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| Kaspi | ||
| region | Schida Kartli | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | 13.423 (2014) | |
| height | 560 m | |
no tourist info on Wikidata:  | ||
| location | ||
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Kaspi (georg. ქასპი) is a small town and the administrative seat of the district of the same name (Raioni) in Schida Kartli (Inner Kartlien), about halfway (40 km each) between Tbilisi and Gori. The city of Kaspi is industrial and offers little to see for tourists, but there are numerous important sights and monuments in the vicinity, for example the basilica of Samtawissi, the historic arched bridge of Rkoni or the Kwatachewi monastery complex.
background
The district capital Kaspi is 48 kilometers northwest of the capital Tbilisi on both sides of the Lechura river near its confluence with the Mtkvari. Archaeological excavations showed that the urban area had been inhabited since the Stone Age and was an important place in the Bronze Age. As the Georgian historian Leonti Mroweli (9th century) wrote, the city of Kaspi was founded by a Georgian - Uplos. In the historical Georgian sources, Kaspi is mentioned alongside other ancient Georgian cities such as Sarkine, Urbnisi and Odsrche. In the post-war period, the city developed rapidly thanks to the cement works there, the largest in Georgia, and was granted city rights in 1959.
getting there
By plane
Nearest airport: Tbilisi
By train
Kaspi is on the railway line Tbilisi-Gori, many trains to western Georgia stop in the city. The 1 Kaspi train station is located right in the city center at the large roundabout.
By bus
Minibuses (marshrutkas) drive from numerous surrounding villages to Kaspi, as well as from Gori and Tbilisi (Didube bus station).
In the street
Kaspi is a little off the highway 
Tbilisi-Gori. You can either go in 2 Igoeti motorway exit leave the motorway (signposted "Samtavisi, Kaspi" and then the regional road 
drive about 12 km to the south, or one takes off Mtskheta or Gori the regional road 
and then drives on the regional road at Zemo Chocheti (from Gori) or at Kavtiskhevi on the regional road 
(from Mtskheta) to Kaspi.
mobility
From Kaspi you can take marshrutkas or taxis to the surrounding area.
Tourist Attractions
The small town has a small city center with the usual administrative buildings in the Soviet-neoclassical style. Industry lovers will also enjoy the partly abandoned cement works buildings as well as numerous material ropeways that transport crushed stone and gravel over the Mtkvari to this works. Attractions in the city include:
- Equestrian monument for Giorgi Saakadze
- Kaspi Municipal Museum, Stalin St. 88. Founded in 1960, approx. 20,000 exhibits: archaeological artifacts (early and middle Bronze Age) from the area, grave goods, ceramics, historical textiles, weapons and everyday objects as well as a Hellenistic bronze statue of Dionysius (3rd-2nd century BC).Open: Tue - Sat 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.Price: free entry.
- 1 St. Tevdore Church
- 2 Kwirats'choweli - Church
- 3 St. Giorgi - Church
- 4 Virgin Mary Church
In the vicinity of Kaspi there are numerous important sights of national renown, including the important churches of Samtawissi, Kwatachewi and Ertatsminda, the monastery complex including the historical arch bridge of Rkoni and the S'chwilo castle ruins.
Metechi
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The 5 Fortified church of the Holy Mother of God of Metechi is located 10 km southwest of Kaspi in the village of Metechi (მეთეხი). The complex includes the church (13th century) and a bell tower and is surrounded by mighty walls with defense towers. The buildings have been renovated and expanded several times, including in the 19th century when the church was massively redesigned and enlarged. The church is laid out in the shape of a cross with a high dome, numerous arches and frescoes. The buildings were built from basalt bricks, the facade partially clad with gray sandstone.
In the village Sasireti (სასირეთი), 5 km west of Metekhi, is the 6 General Giorgi Masniashvili House-Museum. In the house of General Masniashvili (1870-1937) private items such as souvenirs, photos, documents and local handicrafts are sold. Opening times Wed-Sun 11 am-5pm, free admission.
Another 10 km to the west is in the village Chowle (ხოვლე, Khovle) that 7 Ivan Javakhishvili House-Museum. In the residence of the Georgian scientist, historian and founder of the Tbilisi State University, Ivan Jawachishvili (1876-1940), private objects, archaeological finds from the region and a comprehensive collection of books are on display. Opening times Wed-Sun 11 am-5pm, free admission.
