‘Menji’ is a Megrelian word and means ‘sour water’. Earlier, famous venues in Samegrelo known for their therapeutic waters were called menji Skuri, menji Lugela, menji Lebarde… That is why resort in Senaki municipality widely known for its curing mineral water was given the name of Menji. However, due to the miraculous qualities, the local residents gave the resort a second name as well – ‘Grave of Crutches’. Since the 30-ies of the XX century therapeutic potential of the resort has been developed. Famous Latvian scientist, Roberts Kupzis, who made great contribution in the scientific research of mineral waters in Georgia, studied water’s therapeutic qualities and called Menji ‘Georgia’s Matsesta’. In 1938 Menji was pronounced the resort of republican importance and necessary infrastructure was constructed on its territory. As early as 1940 Menji hosted ten thousand visitors. Specialists assume that as a result of drilling, it is possible to get water of high temperature, though this opportunity has not been fulfilled yet.

 

1. In the village of Eki, on the territory of fortress dating back to IV-V cc., in 1971 was unearthed treasure of silver coins known as ‘Treasure of Eki’. Treasure consists of 900 entities of Parthian drachmas and Roman dinar. The latest coin dates to the year 222.

2. Senaki municipality is rich with underground waters. There are several springs of thermal mineral waters: Sakharbedio, Ledzadzame, Zana, Potskho, Akhalsopeli. Ancient capital of Egrisi kingdom, Nakalakevi, is famous for its thermal mineral waters. There are several thermal springs near the Fortress. Some of them have temperature as high as 70-80 degrees centigrade and are recommended for curing cardiovascular, musculoskeletal system and gynecological profile diseases. This karst bath in Senaki is located on the right bank of river Tekhuri.

 

Location: central part of Kolkheti lowland, gorge of river Tsivi (right tributary of river Rioni)

Distance: 5 km from Senaki, 50 km from Zugdidi, 295 km from Tbilisi.

Sea level: 29 m

Landscape: plain

Climate: humid subtropical, winter mild, mean temperature in January 5,2 degrees centigrade; summer very warm, humid, mean temperature in August 23 degrees centigrade

Average annual precipitation: 1480 mm

Average comparative annual humidity: 73%

Duration of annual sunny light: 2160-2200 h.

Natural treatment factors: methane, sulfide, silicon, chloride-sodium mineral waters with general mineralization of 6,0-14,0 g/dm3, and nitrogen, sulfide, chloridesodium mineral waters with general mineralization of 5,2-7,4 g/dm3. Temperature of these mineral waters is 27 degrees, water

discharge: 700 thous. l/day

Types of therapy: mineral water baths

Diseases for treatment: musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, peripheral nervous system and gynecological diseases