House Museum of Alexander Chavchavadze in Tsinandali

Working days: No days off
Opening hours: 10:00-19:00
Date of foundation: 1946
Topic: Ethnographic values

The Chavchavadze House Museum is located in the family palace of the princes Chavchavadze, in the village of Tsinandali, Telavi municipality of Georgia. The village is located on the north-eastern slope of the Gombori ridge, at an altitude of 560 m above sea level, 10 km from Telavi. The house museum was founded in 1946. In 1983 it was reconstructed, as a result of which the building acquired a new shade of Soviet style. After a major renovation in 2007, the building was cleared of Soviet structures and the Ozerovsky Palace was reopened, allowing the original walls built by Alexander to be seen.

Alexander’s father, Garsevan Chavchavadze, moved to Georgia in the 18th century. He served at the court of the King of GeorgiaIrakli II, was the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to Russia. The property in Tsinandali was inherited by his son, poet, founder of Georgian romanticism Alexander Chavchavadze (1786-1846). He was born in St. Petersburg and grew up at the imperial court. He was the godfather of Alexander I and Catherine II, a lieutenant general in the Russian army.

Since 1813, Alexander took part in many wars, including the Patriotic War of 1812, the Russian-Persian War of 1827-1828, held high positions and earned many high awards, such as the Order of St. Anne II degree, golden sword with the inscription “For courage” and others. His highest award was the French Legion of Honor.

For the first time in the history of Georgia, he bottled Georgian wine made in Europe. After this, the production of European wine was established in Georgia.

Chavchavadze became the victim of an accident, he was thrown out of the carriage by a horse, and was buried in Kakheti, in New Shuamta.

In Tsinandali there is also aunique wine cellar of the 19th century.