Dmanisi
history
About Dmanisi
Dmanisi is where human history runs deepest in Georgia: excavations since the 1980s uncovered 1.8-million-year-old Homo erectus skulls, the earliest known human remains outside Africa. You will walk the fossil beds and ruins, climb to the 9th-century medieval fortress, and study early-human exhibits in the museum. Beyond the science, this is pastoral Georgia at its most genuine, with scenic hill walks, farm bread and cheese, and villagers proud of their ancient heritage. An easy day trip from Tbilisi, best in spring.
Culture
Dmanisi's rural setting contrasts with its scientific fame, with locals proud of their ancient heritage. The site blends history with pastoral Georgian life.
Travel Tips
Currency: GEL; cash for rural areas. Language: Georgian; some English at site. Safety: Safe; quiet area. Transport: Car from Tbilisi, 1.5 hours.
Tours Including Dmanisi
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Archaeological Tour
A tour of Georgia's ancient and archaeological sites — among them the rock-hewn cave town of Uplistsikhe, the cliff cave-city of Vardzia, and Dmanisi, where some of the oldest human remains outside Africa were unearthed.