Svanetian tower

The rectangular stone towers rise up to 20 meters with thick walls, small windows, and multiple stories connected by wooden ladders inside.

Constructed between the 9th and 12th centuries, these towers provided protection for local families during numerous invasions from various empires across the region.

Each tower functioned as both a residence and fortress for extended Svan families, storing religious texts, valuables, and maintaining clan identities through generations.

The ground floor accommodates livestock, while upper levels contain living quarters with defensive features such as shooting holes and observation points.

Over 200 towers remain in the village of Chazhashi at Ushguli, standing at 2,086 meters elevation as part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Location: Svaneti

GPS coordinates: 42.91639,43.01139

Latest update: March 2, 2025 20:00