Dmanisi

დმანისი

A famous archaeological site where 1.8-million-year-old hominin fossils, the oldest found outside Africa, were unearthed. The site combines the excavation area with the ruins of a medieval town and cathedral in a peaceful rural setting.

Things to do

• Dmanisi Museum-Reserve — Explore the archaeological reserve where the famous Homo erectus georgicus skulls were discovered, with an on-site museum displaying casts and finds.
• See the hominin excavation area — Walk to the active dig site where 1.8-million-year-old hominin fossils, the oldest outside Africa, were unearthed beneath a medieval settlement.
• Dmanisi Sioni Cathedral — Visit the medieval basilica dating to the 6th century with a later ornately carved 13th-century porch, standing amid the ruined town.
• Wander the medieval town ruins — Stroll the remnants of the fortified trading town of Dmanisi, once a Silk Road stop, including baths, walls, and streets.
• Climb the fortress promontory — Hike to the citadel on the rocky spur overlooking the confluence of the Mashavera and Pinezauri rivers for sweeping valley views.
• Picnic in the river gorge setting — Relax in the peaceful rural landscape where the two river valleys meet, surrounded by rolling Kvemo Kartli hills.

Food to try

• Khachapuri Imeruli — A round cheese-filled bread commonly served in village guesthouses and small cafes across the Dmanisi area.
• Khinkali — Georgian soup dumplings filled with spiced meat, a staple you can find in nearby town eateries after a day of exploring.
• Mtsvadi — Skewered pork or beef grilled over grapevine embers, often prepared in the countryside and enjoyed with tkemali plum sauce.
• Local honey and dairy — The pastoral hills of Kvemo Kartli produce fresh honey, cheeses, and matsoni yogurt sold by roadside farmers.
• Georgian wine — Kvemo Kartli is a winemaking region, so seek out homemade qvevri wines offered by local hosts.

Local customs & good to know

• Bring your own supplies — The site is remote with limited facilities, so carry water, snacks, sun protection, and cash as card payment is unreliable.
• Dress modestly at the cathedral — Women should cover their heads and shoulders and everyone should avoid shorts when entering the active Orthodox church.
• Hire or arrange a guide — The archaeological significance is easy to miss without context, so a museum guide greatly enriches the visit.
• Getting there needs a car — Public transport is sparse, so most visitors come by hired driver or car from Tbilisi via the town of Dmanisi.

Nearby

• Bolnisi Sioni — 21 km
• Birtvisi Fortress — 29 km
• Lake Paravani (Samtskhe-Javakheti) — 48 km
• Tbilisi National Botanical Garden (Tbilisi and Surroundings) — 55 km