Grakliani Hill

Grakliani Hill is an archaeological site in Shida Kartli containing multiple excavation layers with settlements, temple complexes, and ancient burial grounds. The location near the Lehura River was designated a monument in 2014 and developed as an open-air museum for visitors to explore.

The site shows evidence of 300,000 years of continuous human settlement from the Stone Age through various historical periods. This long sequence documents important phases of human development in the southern Caucasus region.

The site contains two temple complexes, one dedicated to a fertility goddess, where altars display traces of Zoroastrian and Caucasian religious traditions. Visitors can observe how different belief systems left their mark through carved symbols and architectural choices.

The site is accessible to visitors with marked paths through various excavation areas. Wear sturdy footwear and bring sun protection, as much of the terrain is exposed to the elements.

Researchers discovered an unidentified inscription from the 11th-10th century BC, the oldest known writing in the Caucasus region. This find makes the site crucial for understanding early writing systems in the eastern Mediterranean and beyond.