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Samtskhe-Javakheti History Museum: A Chronicle of Southern Georgia

Explore 25,000+ artifacts from the Neolithic period to today at this cultural gem inside Akhaltsikhe's Rabati Fortress. Open daily except Mondays!

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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's exhibits span from the Neolithic period to the present day, offering a glimpse into the area's diverse history, geography, and traditions.

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 in the morning to avoid crowds and have ample time to explore the extensive collection.
  • Combine your museum visit with a tour of the Rabati Fortress for a comprehensive historical experience.
  • Check for guided tours to gain deeper insights into the exhibits and the region's history.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Samtskhe-Javakheti History Museum is located within the Rabati Fortress in Akhaltsikhe. From the Akhaltsikhe bus station, it's approximately a 15-20 minute walk to the fortress. Follow the main road towards the city center, then turn left towards the Rabati Fortress. The museum is inside the fortress complex.

  • Public Transport

    Local 'marshrutka' (minibus) taxis are available around Akhaltsikhe, costing up to 5 GEL. Check for marshrutkas heading towards Rabati Fortress or the city center and get off near the fortress entrance.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Akhaltsikhe. A short taxi ride from the Akhaltsikhe bus station to the Rabati Fortress typically costs around 5-10 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 Rabati Fortress since 1972, serves as a major educational, cultural, and research center for the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. The museum was renamed in honor of the Georgian historian Ivane Javakhishvili. The museum's extensive collection of over 25,000 items includes ancient manuscripts, photographic documents, coin collections, archaeological finds, and ethnographic materials. Exhibits are distributed across eleven halls, each providing a unique perspective on the region's past. Visitors can explore artifacts from the Paleolithic to the Late Bronze Ages, as well as a diverse array of cultural and historical treasures. Highlights include a 1st-millennium coin with the image of Caesar Augustus, 11th-century Byzantine coins, and examples of traditional clothing, agricultural tools, and weaponry. The museum also features a collection of old manuscripts and early printed books, including a 16th-century copy of "The Knight in the Panther's Skin". In 2009, a new section was added to display over 800 items from archaeological expeditions along the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline. The museum complex also includes the Administrative building, a mosque built in 1752, and the ruins of a medresa (Islamic school). The Samtskhe-Javakheti History Museum is a must-see destination for anyone interested in exploring the rich history and culture of southern Georgia.

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