At the center of the complex stands a castle hall dating from the 17th century. It was a defensive structure that protected Guria from invasions. Its walls still stand firmly today and reveal how Georgian nobles of that era lived and defended themselves.
However, the greatest transformation of this place came in the mid-19th century, linked to the name of Mikheil Eristavi. Mikheil was not just a noble — he was a true innovator and scientist of his time. It was he who decided to turn the area around the castle into an exotic garden.
What makes this place special? — The first tea: Mikheil Eristavi introduced the tea bush to Georgia in the 1840s and ran his first experiments in this very garden. — Unique trees: the park spreads over 7 hectares; here you can see giant sequoias, Japanese magnolias, and centuries-old cypresses. Some trees are so large that several people are needed to encircle them. — The Eristavi palace: inside the walls stands the family’s residence; its balconies and proportions still convey the taste of the Gurian aristocracy.
For a visitor, this place offers a double experience: on one side, a stern medieval castle; on the other, a quiet green oasis that feels more like a botanical garden than an ordinary forest.