characterized by lakes, unique marshes, and subalpine and alpine meadows. From the birdwatching towers there, you can observe 140 species of breeding and migratory birds. Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park extends across Samtskhe-Javakheti, Imereti, and Shida Kartli, among other regions.

More cultural and nature topics in the region

Vardzia has the status of an immovable cultural monument of national significance. A total of 242 caves are partially or fully preserved there. The Poka St. Nino Monastery on Lake Paravani dates back to the 11th century; the Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory has been in operation since 1932. Lake Paravani is a volcanic-tectonic lake in Samtskhe-Javakheti. Seasonal ice fishing is possible there, particularly for whitefish.

Samtskhe-Javakheti also offers a range of options for active trips: the kayaking section on the Paravani River is 16 kilometers long, has an elevation difference of 435 meters, and is graded between 4 and 5. Experienced kayakers and local guidance are recommended. The route to Vardzia, Ninotsminda, Akhalkalaki, and Akhaltsikhe from Tbilisi follows the Southern Highway past Lake Paravani.

Discover more destinations: Bakuriani, Tsemi, Tmogvi, Bakurianis Andeziti, Tsaghveri, Abuli, Akhaltsikhe, Akhalkalaki.

Go to the main travel overview: Samtskhe-Javakheti.