Churches with different architectural styles, vineyards on old terraces and trails to waterfalls give Didi Ateni and the Ateni Valley a range of highlights. Hiking options span from the 2.5-kilometer trail to Biisi Waterfall to the 30-kilometer Rkoni–Ateni Sioni route, which takes two days. This makes it possible to decide first whether to set aside half a day for a single hike or several days for a longer tour.
Churches, Inscriptions and Architectural Styles
The small domed Church of the Mother of God in Didi Ateni is built in the free-cross plan. An inscription names Rati Eristavi, son of Liparit Eristavi, as its builder. St. George’s Church is also a single-nave building: Bagrat IV had it built between 1060 and 1072. At the medieval Kviratsminda Church, the bell tower stands on the eastern gable.
Other churches differ in their location and date. The single-nave Church of St. John the Baptist stands outside Didi Ateni on a wooded mountain slope. At the Church of St. Nino of Ateni, the southern structure dates to the 5th–6th century, while the northern part dates to the late Middle Ages. The Tsero Church Complex is also among the architectural monuments of the Ateni Valley.
At Ateni Sioni, traces of older art remain on the walls despite repainting in the 11th century. The frescoes mainly depict scenes from the life of the Mother of God. These details make the churches distinctive stops for anyone wishing to take a closer look at their architectural styles, inscriptions and pictorial programs.
Hikes to the Waterfalls
A 2.5-kilometer hiking trail leads to Biisi Waterfall; the outing is considered a half-day outdoor activity. In winter, the waterfall can turn into a column of ice. A much longer option is the 30-kilometer hike from Rkoni to Ateni Sioni, which takes two days. The choice is mainly a matter of time: half a day for Biisi or two days for the longer route. Check current trail conditions before setting out on a hike.
Damchkeri Waterfall can also be included in a hike. A trail to the waterfall follows the left bank of the Tana; the hike from Ateni Sioni passes through forest and also ends there. A picnic is possible by Damchkeri Waterfall. Alongside the longer Rkoni–Ateni Sioni tour, there are also shorter outings focused on a single waterfall.
Valley, River and Historic Traces
The Ateni Valley encompasses grassy hills, moss-covered boulders and alpine ridges. Remains of Bronze Age settlements are also part of its history. The Tana flows through the villages of the valley before eventually joining the Mtkvari. This landscape provides a setting for hikes and historic sites, which do not all need to be combined into a single route.
Another historic landmark is Ateni Fortress. It stands on a steep mountain and once played a strategic role: the shortest route from Shida Kartli to the south was controlled from there. South of Didi Ateni, a tower dating from the 16th or 17th century also stands on a cliff on the left bank of the Tana.
Wine and Accommodation
Nika Vacheishvili’s marani is in Didi Ateni; the area is considered an old wine-growing region. The marani’s vineyards are mostly on old terraces. Chinuri, Tavkveri, Budeshuri and Atenuri Saperavi grow there. The traditional Atenuri method uses a set amount of chacha and cooling vessels with ice. Ateni (Atenuri) is straw-colored and harmonious, with fruity notes and lively bubbles.
Château Ateni offers master classes in cooking and folklore; check which dates are available before making plans. Wooden cottages on the winery grounds provide accommodation. As availability may change, check current availability for your specific travel dates.
Discover more destinations: Surami, Mekheti, Agara.
For the broader travel overview: Shida Kartli.