Samtawissi
8 The Georgian Orthodox Cathedral Church of Samtawissi or Samtawissi for short (Georgian სამთავისის ტაძარი, სამთავისი; sɑmtʰɑvɪsɪs tʼɑd͡zɑrɪ, sɑmtʰɑvɪsɪ) is located in the village of the same name, Samtawissi, on the left bank of the Lechura River, about 20 km north of Kaspi. Access is via the motorway exit at Igoeti, where "Samtavisi" is signposted.
The Samtawissi basilica is regarded as the "prototype" of Georgian Orthodox churches, and numerous historical and modern church buildings that followed follow Samtawissi in appearance and proportions. The church is also famous for the many historical frescoes inside.
According to Georgian tradition, the first church in Samtawissi was built in 472 by King Vakhtang I Gorgassali, along with three other Georgian churches (Sioni Cathedral, Ertatsminda Cathedral, Zilkani and Metekhi). There are no remains of the first church today. A small church was built in the 10th to 11th centuries. Little information about this building is preserved in the historical Georgian sources.
The current church was dated to 1030 by an inscription on a stone above the western gate, and Ilarion Samtawneli is named as the builder. Around 1050 he also built some outbuildings. In the 15th century the dome, the western gate and the arches collapsed, in the 16th century Samtavissi was renovated by Gaiane and 'Siaosch Amilachwari. Gaiane was the sister of the king of Imereti Bagrat IV and Siaosch her son. This renovation was later referred to as the "second construction of Samtawissi Cathedral". In 1847 the church was restored again.
A few kilometers further north is the neighborhood Kwemo Tschala with the Schwilo castle ruins.
Kwemo Tschala and Schwilo castle ruins
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The village of Kwemo Tschala (Georgian ქვემო ჭალა) and the castle ruins Schwilo (pronunciation: [sχvɪlɔ]; Georgian სხვილო, სხვილოს ციხე - S'chwilos Ziche) are historical residences of the medieval feudal family Sevdginidze (Georgian ზევდგინიძე). They built Schwilo Castle as a fortified residence in the 14th century and moved to the village of Kwemo Tschala around 1600.
Coming from Samtawissi, drive a few kilometers further north and reach the village 9 Kvemo Chala. In the middle of the village on the left side of the road is the fortified residence (17th century) of the Sewdginidze family with some striking defensive towers. In the same complex there is also the Church of St Maryam and the tomb of Wachtang Amilachwari. The complex is no longer prepared for tourism today, but entry into the building is partially possible. You can also take a little stroll through the former museum dedicated to Wachtang Amilachwari, which has now been completely emptied. Also worth seeing in Kwemo Tschala are a handful of other defense towers, which are scattered over the village, some on fenced private property.
To go to 10 Schwilo castle ruins (14th century), turn right at the fortified complex in Kwemo Chala and drive about 10 km on a bad gravel road (off-road vehicle recommended) through the village of Pantiani.
The fortress was built in the 14th century on the top of a conical mountain and can be seen from afar in the area. The fortress also offers great views of the Lechura valley. The castle ruins are only a few hundred meters away from the South Ossetian border (be careful when walking in the area!).
The relatively well-preserved complex has a floor area of around 45 x 20 m, the three to four meter thick walls are around 10 m high. There are two semicircular bastions on the west side and four on the east side, which protrude from the wall front like supporting pillars. The only access was on the southwest side. In the tiny inner courtyard behind the gate, another courtyard wall blocked the passage to the buildings behind. In the north is the keep as a watchtower, a second tower, but reduced to the height of the wall, is on the south side of the complex. The residential buildings leaning against the defensive wall and a building that originally served as a church are located between the two towers.
The facility can be entered from the southwest side and you can also partially enter the rooms. However, there are no secured footpaths, the area is not prepared for tourism. You should therefore take your steps carefully so as not to fall. There is a small picnic table with benches in front of the castle ruins, from where you have a great view of the Lechura valley. You can grill yourself by the campfire (take provisions with you), but you should be careful not to get too close to the South Ossetian border when looking for wood.
