Telavi | Georgia

Telavi is the administrative center of the Kakheti region and the historic capital of the Kingdom of Kakheti. It is defined by its 8,000-year winemaking heritage, its medieval royal complexes, and its position as the gateway to the Alazani Valley.

Historical Timeline

Inhabited since the Bronze Age, Telavi emerged as a significant trade center by the 2nd century. A critical historical event occurred in the 17th century when King Archil II moved the royal residence from Gremi to Telavi, initiating a golden age. In 1762, it became the second capital (after Tbilisi) of the unified Kingdom of Kartli-Kakheti under King Erekle II. In 2026, the city is a primary center for Georgia's modern "Wine Route" and serves as the logistical hub for the annual Tsinandali Music Festival.

Demographics & Population

The 2026 estimated population is approximately 20,000 for the city and 56,000 for the wider municipality. The population is predominantly Ethnic Georgian. Georgian is the official language. The economy is driven by Viticulture, Tourism, and Agro-processing (wine, grain, and dairy).

Urban Layout & Key Districts

Telavi is located 500 meters above sea level on the foothills of the Gombori Range.

Batonis Tsikhe District: The historic heart containing the royal palace and fortress walls.

Cholokashvili Street: A restored 18th-century street known for its classic Georgian woodwork and carved balconies.

Nadikvari: An elevated park district offering the best panoramic views of the Alazani Valley and the Greater Caucasus.

Top Landmarks

Batonis Tsikhe (Master’s Fortress): The 17th-century residence of Kakhetian kings, featuring Persian-style architecture, royal baths, and the Telavi Historical-Ethnographic Museum.

Giant Plane Tree: A 900-year-old Platanus in the town center; it stands 40 meters high with a 12-meter trunk circumference.

Tsinandali Estate: (10 km east); the 19th-century palace of Prince Alexander Chavchavadze, featuring a botanical garden and the oldest underground wine cellar in Georgia.

Alaverdi Monastery: (20 km north); an 11th-century cathedral that was the tallest in Georgia for centuries, famous for its monk-produced wine.

Ikalto Monastery & Academy: (10 km west); a 6th-century site that housed a medieval academy where the poet Shota Rustaveli reportedly studied.

Shuamta Monasteries: Two complexes (Old and New) hidden in the deciduous forests of the Gombori foothills.

Transportation Network

Telavi is 158 km from Tbilisi via the Gurjaani road or 95 km via the scenic Gombori Pass.

Marshrutka: Frequent departures from Tbilisi’s Isani or Ortachala stations (approx. 2 hours).

Air: Telavi (Mimino) Airport primarily serves domestic charter flights and flight training.

Local Transit: The city is manageable on foot, but reaching regional monasteries requires taxis or rental cars.

Safety & Health

Telavi is highly safe for international visitors. The primary safety concern is the Gombori Pass road, which can be treacherous during winter snow or heavy autumn rains. Tap water is safe. Regional medical services are centered at the Telavi Referral Hospital.

Digital & Financial Infrastructure

4G and 5G connectivity are robust via Magti and Silknet. The Lari (GEL) is the currency. ATMs are widely available in the city center. In 2026, Telavi is a pilot city for QR-coded historical markers, providing multilingual digital tours via smartphone.

Climate & Ecology

Cfa (Humid subtropical). The Alazani plain provides a fertile microclimate with hot summers and moderately cold winters. In 2026, the Alazani River Basin Project focuses on sustainable water management to protect the vineyards from increasing summer droughts.

Culture & Social Norms

Telavi is the spiritual home of the Georgian Supra (feast). It hosts the Telavino Wine Festival every October. Respect for King Erekle II (the "Little Kakhetian") is a local cultural pillar. Cuisine highlights include Chakapuli (lamb stew with tarragon and sour plums) and Kakhuri Gvinis (amber wines fermented in Qvevri).

Local Cost Index

1 Standard Meal: $8.00–$15.00 USD.

Wine Degustation (Regional): $10.00–$25.00 USD.

Mid-range Hotel Night: $50.00–$100.00 USD.

Facts & Legends

Local legend says the 900-year-old Plane Tree grants wishes to those who can touch their hands while encircling the trunk. Another fact: the city gained Soviet-wide fame as the setting for the 1977 film Mimino. In 2026, Telavi remains the essential operational base for exploring the high-culture estates and ancient vineyards of eastern Georgia.