Likhni: Hotels and Accommodation

Nature

Likhni comprises two significant caves formed in calcareous conglomerates. The caves contain small stalactites, ooliths, pazolites, alluvial material and organic deposits, including guano. Underground streams flow through them. The ooliths are spherical and noticeably shiny. Fragments of clay vessels have also been found in the Likhni caves.

History

Zufu, also known as Likhni, was the main residence of the Shervashidze rulers of Abkhazia. Likhni was the capital of Abkhazia twice: in the Middle Ages, it was the capital of the Abkhazian Kingdom, and from 1808 to 1864, it was the capital of the Principality of Abkhazia. Historically, Likhni also served as the summer residence of the Abkhazian rulers.

On the outskirts of Likhni lie the ruins of a Christian basilica dating from the 6th to 8th centuries. The Abaanta Fortress, dating from the 7th century, is located on the outskirts of Likhni on the left bank of the Khypsta River. The Chachba-Shervashidze Palace was destroyed after the 1866 uprising on the orders of the Russian authorities.

Likhni was traditionally a center of pan-Abkhazian military democracy, where Abkhazians gathered to decide important matters. The first major public assembly in Likhni took place in 1861. The Church of the Dormition in Likhni preserves murals from the 10th and 11th centuries as well as from the 14th century in its interior.

Events

The Lykhnashta meadow is used for public gatherings, festivals and equestrian competitions. Gatherings at Lykhnashta include horseback riding, dance and singing performances, as well as competitions to prepare national dishes.

Under Georgia's Law on the Occupied Territories, foreign nationals and stateless persons may enter the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia only from the direction of the municipality of Zugdidi. The law prohibits these groups from entering the occupied territories from directions other than those specified therein; such entry is punishable under the Criminal Code of Georgia.

Scholarly research and related conservation work on the church of Likhni are currently not possible because it is located in occupied territory.

Anyone wishing to book a hotel in Likhni can continue searching for accommodation afterward.

For the main travel overview: Abkhazia.

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

Leselidze, Merkheuli, Aatsi, Gudauta, Pizunda, Dranda, Machara, Gulrip'shi.