Ushguli

With its ancient towers, stunning scenery, and solid cultural identity, Ushghuli never fails to impress travelers.

Ushguli is a community located in Mestia Municipality in Svaneti, in the majestic mountains of the Caucasus, which includes four villages: Zhibiani, Chvibiani, Murkmeli, and Chazhashi. It is located at the foot of the highest peak of Georgia - Shkhara and is one of the highest and permanently populated points in Europe. The village of Chazha holds the status of UNESCO World Heritage.

When traveling to Ushguli, it is hard to stop at one particular place, and each attraction carries a special burden. However, the following are worth mentioning: Ushguli Limrie, Tamari Summer and Winter Residences, Church of the Savior in Chazhashi, Ethnographic Museum of Ushguli, Church of the Savior in Murkmeli and others.

Ushguli actually consists of four small villages - Chazhashi, Chvibyani, Murkmeli and Zhibyani. Each has its own distinctive character and charm. The village's isolation, due to its high altitude and difficult terrain, has contributed to the preservation of its traditional Svan way of life, architecture, and customs. This is a remarkable example of the resilient spirit of the Svan people and the breathtaking beauty of the Georgian mountains.

One of the most valuable and integral parts of Ushguli is the "Svan Tower", which is currently around 30 years old. Among the villages of the Ushguli community, the largest number of Svan towers have been preserved in the village of Chazhashi. They were mainly built as defense structures against invaders. However, it was not only a means of protection but also a symbol of community unity and strength. The height and diversity of the towers, and the rocky terrain, make Ushguli a single, impregnable fortress.

Svaneti has numerous legends that are particularly interesting to hear from locals when traveling there. One of these legends is preserved in the memory of the Svans about Giant’s Rock. (Devis Nasheni). This is a rock that, according to legend, blocked the Enguri valley and flooded the village. To avoid the disaster, two rams were sent from Ushguli and Kala, which hit the rock from opposite angles and destroyed it.

Many legends and folklore are connected with the name of St. Tamar king. One of them is the legend of King Tamar of Ushguli. According to tradition, there are still winter and summer residences of King Tamar in Ushguli in the form of towers, which are distinguished from other towers in terms of architecture and territory. In addition, there are legends about the burial of King Tamar in Ushgul.

In general, Khevi connects several villages in one community. A typical example of the Khevi settlement is Ushguli. Its etymology is associated with "fearless heart". Historically, Ushguli was a free, unruly community. The seven princes who wanted to rule Ushguli were killed. The last among them was Puta Dadeshkeliani, who was killed by the entire village in Limrie of Ushguli, it represented the residence of the Parjanian-Vardanisdze-Marushians of Svaneti nobility. After the dissolution of the united Svaneti, Ushguli was a part of so-called "Free Svaneti", but until recently (1810), it was part of the
Kingdom of Imereti (together with Racha).

It is possible to get to Ushguli by Ushguli-Mestia and Ushguli-Lentekhi roads. The best time for this is summer. As a traveler, you can immerse yourself in the local culture, enjoy the impressive nature, and experience the traditional Svan way of life.