Dadiani Palace Museum, Samegrelo Zemo Svaneti Travel Guide

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Explore the opulent Dadiani Palace Museum in Zugdidi, a treasure trove of Georgian history, art, and European connections.

The Dadiani Palace Museum in Zugdidi is a historical and architectural landmark, formerly the residence of the Dadiani family, rulers of the Samegrelo region. The museum complex includes the palaces of Queen Ekaterine Chavchavadze-Dadiani and Prince Niko Dadiani, a court church, and a botanical garden. It houses a rich collection of artifacts, offering insights into the Dadiani family, the region's history, and European connections.

A brief summary to Dadiani Palace Museum

116 Merab Kostava St, Zugdidi, GE
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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

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Dadiani Palace Museum.

Explore the botanical garden surrounding the palace; it features a variety of rare plants and offers a peaceful retreat.
Visit the Treasury section to see the fine collection of icons and crosses dating from the 10th to 20th centuries.
Check out the death mask of Napoleon Bonaparte, a unique artifact with an interesting story.
Take a guided tour to fully appreciate the history and significance of the museum's collection.

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Getting There

Walking

The Dadiani Palace Museum is located at 116 Merab Kostava St in Zugdidi and is easily accessible on foot from most locations in the city center. From the Zugdidi Drama Theatre, walk east along Gamsakhurdia Street, then turn right onto Kostava Street. The museum will be on your right. There are no entrance fees for the surrounding gardens.
Public Transport

If arriving by train or marshrutka (minibus) at the Zugdidi station, take local bus number 1, 3, or 7 towards the city center. Alight at the stop closest to the Drama Theatre and walk east along Gamsakhurdia Street, then turn right onto Kostava Street. The museum will be on your right. A single bus fare within Zugdidi costs 0.5 GEL.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Zugdidi. A short taxi ride from the Zugdidi train or bus station to the Dadiani Palace Museum typically costs between 3 GEL and 5 GEL, depending on traffic and the specific starting point. Ensure the driver uses the meter or negotiate the fare beforehand.

Discover more about Dadiani Palace Museum

The Dadiani Palace Museum, located in Zugdidi, is one of the most eminent palaces in the Caucasus. Once the home of the Dadiani family, who ruled the Samegrelo region, the palace complex comprises several significant structures, including the palaces of Queen Ekaterine Chavchavadze-Dadiani and Prince Niko Dadiani, the Blachernae Virgin Church, and a beautiful botanical garden.Founded in the 17th century and renovated in the 19th century, the palace showcases Neo-Gothic architecture. In 1840, Prince David Dadiani established the first museum exhibition with archaeological finds from the ancient city of Nakalakevi. The museum officially opened on May 1, 1921, through the efforts of Georgian ethnographer Akaki Chanturia.The museum's collection boasts over 45,000 items, including fine art, archaeological materials from Greek and Georgian antiquity, Christian icons, relics of the Samegrelo princes, and manuscripts dating from the 13th to 14th centuries. Highlights include Napoleon Bonaparte's death mask, acquired through the marriage of Princess Salome Dadiani to Achille Murat, Napoleon's nephew, and a garment believed to have been worn by the Virgin Mary. The palace also houses the Dadiani family's personal library, featuring rare manuscripts and ancient books.Visitors can explore the palace's rooms and galleries, wander through the English-style gardens with rare plants and trees (including a 300-year-old magnolia), and visit the Blachernae Virgin Church. The Dadiani Palace Museum offers a glimpse into the lives of Georgian aristocracy and their connections to European society.