Khevsureti
Khevsureti (Georgian: ხევსურეთი) – The most beautiful historical region of mountainous Georgia with unique nature, attractions and amazing culture. The first excitement of the traveler comes on the way to Khevsureti, when he sees with his own eyes the grandeur of the huge mountains. The mountainous region at the foot of the Caucasus Mountains offers a journey into the past, into the world of majestic towers, unique mountain customs and fantastic monuments. Power, grandeur and proud tolerance will make a trip to this region even more attractive. Khevsureti is the homeland of proud people who are not familiar with social differentiation. The population, who had absolutely equal rights, was directly subordinate to the ruler of the country, and his only duty was military service. The traditional hospitality of the local population has always delighted guests, who usually want to return to these places where they felt so good.
Khevsureti is an interesting choice for those who want to learn about the ancient history of Georgia. Most of the villages of Khevsureti are abandoned. Accordingly, for those who are looking for a fairytale and peaceful environment, On the northern slopes of the Caucasus, numerous cultural and architectural monuments have been preserved, representing important examples of the culture of mountainous Georgia. The fortress towers of the Khevsurs are the main calling card of this region. The region has preserved ancient buildings that served both domestic and defensive purposes. Especially for lovers of active recreation, Khevsureti offers countless hiking and trekking routes. Mountains, forests and lakes await visitors to give an unforgettable experience. From simple trails to challenging mountain routes – everyone will find something to their liking. A picturesque wonder of nature, where every turn of the trail promises a new discovery: be it a luxurious waterfall, a dense forest or a graceful hillside.
Barisakho
Barisakho village (Georgian: სოფელი ბარისახო) – The highland village in Dusheti municipality, the center of the Khevsureti community, located on the eastern slope of the Gudamakari ridge, on the right bank of the river – Khevsureti Aragvi. The surroundings of the village are rich in both beautiful nature and history. Archaeological artifacts and monuments discovered in the vicinity of the village indicate that people have lived here since ancient times. On the territory of the Shuristsikhe cemetery, located to the east of Barisakho, 5 tombs of the ancient period have been excavated. Today, the central village of the Khevsureti community is a small settlement with several commercial and residential properties, as well as a guest house.
Top attractions of Khevsureti:
Fortified village of Shatili
Fortified village of Shatili (Georgian: ციხე–სოფელი შატილი) – The magnificent monument of Georgian architectural art, was built in the 10th-11th centuries on the left bank of the Argun River. The unique medieval complex functioned as a residential area and as a fortress guarding the north-eastern outskirts of the country. The fortress consists of terraced structures, where the roofs of the houses are flat. The entire development is a single fortified complex of residential buildings and 60 defensive towers. It seems as if the hand of man and nature together erected an impenetrable wall, which serves as a reliable shield for Shatili. For centuries, the defensive structure guarded the routes leading to Georgia from the North Caucasus.
Tombs of Anatori
Tombs of Anatori (Georgian: ანატორის აკლდამები) – Archaeological and architectural monument. In the eastern part of the abandoned village, terraced buildings of the 11th-15th centuries with flat roofs, built using a dry method from slate stone and clay, were discovered. In the settlement of Anatori there are tombs built next to each other and covered with stone slabs. These graves belong to those Anatorians who died during the epidemic that spread in these areas. Inside the tombs, along the walls, in two or three tiers, slate shelves are built for the repose of the dead. To the southwest of the tombs, on a steep mountain slope, stands the Church of St. Mary of the 9th-10th centuries.
Lebaiskari Tower
Lebaiskari Tower (Georgian: ლებაისკარის კოშკი) – The tower right by the road on the descent from the Bear Cross. At one time it was considered one of the watchtowers on the southern borders of Outer Khevsureti. A monument of medieval Georgian architecture, one of the examples of residential castles common in Khevsureti. The tower has five floors, which are connected by movable wooden stairs. Opposite it, on the other side of the Aragvi, there are ruins with the same name. Once there was a village here, but today only this tower and the ruins of several buildings “tell” about it.
