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Geotour

Photos: Yasuhiro Kojima (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Wikimedia Commons

Oni

Imereti & Racha · Culture

Getting there
About 27 km (30 min) north-east of Ambrolauri on a paved road
Best time
June–October
Recommended stay
Half a day

About Oni

Oni is the small main town of upper Racha, on the Rioni river at about 800 m, some 27 km (30 min) north-east of Ambrolauri. Its synagogue, built in 1895, is one of the largest in Georgia and a reminder of the town's once-large Jewish community. The town is also the gateway to the upper Rioni valley, the Shovi area and the high passes towards the Russian border, and the start of rafting trips down the Rioni.

Tours Including Oni

See all 2 tours

Must-See Attractions

  • Oni Synagogue

    Built in 1895 in an eclectic style with a dome and arched windows, one of the largest in Georgia; we arrange access with the keyholder in advance.

  • Oni Museum of Local History

    Collections on Rachan archaeology, crafts and daily life; we confirm opening hours when booking.

  • Rioni riverside

    The town lies where the Jejora joins the Rioni, with walks along the river.

Nearby

  • Ambrolauri

    Racha's main town with Khvanchkara wine cellars, about 27 km (30 min).

  • Nikortsminda Cathedral

    11th-century carved cathedral, about 40 km (50 min).

  • Shovi

    Mountain valley and former resort about 24 km north; part of it was destroyed by a deadly landslide in August 2023, and we confirm current access.

Location42.5839° N, 43.4417° EView on map

Good to know

Getting there

About 27 km (30 min) north-east of Ambrolauri on a paved road; from Tbilisi about 4.5–5 h via Kutaisi or Tkibuli.

Best time

June–October

Best time

Summer and early autumn bring open mountain roads and walking weather in the upper Rioni valley; winters are snowy and long, and many guesthouses close.

Recommended stay

Half a day

Heads-up

The synagogue is usually locked; we arrange a visit with the keyholder in advance.

Documents

The Mamisoni and Notsara passes above the upper Rioni are in the border zone and need permits from the border police, issued on your passport.

Rafting

Local operators run trips on the Rioni below Oni in spring and early summer, depending on water level.

Getting there

About 27 km (30 min) from Ambrolauri on a paved road.

History & culture

Culture

The synagogue is looked after by the few Jewish families still living in Oni, and it remains a place of memory for Oni families now living in Israel. Oni's museum of local history covers Rachan archaeology and village life.

History

Georgian Jews lived in Oni for centuries, trading and working as craftsmen alongside their Rachan neighbours, and in 1895 the community built the large domed synagogue that still stands in the town centre. Most of the community emigrated to Israel from the 1970s onwards, and only a few Jewish families remain. The town, like much of Racha, was badly damaged by the earthquake of April 1991.

Local Cuisine

Racha is known for Rachuli lobiani (bean-filled bread made with smoked Racha ham) and for the ham itself, smoked in village kitchens; Khvanchkara semi-sweet red wine comes from vineyards around Ambrolauri.

Accommodation

A few family guesthouses and small hotels in Oni; Ambrolauri, 30 minutes away, has a wider choice.