Sprawled across the verdant Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region of western Georgia, Oni's cozy embrace welcomes all at 830 meters (or about 2,723 feet) above sea level. A mere 210 kilometers (or 130 miles) away from Tbilisi, this quaint town sits by the Rioni River, surrounded by a deep, mystic valley.
Our tale begins in the Bronze Age. Can you believe that? Before Parnajom, the renowned king of Iberia, founded Oni in the 2nd century BCE, folks had already settled here, leaving behind intriguing artifacts. As you stroll down the town's museum, you'll get whisked away through time – from Bronze Age sheep statues to medieval belt buckles and more. Medieval? Oh, Oni has got you covered! With the 11th-century Mravaldzali, Goni Archangel, and Shromisubani Churches echoing stories of faith and grandeur, you'll find it hard not to be swept off your feet. But there's more – the Skhieri Monastery Complex and the cyclopean fortress at Kvashkieti village, a structure unlike any other in the region.
And speaking of faith, did you know? Oni once cradled one of the largest Jewish communities in Georgia. The synagogue they built in 1895 still stands as a testament to their vibrant culture. Just 11 kilometers (about 6.8 miles) from Oni is Utsera, a resort famous for its healing mineral waters, and a little further at 24 kilometers (or 14.9 miles) is the Shovi resort, home to 16 mineral springs. Whether you've got a tummy ache or need a refreshing breath of air, this is the place to be!
Oni's natural charm is unbeatable. Imagine a mountain range at 2,800 meters (or about 9,186 feet) above sea level, lush with forests that change their colors with the seasons. Hidden houses on mountainsides where local delicacies like Rachan lobiani (bean-filled bread) tantalize your senses. For the adventurers, the Buba and Kirtisho Glaciers and Chiori and Khikhati Mountains promise unparalleled hiking experiences. Don't miss the views of the majestic Caucasus peaks either!
Today, Oni is more than its past. It's a bustling center of industry, health, education, and culture. The Nikortsminda Eparchy resides here, and the medieval walls and city structures tell of its ever-evolving story. With the Ossetian military road cutting through and a synagogue standing tall, Oni is a fusion of history and modernity.