Kwatachewi
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The Kwatachewi or Kwabtachewi Monastery (Georgian ქვათახევი, ქვაბთახევი), 12.-13. Century, is located about 30 km south of Kaspi, 7 km from the village of Kawtischewi. The best approach from Tbilisi is via შ 29. Halfway between Nichbisi and Kavtiskhevi, this road has the 3 Branch to Kwatachewi and Lavrischewi at a sharp serpentine where you have to turn south. Two roads leave at the apex of the curve, you take the right of the two and follow the bad gravel road (4x4 is recommended) through the village of Tsinarekhi for about 10 km. The last 2 km run in dense walt, so even in spring high snow can make the slope impassable. Then you have to walk the last few kilometers to the monastery.
The 11 Kwatachewi Monastery resembles the Betania, Pitareti and Timotesubani monasteries in its architectural form and decor, which denotes the modern canon of a Georgian domed church. The plan of the main church is almost square. The dome rests on two free-standing columns and on two other columns that are integrated into the altar. In the interior, the dome is located above the intersection of the arms of the rectangular cross. The building has two portals, one in the south and one in the west. The facades are covered with finely hewn white square stones. The walls of the church are richly decorated, especially around the windows and the base of the dome; the east facade is adorned with a large ornate cross.
Historically, Kwatachewi was also a literary center of Georgia, where several manuscripts were copied. The monastery was badly damaged during Timur Lenk's invasions in Georgia in the 14th century and was renowed from 1854 under the patronage of Prince Iwane Tarchan-Mourawi.
You pass them on the way to Kwatachewi 12 Maghalaant Fortress (12th century, extended 15th and 17th century) with church, bell tower, cemetery and defense tower.
If you take the left path at the above-mentioned junction from the main road შ 29, you will reach the after a few kilometers 13 Lavrischewi monastery complex (ლავრისხევი, pronounced Lavris'chewi).
Rkoni
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The monastery complex Rkoni including the historical arch bridge (Georgian რკონი; rkʼɔnɪ) is located near the village of Chachubeti about 35 km southwest of Kaspi. The access is via the შ 29, from which one is in the 4 Akhalkalaki village, turnoff to Rkoni and Ertazminda Branches off towards the south and then follows a bad gravel road for about 20 km (off-road vehicle recommended). On the way you pass the village Ertatsminda with the remarkable basilica. After you have passed the village of Chachubeti, you come to a small village at the end of the road. Here you park the car and walk over a rocking wooden walkway and another 2 km easy walk to the monastery, after another kilometer you reach the historic arched bridge.
The 14 Rkoni Monastery rises in a high clearing, sheltered by steep mountain slopes. The two churches have been preserved in different ways. The larger Mother Jesus Church is a three-aisled basilica from the 7th century. The historic one is about 1 km away 15 Arch bridge Rkoni. The single-arch stone bridge was donated by the Georgian Queen Tamar (1160-1213) and is still accessible but not secured by railings (danger of falling!) As a result of the decay, it only has a usable width of less than two meters. There is also a medieval castle ruin in the immediate vicinity.
Ertatsminda
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The access to Ertatsminda is on the same road as to Rkoni, in the You have to drive south to the village Akhalkalaki and after about 5 km you reach Ertatsminda.
The 16 Ertatsminda Basilica (Cathedral of St. Eustachius) dominates the village of Ertazminda (ერთაწმინდა, Ertatsminda, German: United Saints). The village is located about 30 kilometers south of Kaspi on the road to Rkoni. The cathedral was built in the 13th century and stylistically resembles other churches from that era. The monastery complex also includes a garden and a cemetery and is surrounded by a mighty stone wall with defensive towers.
The village is located a few kilometers east of Ertatsminda Noste (ნოსთე), the hometown of Giorgi Saakadze, where the ruins of his palace and a mighty defense tower, the 17 Saakadze Tower, are located. From the road to Ertazminda or Rkoni you have to turn left in the village of Garikula, just before crossing the bridge. There is the 18 "Georgisch-Deutsche-Freundsallee", a small memorial in a small park.
