GeorgiaOfficial tourism
Ozurgeti

Guria's musical heart, unhurried and true

Ozurgeti

Why go

Ozurgeti sits where the foothills of the Lesser Caucasus meet the Black Sea lowlands, a regional capital that has preserved Guria's distinctive musical heritage while escaping the tourist circuits. The town anchors a region famous for krimanchuli — a yodeling polyphonic tradition so complex UNESCO recognized it. Its Ethnographic Museum, housed in a 19th-century prince's residence, holds 4,000 artifacts documenting Gurian village life, weaponry, and musical instruments. Unlike showpiece capitals, Ozurgeti offers unvarnished access to living traditions: village choirs still gather, and the surrounding hills hide family wineries practicing centuries-old methods with Tsitska and Tsolikouri grapes.

On the ground See

  • The Ozurgeti Historical-Ethnographic Museum's collection of Gurian musical instruments and traditional carved furniture
  • A live krimanchuli performance — inquire at the museum or cultural center for village choir contacts
  • The nearby village of Shemokmedi, with its 16th-century monastery and revived traditional winemaking

Practical Know before you go

Best visited April–June or September–October; marshrutka vans run regularly from Tbilisi (4 hours) and Batumi (1.5 hours), with the museum open Tuesday–Sunday 10:00–18:00.

Last reviewed 25 August 2026 · reviewed quarterly