Natural Monument
Sakajia Cave Natural Monument
Attraction: Sakajia is a 6-meter-high and 30-meter-long, horizontally oriented, closed cave formed in Lower Cretaceous limestone. It is rich in archaeological, paleobotanical, and paleozoological discoveries. Evidence confirming the Paleolithic period was first documented in the Caucasus here. The cave contains numerous paleozoological remains of ungulates (aurochs, deer, roe deer), predators (cave bear, cave lion, lynx, and others), and rodents (otter, porcupine). The number of recovered animal teeth and bone fragments reaches several tens of thousands. This material dates to the Upper Paleolithic (Aurignacian–Solutrean).
Location: Terjola Municipality, vicinity of the village of Godogani, left slope of the Tskhaltsitela River valley, 1.5 km southwest of Motsameta Monastery, 204 meters above sea level.
Coordinates: N42 16.796 E42 45.440
Access: The nearest major settlement to the natural monument is the city of Kutaisi. Kutaisi is located 230 km from Tbilisi; travel time is approximately 3 hours.
Kutaisi – Village of Godogani: 11 km; travel time approximately 30 minutes.
Village of Godogani – Sakajia Cave Natural Monument: 1.5 km; travel time approximately 30 minutes (on foot).
Accommodation: The most convenient option for overnight accommodation is to stay in the city of Kutaisi, where accommodation is available at a hotel.
Contact Information: Imereti Caves Protected Areas Administration