Zugdidi

Zugdidi is a city in western Georgia, serving as the administrative center of the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region. It lies in the valley of the Rioni River, not far from the Black Sea coast, and functions as a regional transport and economic hub with road and rail connections to Tbilisi and the port city of Poti.

Historically, Zugdidi was the seat of the Dadiani, the ruling princes of Mingrelia. The Dadiani Palace complex is the city’s most prominent landmark and houses the Zugdidi Historical Museum, reflecting the region’s noble heritage. The city retains elements of traditional Mingrelian architecture and hosts several religious and cultural sites.

The population is concentrated in the urban area, and Zugdidi serves as the commercial and administrative center for surrounding districts. The local economy encompasses services, trade, and light manufacturing, with agriculture and food processing playing roles in the surrounding areas. In the 1990s, the city became a focal point during the Abkhaz–Georgian conflict, serving as a reception center for internally displaced people from Abkhazia.

Zugdidi experiences a humid subtropical climate, with warm summers and mild winters. The city is a gateway to the Mingrelian cultural region and hosts various cultural institutions, educational facilities, and public services that support both residents and visitors.