The Rioni River

The Rioni River: The Ancient Phasis of Colchis

The Rioni River (მდინარე რიონი) is the second-longest river in Georgia and one of the most historically significant waterways in the Caucasus. Known in antiquity as the Phasis, it was a central feature of the ancient Kingdom of Colchis, the legendary land of the Golden Fleece sought by Jason and the Argonauts. Originating from glaciers on the southern slopes of the Main Caucasus Range in the remote Racha region, the Rioni flows for 327 kilometers, traversing the regions of Racha, Lechkhumi, Imereti, and Samegrelo before emptying into the Black Sea at the port city of Poti.

The river’s journey is one of incredible diversity. It begins as a raging mountain torrent in a deep, spectacular gorge, and transforms into a wide, slow-moving river as it crosses the vast Colchian Plain. It flows through major cities like Kutaisi, Georgia’s third-largest city and ancient capital of Colchis, and the modern port of Poti. The Rioni is a major economic artery, home to a cascade of hydroelectric power plants (the Vartsikhe HPP cascade) and providing vital water for the agriculture of the fertile Colchian lowlands. It is a river that is deeply embedded in the Georgian national identity, a symbol of both ancient myths and modern life.

ℹ️ General Information

• Name of River: Rioni River (Ancient Greek: Φᾶσις, Phasis)
• Location: Racha, Lechkhumi, Imereti, Samegrelo regions.
• Length: 327 km (203 miles)
• Basin Size: 13,400 km² (5,200 sq mi)
• Source (Origin): Pasismta, Main Caucasus Range, Racha.
• Mouth (Where it flows): Black Sea, at Poti.
• Main Tributaries: Tskhenistsqali, Kvirila, Khanistsqali, Lajanura, Krikhula.

📍 Geography & Course

The Rioni’s upper course in Racha is a deep, narrow gorge, a popular area for rafting. As it enters the Imereti region and the Colchian Plain, it becomes a wide, lowland river with a meandering course. Its delta at the Black Sea is a vast wetland ecosystem, now part of the Kolkheti National Park.

🌿 Nature & Ecology

The Rioni basin is incredibly biodiverse. The upper gorge has pristine mountain forests, while the lower plains contain the unique Colchian wetlands, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These wetlands are a crucial stopover for migratory birds. The river has historically been known for its sturgeon populations, though they have been heavily impacted by dams and overfishing.

🏛️ History & Culture

The Rioni is a river of immense historical importance.

• Kingdom of Colchis: The river was the main artery of this ancient kingdom, with its capital (traditionally believed to be Kutaisi) on its banks. It was known to the ancient Greeks as a major trade route.
• Kutaisi: The river flows through the heart of Kutaisi, past landmarks like the Bagrati Cathedral and near the Gelati Monastery, both UNESCO sites.
• Poti: The river’s mouth is at Poti, the site of the ancient Greek colony of Phasis and now one of Georgia’s major seaports.

🚣 Activities & Tourism

• Rafting: The upper Rioni in Racha is one of the best and most popular rafting destinations in Georgia.
• City Tours: Exploring the historic city of Kutaisi along the river’s banks.
• Eco-Tourism: Visiting the Kolkheti National Park near the river’s mouth for boat tours and birdwatching.

🛤️ Accessibility

The Rioni is highly accessible along most of its course. Major highways follow its valley through Racha and Imereti, and it flows through several large towns and cities with excellent transport connections.