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Tsutskhvati Cave: A Journey Through Time

Explore Georgia's ancient Tsutskhvati Cave: a 13-story time capsule revealing Neanderthal and Homo Sapien history.

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Tsutskhvati Cave, located near Tsutskhvati village in Georgia's Tkibuli Municipality, is a unique 13-story cave complex showcasing millennia of history. It features archaeological finds from the Paleolithic era to the Middle Ages, offering a glimpse into the lives of Neanderthals and early Homo sapiens.

A brief summary to Tsutskhvati cave

  • 7VC3+G4, Tsutskhvati, GE

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy shoes as the cave floor can be slippery and uneven.
  • Bring a flashlight or headlamp to explore the darker areas of the cave.
  • Check local weather conditions before visiting, as rain may affect cave access.
  • Consider visiting during weekdays or off-peak hours for a quieter experience.
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Getting There

  • Car

    If traveling by car, begin in Kutaisi and head towards Tkibuli. From Tkibuli, follow the road towards Tsutskhvati village. The cave is located approximately 25 km from Kutaisi and about half an hour from Tsutskhvati village. Look for road signs indicating the cave. Once in Tsutskhvati, park in the designated area and walk the remaining 15-20 minutes uphill to the cave entrance. Parking is generally free. Note that the road to Tsutskhvati is in good condition for any car.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Tsutskhvati Cave via public transport, take a marshrutka (minibus) from Kutaisi to Tkibuli. From Tkibuli, you may need to take another marshrutka or a taxi to Tsutskhvati village. Inform the driver that you want to get off at Tsutskhvati. From the village, follow signs or ask locals for directions to the cave, which is about a 15-20 minute hike from the nearest drop-off point. The marshrutka fare from Kutaisi to Tkibuli typically ranges from 2-5 GEL. A taxi from Tkibuli to Tsutskhvati may cost around 10-15 GEL.

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Discover more about Tsutskhvati cave

Tsutskhvati Cave, known locally as "Maghara," is a remarkable 13-story cave system near the village of Tsutskhvati in the Tkibuli Municipality of Georgia. This natural monument stands out for its antiquity and the wealth of historical information contained within its multiple levels. The cave complex is situated at an elevation of 260-340 meters above sea level. Archaeological excavations since the 1970s have revealed artifacts from the Middle Paleolithic era to the Middle Ages. Notably, a 50,000-year-old Neanderthal child's tooth was discovered on the fifth floor, also known as the Bronze Cave. The cave's various levels have yielded stone tools, fossilized animal bones, and traces of both Neanderthals and Homo sapiens, suggesting cohabitation in the area around 80,000 years ago. The cave has also preserved data about climatic changes over the last 140,000 years. The cave's structure includes a narrow opening on the first floor where the Shabatghele River flows. The second floor contains remnants of an old cult building. The seventh, eighth, and ninth floors show signs of fortification from the Georgian feudalism era, with preserved stone walls and carved steps. The eleventh level, called the upper cave, contained primitive cult objects such as arranged animal bones and teeth. Today, the cave is inhabited by a large colony of bats. Exploring Tsutskhvati Cave offers a unique journey through time, blending natural beauty with rich historical insights.

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