Ushguli Art & Culture: A Traveler’s Guide
Ushguli, found way up high in the remote Svaneti region of Georgia, is this very old cluster of villages that’s a total treasure chest for anyone interested in art, culture, or soaking up a totally unique vibe. It’s almost like stepping back centuries, as you wander among tower-houses, absorb some very old traditions, and find some of the most interesting, rugged landscapes around. We will explore some must-see spots and experiences to make your trip pretty special. Read our full review: Ushguli Art & Culture Full Review and Details
Svan Towers: Architectural Marvels
Those Svan towers, they’re quite unique to Ushguli and the rest of Svaneti, so they act as a pretty striking part of the area’s appeal. Built between the 9th and 12th centuries, it’s almost unbelievable, these towers were basically defensive structures for families. You could be walking around the villages and spot several of these stone giants sticking out, some next to houses and others on their own, watching from the top of a very green field. Over the years, they did more than just defence – it seems they became status symbols too, for some families. That said, make sure to have a camera ready; it’s hard not to just admire these towers from pretty much every angle as a little inspiration. The way these structures blend into such a jaw-dropping environment it almost feels unreal. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Check Tours)
Lamaria Church: Ancient Frescoes and History
Okay, so visiting the Lamaria Church, up on a small hill overlooking Ushguli, might just be among the most incredible moments in the region, you know? The drive to the Church of the Mother of God is one people like your grandparents probably reminisce about as very exciting because you pass right by those medieval defensive towers, and all this time, some snow-covered peaks just look majestic off in the skyline. The structure we see now, that’s really more from the 12th century, built on some very sacred place; that’s still debated by scholars. Inside this historic building is some artwork on the walls—basically, pretty old, colorful frescoes, that feature important characters and accounts from Christianity that may seem both haunting and oddly inviting, actually. Anyway, the Church tends to feature really spectacular views from the elevated location. You’ll have some unforgettable experiences as your eyes enjoy the peaks, glaciers, and iconic Svan towers around. It is also such an amazing look back in time to imagine Svaneti so removed and hidden up in the steep mountains and for there to be such stunning monuments created up here too. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Guided Tours)
Ushguli Ethnographic Museum: A Peek into Svan Life
If you want to gain real insight into Svaneti’s culture then a trip to the Ushguli Ethnographic Museum would likely be your best bet. That’s where artifacts and relics from all over, like, hundreds of years tell tales that seem as timeless as they are educational about the Svan people and the things that form their lifestyle. It’s just as if we found a moment in time, to be quite honest, as many people did live and do live still here. I find myself pretty drawn in whenever the Svan culture comes up and it appears how proud those people are to have defended it successfully across some rough terrain. This pride almost really shows in Ushguli in comparison to many of the places now losing local touch for what a quick profit gets you. The museum highlights farming and shows so much about livestock care because life is very much impacted even in our generation there by it all. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Plan Your Visit)
Traditional Svan Cuisine: A Culinary Exploration
Foodies, if you’re wandering anywhere near Ushguli, make certain you go try Svan cuisine! One popular dish called Kubdari involves some bread that is filled up with spiced meat chunks so well that it will become pretty special to have this traditional dish sitting at a Svan family dinner table during a long day; this kind of cuisine, basically, tells more about how mountain life always had very distinct traits to get through times you may only read in fictional works of storytelling, and how this dish played out for a large extended family. In several guesthouses and eateries it is pretty typical to encounter local Svan salt and the herb mixes being utilized as primary tastes which has created another distinct flavour signature to many of those local specialties you see offered on a handwritten blackboard. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Culinary Tours)
Svan Hats & Felt Work: Local Craftsmanship
Oh yeah, while going through Ushguli, make an attempt to locate a spot that vends handmade goods. They are all great little symbols of their legacy even now, just so delightful. Hats especially tend to represent the local creativity and flair. The craftsmanship and material are totally worth the cost alone, frankly. That felt and wool production, too, creates plenty more useful gear suited just right in harsh alpine climates where it snows pretty regularly. Supporting those artists not only helps keep some traditions up and at it. You also carry along an original token of this spot. It might also be neat to find some nearby marketplaces or displays run right out from some people’s homestead; this tends to give one insight toward just the whole weaving fabric in which families manage a bit away now in such places. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Find Local Crafts)
