holiday.ge Things to do in Bolnisi

Bolnisi · Dmanisi · separate road outing

Visit the Dmanisi hominid site

Europe's oldest known human remains were found beneath a ruined medieval town.

Ruins of Dmanisi Castle
Photo: Larry V. Dumlao · image credits

Why visit

At Dmanisi, archaeologists found 1.8-million-year-old remains of early humans, including five skulls. They are the oldest hominid finds in Europe, and the site is on Georgia's tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage status.

What to expect

The museum-reserve also covers the ruins of a medieval town and a sixth-century church on the same promontory. Covered excavation areas show the layers, though what you can see depends on the season. Reconstructions of the early humans are displayed at the Simon Janashia Museum of Georgia in Tbilisi.

Plan your visit

Allow1 hr–2 hr · at the museum-reserve; the drive is extra
AreaDmanisi · separate road outing

Before you go

Check opening days and whether excavations are visible before travelling. Wear sturdy shoes for the uneven ground.

Allow extra time

Visit times are estimates for this activity only. Travel, queues and breaks are extra.

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