Nokalakevi Church

Nokalakevi (Georgian: ნოქალაქევი - meaning 'the place where the ancient city was'; Ancient Greek: ἀρχαῖος πόλις - ancient city) is a fortress-city located in the western part of Georgia, in the Senaki Municipality of Samegrelo. Nokalakevi was one of the largest cities of the ancient Colchis state and was the capital of the Lazic Kingdom. Along with other cities such as Uplistsikhe, Vani, and Mtskheta, Nokalakevi was an important center of ancient Georgian civilization. Some scholars believe that Nokalakevi might be the same mythical city of Aië, where, according to legend, the Argonauts arrived. Near Nokalakevi, on the right bank of the Tekhuri River, there are natural hot mineral springs that attract tourists and pilgrims.