Fortified village of Kistani
Fortified village of Kistani (Georgian: სოფელი კისტანი) – The fortified village is built on a difficult rocky terrain and is divided into two compact zones. The main part of the village, consisting of about 30 fortified houses, has both economic and defensive functions. Built in terraces on a difficult terrain, the fortified houses are so closely pressed against each other that the roof of one house serves as an exit to the terrace for the next house, and the outer contour of their walls is the village fence. Not far from the village, on a high hill, two defensive structures are built. Outside the village there are also buildings of cult and religious purpose
Fortified village of Ardoti
Fortified village of Ardoti (Georgian: სოფელი არდოტი) – The abandoned village in the gorge of the Ardoti River. Situated like a fortification high on a cape formed by the river. The towers and fortress walls of Ardoti formed a solid architectural complex. The village, where a defensive fortress-tower and the ruins of several residential buildings have been preserved, still amazes visitors with its architecture and unique natural beauty. In the center of the village are the ruins of an Orthodox church. Below is a mill and a pagan temple. The old cemetery looks much more impressive. The village is very similar to Shatili, but has not been restored.
Fortrified village of Mutso
Fortrified village of Mutso (Georgian: ციხე-სოფელი მუცო) – Mutso is located in a remote valley of the Ardoti River and served as an important strategic point for protecting the region from enemy raids. The high village is built on vertical cliff terraces, where up to 30 residential buildings, 4 military castles and several ancient structured ruins are located. One of the unique features of Mutso is that it is literally built into the rocks, creating the illusion that nature itself participated in the construction. This gives the fortress even more mystery and charm. Due to its location in a hard-to-reach area, it remained impregnable to enemies for a long time.
Gudanis-Jvari (Cross) Sanctuary
Gudanis-Jvari (Cross) Sanctuary (Georgian: გუდანის ჯვარი) – The village on the southern slope of the Main Caucasian Ridge. The village is home to the Gudanis-Jvari Sanctuary, the deity of all Khevsurs. The sanctuary was built on the surviving foundations of old religious buildings. It consists of four rectangular buildings made of slate, connected to each other. For centuries, complex secular issues and issues of compliance and changes in legal norms were discussed here. A significant part of the Khevsur customs were “born” in the village of Gudani. The clothing, equipment, customs and holidays of the Khevsur people originate from here.
Village of Khakhmati
Village of Khakhmati (Georgian: სოფელი ხახმატი) – The village is famous for its sanctuaries. The cult monument is located between the villages of Khakhmati and Biso and is a shrine for both villages. It occupies a fairly large area where there are also many dilapidated sanctuaries, towers and sacred trees. Not far from the village, on the bank of the Gudanishchala River, there are two rectangular towers built of lime. The exact dates of the construction of the fortresses are unknown, but one thing is certain: these fortifications protected the approaches to the two aforementioned villages from the enemy.
Abudelauri Lakes
Abudelauri Lakes (Georgian: აბუდელაურის ტბები) – Glacial lakes hidden among mountain peaks amaze with their stunning beauty. Abudelauri Lakes unite three different lakes of glacial origin: green, blue and white. The lakes are frozen for more than 6 months a year. They can be visited from June to September, but the best time is July, when the flowers bloom. The blue and green lakes are located close to each other, the third – white, is a little further, but since it is the most amazing among the others, it is worth visiting. From the lakes and from the adjacent glaciers, streams flow that form the Abudelauri River, which flows through the Abudelauri Valley.
Lake Taniye
Lake Taniye (Georgian: ტანიეს ტბა) – The lake is located on the northern slope of the Main Caucasus Range, at an altitude of 2200 meters above sea level, between two huge mountains. Untouched wild nature gives this place a mystical and mysterious atmosphere. Lost in the greenery of incredible beauty, Lake Taniye is distinguished by its clean and sparkling water, as the stream flowing into it is filtered by the earth and rarely becomes muddy. The lake has a heart shape, which makes it more attractive.
*The full list of attractions in the region is presented in the section –Attractions
