Lesser Caucasus Mountains

The volcanic uplands of Javakheti rise within the Lesser Caucasus, south of the wooded ridges of central Georgia. Ancient lava flows formed broad plateaus, while the Samsari and Javakheti ranges rise above them as chains of extinct volcanoes. Lakes occupy hollows in this high country, where long winters and exposed grasslands contrast with the sheltered valleys of the Kura to the west. The plateau's old stone fortifications and churches testify to communities that made their homes at these elevations.