Goraberezhouli

Geographical Context

Goraberezhouli is situated in the Chokhatauri Municipality of the Guria region, on the left bank of the Supsa River. Sitting at an elevation of 140 meters, the village's name is derived from its two distinct parts:

• Gora — The upper, hilly part of the village.
• Berezhouli — The lower, flat area near the river. Located just 3-5 km from the municipal center of Chokhatauri, it serves as a gateway to the region's rich cultural landscape.

Historical Significance

The area has been inhabited since ancient times, with archaeological finds dating back to the 1st millennium BC. Historically, Goraberezhouli was the seat of the Eristavi (ducal) family of Guria. The village was a strategic and administrative center for the surrounding lands. Visitors can also find the 19th-century Church of St. Justine, reflecting the local religious heritage.

The Eristavi Estate and Dendrological Park

The village's most prominent landmarks are the Eristavi Palace and its surrounding botanical gardens:

• The Palace: A 17th-18th century fortress-residence built from cobblestones gathered from the Supsa River. Its thick walls and defensive embrasures tell the story of a turbulent past.
• Dendrological Park: Established in the mid-19th century by Mikhail Eristavi, this park is a botanical treasure. It hosts approximately 150 species of plants from five continents, including giant sequoias, ginkgo biloba, and ancient oaks that are over 300 years old.

The Birthplace of Georgian Tea

Goraberezhouli holds a special place in Georgia's agricultural history. In 1840, Mikhail Eristavi planted the first tea bushes on his estate here, marking the beginning of tea production in Georgia. The tea produced in this village was later showcased at an international exhibition in Saint Petersburg in 1864, paving the way for what would become a major national industry.