Formerly known as Macharadze, Ozurgeti is the capital city of the Western Georgian province of Guria. Established in the 16th century, Ozurgeti was initially founded as the resident city of the Price of Guria, and later developed into a trading hub.
Known for its dramatic cityscape, Ozurgeti is riddled with ancient buildings, grandiose theatre halls and medieval structures dating back to the early 16th century. Although not as prominent for its tourism as other Georgian destinations, the city is an ideal visit for those seeking the quiet urbane charm.
The main sightseeing in the town is the ruins of the ancient Baths at the heart of the city. The Baths were initially built for the use of the Gurian royalty, and have weathered over time. Another prominent attraction here is the Palace of Dimitri Gurieli, which is the oldest building in the city.
Those desiring to explore the culture and history of the town can go for a museum tour in Ozurgeti, with the Historical Museum of Ozurgeti and the Ekvtime Takaishvili Archaeological Museum being the two such prominent destinations. The Parks and Gardens in the city are also ideal for a leisurely visit or a romantic walk outdoors.
Ozurgeti experiences a typical temperate type climate. The summers in the city generally remain warm, humid and clear, while the winters here are quite cold and wet.