Queen Tamar's Arch Bridge in Makhuntseti, located just 30 km from Batumi, is one of the most famous and popular historical sites in Adjara. Built between the 11th and 13th centuries, the bridge has become a symbol of medieval Georgian architecture, attracting travelers from all over the world. This bridge, with a height of about 6 meters above the river, 2.5 meters wide and 29 meters long, connects the banks of a mountain river and is located just 100 meters from the highway leading from Batumi to the village of Keda. This is a popular location for excursions from Batumi.
There is a small parking lot next to the arched bridge, the cost of which is 2 lari, and in the tourist season there are cafes and souvenir shops where you can buy churchkhela, honey and homemade jam. The water in the river near the bridge is clean and cool, and in the summer you can see people swimming on the small beaches by the river. Fans of active recreation can even try rafting.
The Makhuntseti Arch Bridge, as locals call it, is one of 25 arch bridges in Adjara, and although it is not the highest or widest, like the Tskhemlara Arch Bridge in Machakhela Gorge, its antiquity and close location to Batumi make it especially popular among tourists. The bridge was built using a unique technology without the use of cement: the arched vault is assembled from large stones held in place solely by the precise selection of shape and weight.
This bridge is associated with legends about Queen Tamar, the great Georgian ruler, whose name has been preserved in the history of Adjara. It is believed that the bridge served as an important part of the trade route, connecting different areas of mountainous Georgia and protecting strategically important places.
Makhuntseti and its surroundings offer many interesting places that can be visited both independently and as part of an excursion:
By car: From Batumi You can get to Makhuntseti in 30 minutes by rented car. If you are coming from the city center, keep in mind that during rush hour the journey can take about 40 minutes due to traffic jams.
By minibus: Minibuses #77 leave from the old Batumi bus station (Mayakovsky St., 1) to the village of Keda. The trip takes about 40 minutes. When boarding a minibus, we recommend choosing a seat on the right side (not on the driver's side) to enjoy the views of the mountains and rivers of Adjara. At the bus station, the minibus is in the far right corner, look for a sign that says "Keda".
You need to get off near the arched bridge, from where it is only a 5-minute walk to the bridge. Just ask the driver to stop in Makhuntseti at the bridge.
A trip to the Tamara Bridge will be especially rich if you go on a guided tour, who will reveal all the secrets of mountainous Adjara, its historical sites and hidden natural corners. With the tour, you can learn more about the significance of this place, its history and cultural heritage. In addition, in one day of the tour you can see other attractions, such as the Makhuntseti waterfall and the confluence of the Chorokhi and Adjaristskali rivers. You will not only have photographs, but also memories of the culture and hospitality of Georgia.