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City in Kakheti, Georgia
Photo: Константинъ Буркут, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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Telavi Castle/Batonis Tsikhe
Palace of the ruler of Kakheti Kingdom between 1744 and 1798, and afterwards fortress and seat of Kakheti Kingdom through the centuries. The palace inhabits influences of the nearby neighbour in the south, Persia. Southeast of the palace also the King Erekle II on a horse monument can be found.
46 m in height, and 36 m in diameter at the top. This tree has an unusually large circumference and in summer provides shade for the local (friendly) street dogs. The local people call it Chadari. It used to be possible to hug the tree, but since 2025 a glass fence has been built around it that prevents people from approaching the tree.
Old City
Beautifully renovated street/old town. Not very busy during low season. The renovation is considered critically by some, because it does often not resemble the original version and many of the buildings behind are left untouched and thus continue to fall apart.
St. Barbare
Here you find the 40-50 m high St. Barbare, which appears to be a monument for the fallen soldiers
One of the most important monasteries in Georgia built in the 11th century.
Lovely spot with the lower floor café-style and upper floor for dining, and a terrace too. They serve typical Georgian food and foreign dishes too. Reasonably priced and some of the staff speak English.
Several guests per room, but no bunk beds. A very rustic feel, with a wood stove for heating. Pretty basic kitchen and bathroom. Good atmosphere, cheerful owner.
Very friendly homestay. Modern bathrooms with decent water pressure. The upper floor is just for guests and you can use the kitchen and the balcony there.
Two hotels with the same owner, closeby each other.
The Rcheuli chain offers decent mid-range hotels including restaurant in many Georgian cities.
A modern winery including a small and up-scale hotel. Contact details see kitchen sub-site.
By car
There are two options to get to Telavi from Tbilisi. One is highway no. 5 and no. 42 by Gurjaani, about 140 km. The shorter and newer option is highway no.
The city is small enough to be walkable. However, visiting the neighboring sites requires the use of further marshrutkas and/or taxis.
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