Natural Monument
Tsutskhvati Cave Complex Natural Monument
Attraction: Located in the Okriba-Argveti Range, the Tsutskhvati Cave Complex was formed in Urgonian limestone and is locally known as “Maghara.”
The cave complex consists of 13 levels. The first level from the bottom is a narrow passage inaccessible to humans, through which a permanent stream, the Shabataghele River, flows. Downstream of the cave, the river is known as the Chishura.
The second level, known as the Main Passage, resembles a vast natural tunnel, measuring 200 meters in length, 10–30 meters in width, and 10–28 meters in height. Water flows through it only during flooding of the Shabataghele River. Its branches contain springs, a small lake, and calcite formations. Wooden beams attached to the ceiling have been preserved, representing the remains of an ancient ritual structure.
Beginning from the fourth level and extending upward, the caves are dry. Archaeological sites dating from the Middle Paleolithic (Mousterian period) through the Bronze Age and into the historical period have been discovered here, along with bones belonging to approximately 40 animal species.
Three features are particularly noteworthy:
- Bronze Cave (Level V): The total thickness of its deposits reaches 12–13 meters. These deposits preserve evidence of climatic changes that occurred over the last 140,000 years.
- Upper Cave (Level XI): Primitive ritual objects were discovered here, including deliberately arranged cave bear skulls, femur bones and teeth, as well as bones of other animals that had apparently been sacrificed.
- Three cliff caves — Railing, Bat, and Bear Caves (Levels VII–IX): These caves show evidence of having been used as fortifications during the feudal period. Stone-and-mortar walls, carved steps, and fragments of clay vessels have been preserved. A large colony of bats also inhabits the area.
Due to its antiquity and the number of levels, the Tsutskhvati Cave Complex is considered one of the most remarkable cave complexes of its kind in the world.
Location: Tkibuli Municipality, south of the village of Tsutskhvati, Chishura River valley, 320 meters above sea level.
Coordinates: N42 16.249 E42 51.165
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 Tsutskhvati: 24.3 km; travel time approximately 40 minutes.
Village of Tsutskhvati – Tsutskhvati Cave Complex Natural Monument: 3 km; travel time approximately 40 minutes.
Accommodation: The most convenient option for overnight accommodation is to stay in the city of Kutaisi, where accommodation is available at a hotel.