Upper Svaneti landscape

Unesco's Scientific, Educational and Cultural Organization recognized the Upper Svaneti Landscape in Georgia as a World Cultural Heritage in 1996.

Svaneti is also known as Suania , a province with a rich history in the north of Georgia. Svaneti is the residence of the Svans - a group of people with geographic subgroups in Georgia. Svaneti province is surrounded by high mountains, these mountains have an average height of 3,000 to 5,000 meters above sea level. Svaneti Province is also the highest region where people live in Georgia. Among the mountains surrounding the area, the highest mountain is Mount Shkhara, which is 5,200 meters high. In addition, there is a peak with outstanding height like Tetnuldi peak with a height of 4,974 meters above sea level; Shota Rustavel peak with a height of 4,960 meters above sea level; Mount Ushba is 4,710 meters high above sea level; Ailama peak is 4,525 meters above sea level. Besides the peaks like Lalveri peak, Latsga are also high peaks with spectacular views.

Upper Svaneti is known for its architectural volume and picturesque landscape, especially that all of these buildings are located at an average height of 4,000 meters.

As a rugged mountain area, inhabited by ethnic minorities - Svans people are therefore the culture of this place becomes more and more unique by the combination of culture and nature with people. The whole area is famous as a land of towers, white snow, wine and dance .

The most outstanding feature along with the majestic natural scenery here is more than 200 towers . These towers were built during the 12th century. Each tower has 4 floors. Unlike other common watch towers built with the main purpose of guarding, watch out for officials. The watchtower in Upper Svaneti is built with two functions, both a house and a watchtower. The size of more than 200 towers here is not the same but there are many sizes without certain standards. The bigger the size of the tower, the bigger and richer the family is.

In addition to hundreds of unique towers and houses, Upper Svaneti also has two castles. The location of the two castles is also different, one built below the other is built at a higher position. The castle built under the village has a small church called Lashkdash , in addition there is another church called Matskhvar . Upper Svanet churches are generally very small but contain many unique spiritual, religious and artistic values. No matter how small the churches own unique murals, these paintings can be wall paintings that can also be carved into the wall.

The perfect combination between the majestic natural landscape and the unique culture of ethnic minorities including living habits, religious beliefs, customs . has created a strange attraction for the area. Upper Svaneti area.

Upper Svaneti landscape is recognized by Unesco as a World Cultural Heritage by criteria (iv) and criteria (v).

Criterion (iv): Upper landscape Svaneti is an outstanding example of the mountain landscape with human settlements and settlements. This is also a proof for human exploration to be able to adapt in harsh living environments.

Criterion (v): Upper Svaneti landscape with over 200 watchtowers and ancient castles are extremely unique and impressive architectural works. These are examples of architectural creativity that adapt to the natural environment. Besides, the combination of natural scenery and people created a special cultural identity for this area.