Racha is a special ,completely unspoiled and beautiful place high in the mountains , boasting a landscape of mountain forests and high alpine meadows. The lowlands are covered with forests of beech, pine and spruce trees. All sorts of vegetables […]
Racha is a special ,completely unspoiled and beautiful place high in the mountains , boasting a landscape of mountain forests and high alpine meadows. The lowlands are covered with forests of beech, pine and spruce trees. All sorts of vegetables and fruit (except citruses) grow throughout Racha, except of some mountainous villages.
For visitors to the region , Racha is a giant outdoor playground. With raging rivers, the region is popular with anglers and rafters, as well as mountain bikers. The source of Rioni River is full of trout and is a haven for fishing, whitewater rafting and kayaking.
In summer, Racha is crowded and bustling. It is an ideal place for resting because of its coniferous forests and temperate climate.
Racha is divided into Upper and Lower Racha. In 19th century , the small town of Oni was the administrative center of Racha and Kutaisi province. One of Georgia’s most beautiful synagogues is in Oni. It has been closed as the Jew who had lived in Racha for centuries and were active in trade and craftsmanship left this part of the country. Today, there are only a few Jewish families in Racha .
But Racha also contains some remarkable cultural treaures, with churches and monasteries dating back to the medieval ages. The historical monuments were built mostly in the 11th – 12th centuries. There are no medieval churches throughout Georgia with their walls as laden with ornaments as the churches of Nikortsminda, Zemo (upper )Krikhi and Mravaldzali.
Racha is famous for its endemic sorts of grape growing only in this part of the world. Because of the natural conditions , these vineyards are not as vast as those cultivated in Kakheti. However, the local wines are noticeable always for their remarkable bouqets. The most famous wine are “Khvanchkara” and “Usakhelauri”. These exotic and rare wines has always been regarded as a precious present.
Natural resources of Racha also include various mineral springs.