Hi everyone,
Today I want to tell you about my journey to Svanetia in northern Georgia.
For centuries, Svanetia has been considered a place at the edge of the world. Even invasions of foreign troops to Georgia usually ended up in lowlands, far away from the mountains no one would venture. The hard-to-reach land became a paradise for criminals. In 2004, the president of Georgia sent the army to normalize the situation in the region, getting rid of local gangs and mafias. Since then, the level of security in the region has significantly increased, which has contributed to investment in the region. Thus, for several years now, tourism in the region has been growing every year.
A road running along the Inguri Valley, Dżwari reservoir
The construction of the dam on the Inguri River has had a huge impact on the landscape. Limited by steep riverbanks, the reservoir is turquoise in colour. The road to Mesti leads along it.
Panorama on high Swaneti mountain ranges
Mestia is the capital of Svanetia. A small town located in the deep valley of the Mulchura River. A characteristic feature of this place is a few dozen residential towers, which stretch.
View on the city
Mestia is a great base for trips to the surrounding mountains. The trails we have been following are very well marked and the photo report from these trips will soon appear on the platform. 🙂
Stone tower buildings
The history of these towers is a little strange. In order to successively defend against the attacker, each farm became a miniature fortress. The towers are up to 25 meters high. In the past they served both residential and defensive functions, and were also a good place to store family valuables.
The first such objects started to be built already in the first century BC, and their construction was stopped in the 16th century. Some of them are inhabited to this day and have been preserved in very good condition to this day.
Stone tower in Ushguli
Photo the campsite
We slept at a local camping site for a week. From here we set off every day for new tours, which I will try to bring you closer to the next posts.
Thank you for reading, and I invite you to join to the challende #travelathome.
See you next time!