Natural Monument
Jorjtsku Cave Natural Monument
Attraction: The natural monument is a two-level cave formed in thin-bedded Upper Cretaceous (Turonian–Danian) limestone of the Askhi Limestone Massif, developing against the dip of the rock strata. The cave begins with a spacious entrance chamber, followed by a passage 4–5 meters wide and 3–5 meters high.
Approximately 100 meters from the entrance, the cave develops two branches. Its maximum length is 276 meters. The main passage, a meandering corridor, eventually opens into a large chamber, from whose wall a second level of the cave, 30 meters long, begins. The ceiling near the entrance collapsed at some point in the past.
Stalactites are predominant in the cave, while stalagmites are relatively rare. The cave contains abundant deposits of plastic clay, reaching 3.5–4 meters in thickness. The air temperature is 18°C at the entrance, 11.6°C at a distance of 100 meters, and 11.5°C at the far end.
A stream flows through the cave. It is joined by a second stream and, after flowing for approximately 15 meters, emerges as a spring on the left side of the Jorjtsku River.
The cave is notable for its characteristic fauna and paleontological specimens and was also once inhabited by humans. Bones of cave bears, lynxes, aurochs, and other animals have been discovered here.
Location: Martvili Municipality, northeast of the village of Meore Balda, Jorjtsku Valley, a left tributary valley of the Abasha River, 653 meters above sea level.
Coordinates: N42 30.620 E42 25.155
Access: The nearest major settlement to the natural monument is the city of Martvili. Martvili is located 280 km from Tbilisi; travel time is approximately 4 hours.
Martvili – Village of Meore Balda: 8.9 km; travel time approximately 20 minutes.
Village of Meore Balda – Jorjtsku Cave Natural Monument: 5.5 km; travel time approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes (marked hiking trail).
Accommodation: The most convenient option for overnight accommodation is to stay in the city of Martvili, where accommodation is available at hotels.