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Samtskhe-Javakheti History Museum: A Chronicle of Southern Georgia

Explore 25,000+ artifacts illuminating the rich history & cultural heritage of Georgia's Samtskhe-Javakheti region, nestled in the historic Rabati Fortress.

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Located within the Rabati Fortress in Akhaltsikhe, the Samtskhe-Javakheti History Museum showcases the region's rich cultural heritage. With over 25,000 artifacts, the museum offers insights into the area's history, geography, and traditional ways of life, connecting visitors to the diverse influences that have shaped Samtskhe-Javakheti.

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

  • Explore the Rabati Fortress, where the museum is located, to experience a blend of architectural styles and enjoy panoramic views of Akhaltsikhe.
  • Visit the museum on any day except Monday, as it is closed on Mondays.
  • Check out the coin collection, featuring ancient Roman and Byzantine coins, for a glimpse into the region's economic history.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the museum's eleven halls and extensive collection.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Samtskhe-Javakheti History Museum is located within the Rabati Fortress, a prominent landmark in Akhaltsikhe. From the Akhaltsikhe bus station, head southwest along Erekle II Street towards the city center. Continue onto Agmashenebeli Street, crossing the Potskhovi River. The Rabati Fortress, with its distinct towers and walls, will become visible on your left. Enter the fortress and follow the signs to the museum within the complex. Walking from the bus station to the Rabati Fortress takes approximately 15-20 minutes. There are no entrance fees to enter the venue.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Akhaltsikhe. From anywhere in the city center, a short taxi ride to the Rabati Fortress, where the Samtskhe-Javakheti History Museum is located, will typically cost around 5 GEL. Ensure the driver is aware of your destination, as the fortress is a well-known landmark. Taxis can be found near the central market or can be hailed on the street.

  • Public Transport

    Local 'fixed-route taxis' (marshrutkas) operate within Akhaltsikhe. These can be used to reach the Rabati Fortress from various points in the city. Check with locals for the specific route numbers that pass by the fortress. The fare for a single ride is typically around 0.5 GEL. Look for marshrutkas displaying signs in Georgian or ask the driver if they are heading towards 'Rabat' (the local name for the fortress).

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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 cultural and educational center for the region. Renamed in honor of Georgian historian Ivane Javakhishvili, the museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the diverse history and cultural heritage of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. The museum's extensive collection comprises over 25,000 artifacts, including ancient manuscripts, photographs, coin collections, archaeological finds, and ethnographic materials. These exhibits are thoughtfully displayed across eleven halls, each providing a unique glimpse into the region's past. Visitors can explore artifacts dating back to the Neolithic period, offering a comprehensive view of the area's history from ancient times to the present day. Highlights of the museum include a remarkable coin collection featuring a 1st-millennium coin with the image of Caesar Augustus, as well as Roman, Byzantine, and other historical currencies. The archaeological section showcases tools and items from the Paleolithic to the Late Bronze Ages, all discovered within the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. The ethnographic section displays agricultural tools, national clothing, household items, and intricate wood carvings and silverware native to the region. In addition to its permanent exhibits, the museum also features a collection of old manuscripts and printed books, including a 16th-century copy of "The Knight in the Panther's Skin," and other rare historical texts. A newer section, opened in 2009, displays materials from archaeological expeditions along the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline, further enriching the museum's offerings. The museum also includes the Administrative building, a mosque built in 1752, and the ruins of a medresa (Islamic school).

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