Dmanisi historic site

Dmanisi is an archaeological site at the confluence of the Mashavera and Phinezauri rivers, containing medieval structures and prehistoric excavation areas spread across multiple levels. The grounds function as an open-air museum managed by the Georgian National Museum system, displaying over 2300 artifacts to visitors.

Archaeological exploration began in the 1930s and uncovered medieval structures at the site. The most significant discovery came in 1991 when researchers found human fossils dating back 1.85 million years.

The settlement grew from a small episcopal center into a major medieval town where different religious communities coexisted. Walking through the ruins today, you can sense how both Christian and Muslim populations shared this space and left their own burial grounds behind.

The site is accessible to visitors from May through October and operates as part of the national museum network. Wear proper footwear for the uneven excavation areas, and check seasonal hours before planning your visit.

Five human skulls discovered here represent some of the oldest evidence of human presence beyond Africa. These remains provide a window into how our species was spreading during a crucial period of evolution.