Gomareti

Gomareti is accessed via the road connecting the Dmanisi plateau, located approximately 30 kilometers from the municipal center of Dmanisi. The village occupies a position on the historic Zurtaketi (Gomareti) Plateau, sitting at an elevation of 1,370 meters above sea level. This high-altitude landscape defines the area, which is characterized by expansive fields and a climate typical of the Georgian highlands.

Geography and Connectivity

The journey to Gomareti involves traveling through the undulating terrain of the Kvemo Kartli region. The route from Dmanisi provides the primary connection to the village. The village geography is defined by its plateau setting, which separates the settlements from the lower valleys. Walking and hiking are the primary ways to navigate between the historical quarters of the village and the surrounding archaeological sites.

History and Settlement

Archaeological evidence indicates that the area has been settled since the 4th and 3rd millennia BCE, particularly associated with the Kura-Araxes culture. In its modern form, Gomareti was established as a single administrative unit in 1999 following the merger of Didi (Big) Gomareti and Patara (Small) Gomareti. Throughout its history, the village has served as a point of convergence for families arriving from various regions, including Javakheti, Kartli, and Imereti, shaping the local social fabric.

Medieval Architecture and Monuments

Gomareti maintains a collection of medieval structures that reflect the historical significance of the Zurtaketi Plateau:

• Church of the Mother of God (1014-1022): Constructed by the master mason Mikel Khutsi, the architecture includes inscriptions referencing King George I and the Eristavt-Eristavi Liparit.
• St. George’s Church (13th-14th centuries): A traditional hall-style church characterized by its precise stone masonry.
• Sikhuaant Church (1034): A site dating to the 11th century, historically linked to local nobility.
• Gomareti Stelae (6th-9th centuries): The surrounding area is noted for its early medieval stone pillars and carved crosses, which feature relief work and early Georgian epigraphy.

Local Traditions

Community life is centered around the annual "Gomaretoba" festival, held on Pentecost. This event serves as a continuation of local customs, featuring traditional wrestling, horse races, and folk music, which highlight the village's cultural continuity.