Recently, such a direction as Georgia has become more and more popular among travelers. Indeed, the country of Sakartvelo beckons with its cordial hospitality, sincere toasts, incendiary lezginka, the beauty of wild mountains and beautifully preserved sights. People come here to relax their souls and gain magical power, which is given by benevolent Georgians and the mountains of the Caucasus.
Some Facts
One of the cities revered by travelers is Zugdidi (Georgia). This is the administrative center of the Zugdidi region, as well as Samegrelo-Upper Svaneti and the Zugdidi-Tsaish diocese, located in the western part of the country. Translated from Georgian, "Zugdidi" means "big hill".
The population of the city during the Soviet Union was approximately 110 thousand people. But with the collapse of the USSR and the closure of many enterprises on the territory of Zugdidi, the population of the city decreased to 75 thousand people. Here they mainly speak the Zugdidi dialect of the Megrelian language, which is considered a classic and a standard.
Location
Zugdidi(Georgia) is located at an altitude of 100 meters above sea level. From the capital of Georgia - Tbilisi - Zugdidi is approximately 300 kilometers away. And from the nearest settlement on the Black Sea it is separated by 30 kilometers. Therefore, many travelers who go to rest on the seashore definitely visit Zugdidi.
How to get there
There are several ways to get around a country like Georgia. The city of Zugdidi is located in the Colchis lowland and can be reached by plane, train, bus or car.
If you choose the air route, then in this case the passengers are served by the crew of a comfortable aircraft. The ticket price is 150 GEL (approximately 3.5 thousand rubles) round trip, travel time is 1 hour. Since the weather is often changeable in the mountains, the flight can be unexpectedly canceled.
The plane is a small Canadian-made aircraft that can accommodate 20 people on board. Departs from Tbilisi, from the private airport Natakhtari, which is located near Mtskheta, and stays in Mestia. You can get from Mestia to Zugdidi by taxi or minibus.
In Zugdidi (Georgia), the railway station is the westernmost in the country. The building, built during the Soviet era, is perfectly preserved to this day, although it needs major repairs.
Now the city station is an intermediate station for those traveling to Svaneti - a mountainous and picturesque region that Georgia is especially proud of. The city of Zugdidi boastshigh-speed train that delivers passengers to Tbilisi and back. Travel time is 6 hours.
The cost of a ticket for the Zugdidi-Tbilisi train for a reserved seat is 8.5 GEL (202 rubles), if you take a ticket in a compartment, the ticket price will be 18 GEL (430 rubles). There are also tickets for the SV compartment - 26 lari (620 rubles) and for seats 1 and 2 classes - their cost will be 24 lari (570 rubles) and 14 lari (333 rubles), respectively.
The most popular way among local residents to get to Tbilisi, and from there to any other point in Georgia, is to use the intercity bus. A bus ticket costs 13 lari (310 rubles). Also from Zugdidi (Georgia) you can get to Poti, Rustavi and Chkhorotska. In addition, you can use the services of a private taxi, the cost of which is negotiable.
Attractions
The sights of the city of Zugdidi (Georgia) are very modest. Namely, the locals can only boast of the elegant family palace of the Megrelian princes Dadiani. The princes of Dadiani have an ancient aristocratic pedigree, they were related to Napoleon Bonaparte himself. More precisely, one of the Georgian princesses was married to Napoleon's nephew.
As a result of such a well-known relationship, the princes inherited several things of Napoleon, including his death mask. Also, the princes for a long time were the keepers of the shroud of the Virgin Mary, which can now be seen only on major church holidays.
Besides, their garden brought great popularity to the palace of the Dadiani princes. Forits creation in the 19th century, the then ruler of Megrelia, Princess Dadiani, invited famous European gardeners who brought with them rare varieties of flora.
Today this place is known as the Zugdidi Botanical Garden, the area of which is 26.4 hectares. In the modern Zugdidi garden there are trees that are more than 200 years old, and they are kind of the only specimens on the Eurasian continent.
Where to stay
Tourists in this city are most often in transit - they follow to the mountainous region of Svaneti. Although there are those who wish to get acquainted with the Georgian identity, to get to know the traditions of the people. Such tourists are happy to stay in Zugdidi.
Renting a house in Zugdidi (Georgia) is easy. As well as finding a guesthouse. A room in the latter will cost an average of 50 lari (almost 1200 rubles), but it is advisable to book a room in advance. Here you can also find a house for a few days, which will amaze with its carved wooden decorations, rich decoration and kindness of the owners.
City walks
The city center consists of two squares, which are connected by a boulevard. The length of the Zugdidi boulevard is 511 meters, large trees grow in its center, which in the heat give excellent shade and coolness. Along the entire boulevard, you can observe local restaurants and cafes, as well as the Odishi Hotel, the Atriumi cinema, the city hall and the post office.
South of the boulevardFreedom Square is located on which the Samegrelo administration building and several banks stand. Not far from the square is the Zugdit Cathedral. In addition, the road goes south from here, smoothly turning into the highway to Kutaisi and Tbilisi.
The northern part of the boulevard runs into the central square. Teatralnaya Street departs from it, on which the local Dadiani Drama Theater stands. On the other side of the square is the city stadium, past which passes the alley leading to the Dadiani Palace.
Modern history of the city
Compared to other CIS countries, modern Georgia has an interesting history of formation. G. Zugdidi also does not stay. You can find a lot of interesting information about him. He also survived bloody events.
The modern history of Zugdidi begins in 1921, when it was conquered by the Kuban Red Army during the Civil War. After the collapse of the Union, the city became a kind of headquarters for Zviad Gamsakhurdia, who then headed the government in exile. After the Georgian attack on South Ossetia, the settlement was captured by Russian troops at lightning speed and subsequently liberated by them soon.
Residents of Zugdidi (Georgia) do not like to remember the past, and it is better not to talk about recent events with them. But their warm hospitality and cordiality will remain in the heart of every guest for life.
