Dadiani Palace
Neo-Gothic palace of the Mingrelian princes in Zugdidi, with a robe relic of the Virgin Mary, Napoleon mementoes and a 19th-century botanical garden.
Dadiani PalacePhoto: Natia an, CC BY-SA 4.0The Dadiani Palace History and Architecture Museum occupies the former residence of the Dadiani princes, rulers of Mingrelia, in the centre of Zugdidi. The complex includes the main palace, known as the Queen's Palace, a second palace built for the heir, Niko Dadiani, and a palace church. The buildings mix neo-Gothic towers and pointed windows with Georgian details, and they stand within the Zugdidi Botanical Garden, founded in 1840. The museum holds around 40,000 objects, from archaeological finds to Dadiani family portraits, furniture, porcelain and medieval manuscripts.
Two objects draw most visitors. The first is a relic venerated as the robe of the Virgin Mary, shown on major feast days and carried in procession to the cathedral each 15 July for Vlakernoba. The second is a death mask of Napoleon Bonaparte, which came to Zugdidi through the marriage of Salome Dadiani to Prince Achille Murat, a grandson of Napoleon's sister Caroline. Leave time for the garden, with its old trees, greenhouses and shaded paths.
History
The Dadiani family ruled Odishi, later the Principality of Mingrelia, from Zugdidi until Russia abolished the principality in 1867. A palace stood here from the 17th century, and the complex took its present form in the 19th century, when it was rebuilt for Princess Ekaterine Dadiani, the last ruling princess of Mingrelia, with the help of an English architect. The family first displayed archaeological finds here in 1840, and the palace became a public museum in 1921.
What to see and do
- Relic of the Virgin Mary's robe, shown on major religious holidays
- Napoleon's death mask and Murat family belongings
- Icon of Queen Bordokhan, mother of Queen Tamar
- Dadiani portraits, furniture and medieval manuscripts
- Zugdidi Botanical Garden around the palaces
How to visit
Getting there
The palace is at the northern edge of central Zugdidi, a short walk or taxi ride from the main streets. Zugdidi is about 320 km (5 hours) from Tbilisi.
When to go
Year-round; the garden is best in spring and autumn. Plan 1.5–2 hours with the garden here.
- Visit in the morning and lunch in town before the drive to Mestia.
- The robe relic is not always on display; it is shown on major religious holidays.
- Check opening days and hours locally before you go.
- Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to walk the whole botanical garden.
Dadiani Palace: FAQ
Is Napoleon's death mask really in Zugdidi?
Yes. The Dadiani Palace museum holds a death mask of Napoleon, which reached the family through Salome Dadiani's marriage into the Murat family, descendants of Napoleon's sister Caroline.
How long do you need at the Dadiani Palace?
About an hour for the museum and another 30 to 60 minutes for the botanical garden.
Tours that include Dadiani Palace
Nearby places
Straight-line distance from Dadiani Palace.
