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King Erekle II Palace, Khevi Travel Guide

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Explore the legacy of Georgian royalty at the King Erekle II Palace in Telavi, a unique and well-preserved historical site.

The King Erekle II Palace in Telavi, also known as Batonis Tsikhe, is Georgia's best-preserved medieval royal palace. Built in the 17th and 18th centuries, it served as the residence for the kings of Kakheti and offers a unique glimpse into the country's royal heritage.

A brief summary to King Erekle II Palace

  • Tuesday 8 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-6 pm
  • Friday 8 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-6 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring King Erekle II Palace.

  • Visit the palace museum to see King Erekle II's sword and throne, along with other royal artifacts.
  • Explore the grounds to appreciate the medieval architecture, including the defensive walls and church structures.
  • Take a guided tour to gain a deeper understanding of the palace's history and significance.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Telavi, the King Erekle II Palace is easily accessible on foot. Start by heading east on Tsinandali Street. Continue until you reach Gori Street, then turn left. Walk along Gori Street, passing Telavi Central Park, until you reach a roundabout. Take the first exit onto King Erekle II Avenue, and the palace will be on your left after approximately 700 meters. This walk is roughly 15-20 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From Telavi's central bus station, take any local minibus heading towards the market area. Ask the driver to drop you off near Telavi Central Park. From there, walk along Gori Street towards the roundabout, take the first exit onto King Erekle II Avenue, and continue for 700 meters until you see the palace on your left. The minibus fare is typically around 0.5 GEL.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Telavi and can take you directly to the King Erekle II Palace. A short taxi ride within the city center typically costs between 3-5 GEL. Alternatively, ride-sharing apps like Yandex Go and Bolt are also available.

  • Driving

    If driving, public parking is available near the City Hall, which is adjacent to the King Erekle II Palace. From the city center, follow signs for the City Hall. Parking costs may vary, but expect to pay around 1 GEL per hour. Be aware that parking can be limited during peak tourist season.

Discover more about King Erekle II Palace

King Erekle II Palace, or Batonis Tsikhe, stands in Telavi as a remarkable monument to Georgia's royal history. Constructed between 1667 and 1675 during King Archil's reign, the palace served as the center of power for the Kakhetian monarchs throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. King Erekle II significantly expanded the palace in the second half of the 18th century, transforming it into a fortress-like structure to protect against constant invasions.The palace features medieval architecture, including five-meter-high defensive walls, fortified church structures, and traditional Georgian design elements. A key feature is the 14-meter-high bulwark that once housed eight-meter-long cannons. The palace also provided refuge for the local population during times of war.Inside the palace, now a museum, visitors can explore the royal family's living quarters and view artifacts such as King Erekle II's sword and throne. The museum's exhibits also include collections of copper items from the 17th to 19th centuries, weaponry, armor, manuscripts, and fine art. The room where King Erekle II was born in 1762 and died in 1798 holds particular significance. The palace's main hall, where King Erekle II received ambassadors, reflects the modest elegance preferred by Georgian kings, who often dedicated more resources to churches than palaces.A visit to the King Erekle II Palace offers a captivating journey into Georgia's royal heritage, providing insights into the lives and times of its monarchs.

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