Gomareti

Geography and Location

Gomareti is situated in the Kvemo Kartli region, within the Dmanisi Municipality of southeastern Georgia. Perched on the historic Zurtaketi (Gomareti) Plateau at an elevation of 1,370 meters above sea level, the village is located approximately 30 kilometers from the town of Dmanisi. Its high-altitude position offers a unique landscape and a climate characteristic of the Georgian highlands.

History

The area has been inhabited since antiquity, with archaeological finds dating back to the Kura-Araxes culture of the 4th and 3rd millennia BCE. The modern administrative unit of Gomareti was established in 1999 through the merger of two neighboring settlements: Didi (Big) Gomareti and Patara (Small) Gomareti. Over the centuries, families from various regions of Georgia, including Javakheti, Kartli, and Imereti, have settled here, creating a vibrant local community.

Cultural Heritage

Gomareti is renowned for its wealth of medieval monuments and archaeological sites:

• Church of the Mother of God (1014-1022) — Built by the master mason Mikel Khutsi, this church features inscriptions mentioning King George I and the powerful Liparit Eristavt-Eristavi.
• St. George’s Church (13th-14th centuries) — A well-preserved hall church known for its stone masonry and historical inscriptions.
• Sikhuaant Church (1034) — Another significant medieval structure linked to the local nobility of the 11th century.
• Gomareti Stelae (6th-9th centuries) — The village is famous for its ancient stone pillars and crosses, decorated with intricate relief carvings and early Georgian inscriptions.

Local Context

The village maintains strong cultural traditions, most notably the annual "Gomaretoba" festival. Held on Pentecost, the celebration features traditional Georgian wrestling, horse races, and folk performances, serving as a vital link to the region's historical and cultural roots.