Ushguli, Mountain settlement in Upper Svaneti, Georgia.
Ushguli comprises five villages positioned at roughly 2,100 meters elevation within the Enguri gorge. The settlement spreads across a mountain valley in western Georgia with densely built structures and steep slopes surrounding it.
Residents began constructing defensive towers between the 9th and 12th centuries, which still define the landscape today. Over 200 of these towers remain visible and testify to a time when security was a major concern.
The Church of Lamaria stands at the heart of community life and displays religious paintings from medieval times. It reflects the faith that has shaped the culture of people living here for centuries.
The location remains snow-covered for six months per year, which limits access and restricts visitors to certain seasons. Those wishing to visit should prepare for lengthy and challenging roads from Mestia or Lentekhi.
The village of Chazhashi operates as an open-air museum where traditional residential architecture with stone dwelling towers is preserved. These distinctive structures show how inhabitants once combined living space with protection.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
