Martvili

Martvili (Georg.: მართვილი) is a district town of 4,400 people (2014) in the Mingrelia region of Northwestern Georgia. It is know for its extensive monastery complex, and for the nearby gorges, which are ideal for canyoning and rafting.

Understand
Since the Middle Ages, the town of Martvili has been a religious centre of western Georgia. Until 1936 the place was called Chkondidi (ჭყონდიდი) because of the nearby Chkondidi Cathedral. The city was called Gegechkori (გეგეჭკორი, named after Sascha Gegechkori) from 1936 to 1990. In 1990, Martvili received the current name.

After 1990, as in many regions of Georgia, the already modest industrial production almost completely collapsed, and the population now lives largely from subsistence agriculture.

By bus
With minibuses (marshrutkas) from Kutaisi, Samtredia or Senaki.

By car
From the ს 1 from Abasha via the regional road შ 4. Alternatively from Zugdidi or Mestia via the regional roads via Tschchorozku and from Kutaisi via Choni.

Get around
Marshrutkas go to most places in the region. The monastery is within walking distance from the centre. Taxis can also be chartered locally.

See

 * There is a local museum in the town centre.
 * There is a local museum in the town centre.
 * There is a local museum in the town centre.
 * There is a local museum in the town centre.

Do

 * Canyoning and hiking in Dadiani Forest Park and Okaze Gorge: near Kinchcha village 15 km north of Martvili. There is a waterfall (near Kintschcha), a church (near Seda Gori) and two campsites (near Kintschcha and Rondisi). From Kutaisi, take a minibus from the bus station on Chavchavadze Street to the village of Gordi, 1 hour, 4 GEL.

Buy
In the city there is a fruit and vegetable market, a supermarket and numerous smaller mini markets.

Sleep
There are about ten accommodations in the village.