Upper Svaneti

Upper Svaneti
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Svaneti is a historic province in Georgia, in the northwestern part of the country. It is inhabited by the Svans, an ethnographic group of the Georgian people.

Svaneti is known for its architectural treasures and picturesque landscapes. The famous Svanetian towers erected mainly in the 9th-12th centuries, make the region’s villages more attractive. In the province are dozens of Georgian Orthodox churches and various fortified buildings.

Year Decision Comments
1996 Inscribed Reasons for inscription
1994DeferredBureau - better definition of proposed area

Reviews

sandro aragona (Italy):
I have travelled lots of places around the world but i have never seen something such a beatiful as SVANETI.
honestly, I can say that this is the Worlds Most Beatiful part. GO to Svaneti!!!
Date posted: June 2008
Jeff (USA):
Upon entering Upper Svaneti, I did not know what to be more impressed by: the towers, the landscape, or the people.
Of particular interest was Ushguli (I was told this is the highest village in Europe at 2300 meters, but have yet to officially verify this). Wandering its narrow streets amid 1000 year old watchtowers, I could not help but feeling as if I had been transported back to middle earth. The entire view is dominated by Mt. Shkhara (I think around 5,000 m), one of the most impressive sights I have ever seen. I got the chance to hike above Ushguli to a watchtower that was commissioned to be built by Queen Tamar (a very famous Georgian queen) and watch the sunset. An amazing experience!
There is a guest house run by a local family (I believe that Ratiani is their surname) that offers the best accomadtions (complete with excellent Svan cuisine), all at a modest price.
I have traveled a bit, and there is no where in the world quite like this. I would recommend it to anyone as an absolutly AWESOME place.
 


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