Gardabani Sights: Red Bridge and Martkopi Monastery

One of Gardabani's historical landmarks is the Red Bridge. It was first built in the 12th century. Only ruined supports remain of that structure, which can be seen downstream from the modern bridge.

The modern Red Bridge was built in the 17th century, during the reign of the Georgian King Rostom.

Gardabani received city status in the late 1960s. Its population is approximately 10,000, primarily Azerbaijanis, making up over 60%.

Another significant cultural and historical site worth visiting is the Martkopi Monastery. Built in the 6th century, it was repeatedly raided and was partially destroyed during an earthquake.

Most of the modern buildings appeared between the 17th and 19th centuries. The Martkopi Monastery is a national monument of Georgia.

In the 1970s, oil was discovered in this area—the Sartichala oil field. However, the "oil boom" of national significance was short-lived—in the early 1980s, according to one theory, the field was depleted; according to another, errors were made during development, significantly complicating oil production.

Currently, Indians and Americans are engaged in oil production in this area. According to sources, they produce approximately 50,000 tons of oil per year.