In 1850 Prince David Dadiani organized museum in the palace and displayed unique numismatic materials from the present day village Nokalakevi, the antique period town and Dadiani family collections of medieval European armor and weapons, ethnographic objects and fine art.

At the present in the museum are kept: samples of the 1th c. B.C. – 19th A.D. goldsmith works: icons, various religious objects, fine art samples; archaeological materials from Greek and Georgian antique culture; collection of Christian sacred objects, samples of European applied art (of Boulet, Rococo, Empire styles); relics of Samegrelo princes, royal families of France (numerous items connected with the Napoleon Buonaparte, from Ashil Miurat – Son in law of David Dadiani), Russia, Spain; 15-19th c.c. manuscripts and charters; libraries of Napoleon (6.000 items) and Dadiani family; samples of European and Asian weapons; collection of paintings of Russian peredvizhniks, French painters of battle-pieces, and English painters of seascapes; rich collection of photographs (5.000 items); collection of crystal, china and faience crockery (French, German, Russian), etc.

Martvili is located in Samegrelo region of Western Georgia, 280km from Tbilisi. On its highest hill there is a Monastery. Martvili canyons used to be a bath place for Dadiani family. Now people visit it to enjoy the scenery, its waterfalls and take a boat trip in the river with deep green color. The canyon is divided into two parts, Upper and Lower. Fans of extreme sports can ride a boat along the canyon from the Upper part that leads to a waterfall falling from the height of about 12 meters. Thanks to the climate of the terrain and high humidity, the walls of the canyon are covered with moss, you will also see lianas that grow along the whole length of the canyon, small streams and waterfalls. A truly fabulous picture! In the lower part of the canyon there is a “pool” where you can swim and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature. Even on the hottest day the water here is cool, therefore this place is very popular among locals who come to Martvili to run away from the summer heat.

Highlights

• Experience a boat ride on a river through the Martvili canyons, and enjoy amazing sight of waterfalls around the trail

• Exciting excursion in famous Dadiani palace

Places to visit:

• Martvili Canyon - boats available

• Martvili Monastery

• Dadiani Palace-Museum

Entrance Fees/Extra activities:

• Martvili Canyon – 17.25 Gel Boat service - 15 Gel

• Dadiani palace 7 Gel (2+5 in two different expositions.)