Cultural Heritage
Transport
Dartlo
The Village of Dartlo (42°26′19″ N, 45°34′58″ E) is located in the Eastern Georgia, in Akhmeta Municipality, Kakheti region, in the historical part of Tusheti, in the community of the historic Samtsikhe (Pirikita), 15 km away from the Village Omalo, and 102 km away from Akhmeta, on the left bank of the river of Pirikita Alazani, at 2000 m. above sea level. It is accessible by equestrian trail, by motor road and by air.
The village is located on the territory of Tusheti Protected Landscape and it is subordinated to the Ministry of Environment Protection and Natural Resources of Georgia. Restoration of centuries-old houses and towers with the status of cultural heritage monuments in the village of Dartlo took 3 years. The project was co-financed by the World Bank and the Government of Georgia. In addition to the rehabilitation of houses, external infrastructure was arranged in Dartlo.
There are 8 real monuments of cultural heritage in the area. Dartlo Church has the status of a monument of national importance. Dartlo has been declared an architectural reserve. It is one of the largest villages in Tusheti. In the center of the village, next to the XIX century church, beyond Didkhevi, stands the shrine of the Lakhsar Icon - two pagan Christian crypt buildings. In the middle of the village there is a view of the main fortress-tower with two pyramidal roofs. The chief judge was sitting on its high stone on the south side facing east. In the middle was a flat stone with a small pebble in front of it, on which the plaintiff was kneeling. On the north side stood the witness stone, and on the northwest corner - the culprit. There was a "sapphire stone" in the northern part. He was removed by the participants, his mustache was pulled out, he was put inside, and the stone was placed again, which was a proof that the process had started.
Once a month in the summer, the village elders came here, appointing two men per community. There was a total of six communities: Natsikhvri, Omalos, Dartlos, Parsmi, Jvarbosli, Iliurti, and a total of 12 aldermen were elected. They were old and respected people. All cases were considered. Once, a daughter of Devdri Anta from Tsovatipresided over the resolution of the criminal case. She was a very eloquent and wise woman. At other times she was also a member of the council. She has been chairman for a long time.
During Bochoridze's journey, there were 11 stones on Safriandao (the 12th was missing) and one in the middle, one with the second stone facing the applicant, one for the witness and one for the offender.
Only 3 stones remain at this time, and the missing ones have been filled with new stones. Today, the tourist infrastructure in the village is being formed, family hotels have been opened.
References: Spatial-territorial planning of Akhmeta Municipality and Tusheti. Studio 21