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Samtskhe-Javakheti History Museum: A Chronicle of Southern Georgia

Explore Georgia's Past: Discover ancient artifacts & cultural treasures at the Samtskhe-Javakheti History Museum in Rabati Fortress.

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Located within the Rabati Fortress in Akhaltsikhe, the Samtskhe-Javakheti History Museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. With over 25,000 artifacts, the museum offers a glimpse into the area's history, geography, and traditional way of life.

A brief summary to Samtskhe-Javakheti History Museum

  • Tuesday 10 am-5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5:30 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5:30 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5:30 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5:30 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the morning hours to avoid crowds and have ample time to explore the museum's extensive collection.
  • Combine your museum visit with a tour of the Rabati Fortress to fully experience the historical significance of the location.
  • Check the museum's opening hours in advance, as they are closed on Mondays.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Samtskhe-Javakheti History Museum is located within the Rabati Fortress, which is a prominent landmark in Akhaltsikhe and is easily accessible on foot from most parts of the city center. From the central bus station, head west towards the city center. The fortress, and therefore the museum, will become visible as you approach. Walk along main street, and the entrance to the Rabati Fortress will be clearly marked. Enter the fortress and follow signs to the museum. Walking from the city center is free.

  • Public Transport

    Local buses and 'fixed-route taxis' (marshrutkas) operate within Akhaltsikhe. Check local schedules for the bus routes that pass near Rabati Fortress. Take any marshrutka going towards the Rabati fortress. Alight at the stop closest to the fortress entrance. Enter the fortress and follow signs to the museum. A ride in a marshrutka within the city costs around 0.5-1 GEL.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Akhaltsikhe. Ask the driver to take you to Rabati Fortress (Akhaltsikhe Castle). The museum is located inside the fortress. A short taxi ride within Akhaltsikhe should cost approximately 3-5 GEL. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey.

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Discover more about Samtskhe-Javakheti History Museum

The Samtskhe-Javakheti History Museum, established in 1923 and housed within the historic Rabati Fortress since 1972, serves as a major educational, cultural, and research center for the Samtskhe-Javakheti region of Georgia. The museum was renamed in honor of the Georgian historian Ivane Javakhishvili in 1972. The museum's collection comprises over 25,000 artifacts, providing a comprehensive view of the region's ancient and rich culture. Exhibits include archaeological, paleographic, paleontological, architectural, and ethnographic materials representing various centuries of Meskhetian history, the historical name of the area. Visitors can explore exhibits spanning from the Neolithic period (37th to 35th centuries BCE) to the present day. Highlights of the museum include Georgian lapidary inscriptions, a unique collection of carpets from the 19th and 20th centuries, manuscripts, early printed books, and a diverse coin collection. The ethnographic section features agricultural tools, weaponry, traditional clothing, household items, wood carvings, and silverware native to the region. The museum also houses a 16th-century copy of "The Knight in the Panther's Skin" and other rare books. A new section opened in 2009 displays over 800 materials from archaeological expeditions along the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline. Beyond the exhibits, the museum complex includes the Rabati Castle, an administrative building, a mosque built in 1752, and the ruins of a Medresa (Islamic school).

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