Art-Villa Garikula
In the village of Garikula (near the village of Akhalkalaki, on the access road to Rkoni and Ertatsminda) there is the former Bolgarski citadel. It was built in 1885 as the summer residence of the Polish architect and engineer Bolgarski and, among other things, had its own power station and complex systems for the production and treatment of drinking water. During the early Soviet period, the residence was used as a military base and orphanage. After 1990 the painter Vera Beletski, the last descendant of the Bolgarski family, set up an artist center and an academy there.
Since then, a small group of artists has developed in Garikula who live and work in the former family residence of the Bolgarskis. They also received international media coverage, and events and exhibitions take place again and again. The Künstlerhaus is open to everyone. Artists can work and live there temporarily, but visitors are also welcome. No money is required, but voluntary donations are welcome. Those who want to live there are asked to take part in the maintenance of the building and / or to leave an art installation behind.
St. Nino Cathedral on Berk Tchota
22 km east of Kaspi and about the same distance west of Mtskheta is the 20 Church of Saint Nino at Berk Tchota. She was in the 6th-7th Century erected. The original cross ground plan was in the 9th-10th centuries. Century converted into a domed church. The church is located in the village of Aghaiani, the best way to get there is from the motorway exit of the same name, where this church is also signposted.
activities
- Picnic with campfire in the forests around Rkoni, Kwatiewi and Schwilo - Mzwadi is a good choice.
- You can go on long hikes around Rkoni, including also up Manglisi.
shop
- In Kaspi there is a small supermarket, in the villages there are mini markets where you can get most of the things you need. If you want to have a more extensive picnic, you should bring your provisions from Tbilisi.
kitchen
There are a small number of restaurants around the train station in Kaspi city center.
nightlife
There is no nightlife with rambazamba in Kaspi.
accommodation
- It is no problem to pitch your tent and spend the night in the forests around Rkoni, Kwatievi and Schwilo after a picnic and campfire.
- There are a few motels along the freeway that target long-distance drivers
- You can also use the Art-Villa Garikula stay. There are some spartan beds and rooms. Voluntary donation or help with renovations requested.
- There is a larger selection of quarters in Tbilisi, Mtskheta and Gori.
Work
There are few employment opportunities for foreigners. The largest employer in the region is the cement plant in Kaspi.
security
While there is nothing to fear in terms of crime, it is important to be careful near the border with South Ossetia. When walking in the forest (fortress Schwilo!) You can cross the border unnoticed, which in extreme cases can lead to being shot by South Ossetian border guards.
Various sights (including Rkoni, Schwilo) are not prepared for tourism, there are no secured footpaths. Caution, danger of falling!
health
- 1 Regional hospital. Kaspi Regional Hospital is located on Rustaveli Street.
Practical advice
- There is no tourist information center in Kaspi.
- Note for church visits: Please pay attention to respectful clothing. Women should wear a skirt that covers at least the knees and a headscarf. Instead of a skirt, women with hats can wrap a scarf around their hips. Men should wear long trousers and, if possible, avoid sleeveless T-shirts and sandals. Cloths can only be borrowed at the entrance in a few churches in the region.
- Respectful behavior: Only a few of the above-mentioned sights are prepared for tourism. Most of them do not even have on-site staff to check that everything is going well. It goes without saying not to let anything go (even if it's just an inconspicuous stone), or to leave graffiti murals or carvings behind.
- One should always go back ask the wayso as not to get lost. Because many sights are poorly signposted. Often, however, it can be that you get involved in a long conversation with villagers - foreigners are always worthwhile communication objects - and at the end you don't know more than you did before. A little knowledge of Georgian or Russian is very advantageous because English or even German is not understood in the villages.
- rubbish: Georgians picnicking have the bad habit of simply leaving their rubbish behind or throwing it into the countryside! As a responsible tourist, we shouldn't bow to this bad habit, but instead lead by example and take our rubbish with us to the nearest garbage can.
- The postal code of Kaspi is 2600
- The Kaspi Post Office is located on Zminda Eprem II. - Street 1
trips
Kaspi and the surrounding sights are worthwhile day trip destinations Tbilisi or Gori. But you won't be able to tick off all the sights mentioned in just one day. Recommended day tours (by car) are:
- Samtawissi, Kwemo Tschala and Schwilo
- Kwatachewi, Maghalaant and Lavrischewi
- Rkoni with Ertazminda and Noste
