Ushguli

Ushguli is a small village located high in the Svaneti Mountains at the foot of Georgia 's highest peak, Shkhara . It is actually made up of four mountain settlements in which today, permanently, live about 200 people. The uniqueness of Ushguli lies in the fact that it is located at an altitude of 2,100 m above sea level (which makes it the highest permanently inhabited settlement in Europe), and the mountain landscapes there are simply knocking off your feet.

It is less than 45 km from Mestia . But the only road that runs there remains impassable for a long time. Thanks to this, the village has retained its unique and historical character . The inhabitants live here simply, mainly from farming and crops. Between the houses that have been standing here for many centuries, you can see over 30 defensive towers from the 12th century, characteristic of this region. They have been preserved in very good condition, and one of them houses an ethnographic museum .

Another important monument is the Lamaria Church , built above the village. Thanks to the very long isolation, both Ushguli and Upper Svaneti have been inscribed on the UENSCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List. Certainly, this corner of Georgia can be an excellent starting point to the High Caucasus Mountains, as well as a kind of travel back in time.

For whom?

If you appreciate the beauty of nature and amazing mountain landscapes, be sure to go to the region of Svaneti and Ushgula. You will appreciate this part of Georgia when you want to learn about the history of these areas . Getting to the village is not easy, but persistent travelers will surely be delighted with the amazing climate of the highest situated settlement in Europe.