Embracing the Shadows: A Journey Through Martvili’s Winter Solstice

As the longest night of the year descends upon Martvili, the town transforms into a realm where shadows dance and whispers of the past echo through the canyons and caves. The Winter Solstice, a time of reflection and mystery, invites travelers to explore the hidden depths of this Georgian gem. The weather, a capricious companion, begins with overcast skies and the threat of rain or snow, only to reveal clear skies by morning, offering a fleeting glimpse of the sun before it retreats once more behind a veil of clouds.

The journey begins with the Martvili Canyons tour, where the Abasha River’s transparent waters carve a path through the ancient rock, creating a landscape both haunting and beautiful. As you wander through the canyon, the air is filled with the sound of water cascading over small waterfalls, their drops ranging from 12 to 15 meters. The canyon stretches 2400 meters, a testament to nature’s relentless artistry. The morning hours, from 12:30 AM to 12:30 PM, offer the perfect window to explore this natural wonder, as the early light casts a soft glow on the canyon walls, enhancing the ethereal atmosphere.

“Highly Recommended for Family and Couples. - I have made reservation for my clients who were on their honeymoon. After their return, We received amazing feedback from my clients, they really enjoyed the trip. Highly recommended for Families and couples.” (Reviewed at: 2021-10-27)

Echoes of the Past: Soviet Relics and Natural Marvels

As the day unfolds, the Canyon and Cave Tour beckons, offering a glimpse into the region’s Soviet past and its natural splendor. The tour, available from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on December 15th, begins with a visit to the Okatse Canyon, where suspended bridges offer a precarious view of the depths below. Though the canyon itself is closed until May, the alternative visit to the Okatse Waterfall or Sataplia Nature Reserve promises an equally captivating experience.

The journey continues to Martvili Canyon, where the option to walk along the waterfalls or embark on a boat ride through the gorge presents itself. The weather, having cleared, allows for a leisurely exploration of the canyon’s beauty. As the afternoon sun casts long shadows, the tour reaches Prometheus Cave, one of Georgia’s largest and most awe-inspiring caverns. Here, the choice between a walk through the cave or a boat ride offers a moment of introspection, as the stalactites and stalagmites stand as silent witnesses to the passage of time.

“Day Trip from Kutaisi - Giorgi our great guide, picked us up at hotel and drove to fabulous Martvili Canyon, walk & Short picturesque boat ride, Okatse Waterfall, Prometheus Caves where we had lunch walk through fantastic caves then Abandoned Sanatorium interesting architecture. Had a great day, okatse hanging Bridge was closed but it didn’t spoil our trip.” (Reviewed at: 2024-06-19)

Twilight Reflections: The Abandoned Sanatoriums of Tskaltubo

As the sun sets and the longest night begins, the tour concludes with a visit to the abandoned sanatoriums of Tskaltubo. These relics of a bygone era stand as monuments to the Soviet legacy, their decaying facades whispering stories of a time when they were the epitome of luxury and healing. The architecture, both haunting and beautiful, invites contemplation and reflection, a fitting end to a day steeped in history and natural wonder.

The weather, now cool and dry, provides the perfect backdrop for this exploration of urban decay and forgotten grandeur. As you wander through the empty halls and crumbling corridors, the sense of mystery and melancholy is palpable, a reminder of the impermanence of all things.

“Breathtaking scenery - Giorgi was an excellent and informative guide who answered many questions about Georgia. He filled in time before the last Prometheus Caves tour by taking us to an extra monastery and Stalin’s personal spa plunge bath! There were just one other couple and us on the tour so it felt tailored to our needs. The canyons, waterfalls were stunning, as was the extensive Prometheus cave - doing the last (7pm) tour of the latter meant a smaller crowd. Just bear on mind when budgeting this trip that you also need to pay entrance fees for both canyons, and the waterfall, and the cave - they are not cheap for non-Georgian visitors.” (Reviewed at: 2019-08-08)

In Martvili, the Winter Solstice is not just a date on the calendar; it is an invitation to embrace the shadows, to explore the hidden corners of history and nature, and to find beauty in the decay and rebirth that define this enigmatic region.