🕵️‍♂️ You will be surprised to learn that Georgia's UNESCO list includes not only ancient temples, but also... ball games, mountain singing, and swamps. And some things are still waiting for their turn.

UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It is engaged in preserving the valuable heritage of humanity around the world. Within UNESCO, there are several programs in which objects can be included:

• 🏛 World Heritage (cultural and natural sites),
• 📜 Memory of the World (documentary heritage),
• 🌿 Biosphere Reserves (ecologically important areas),
• 🎨 Creative Cities Network (modern cultural development),
• 🎶 Intangible Heritage (traditions, crafts, rituals, cuisine and music).
  

Why is it important? Inclusion in the UNESCO list is a recognition of global significance. It helps to preserve and develop cultural and natural values, attracts tourists, and contributes to funding and international support. For a country, it is a kind of "gold standard" of heritage. Georgia is unique.

It has ancient monasteries and cave cities, crystal forests and swamps, wine traditions, polyphony, dances, and even ball wrestling! Such diversity is rare in one country. And all of this is recognized by UNESCO.

📌Below is a complete guide to all included and pending Georgian sites on all international lists..

⛪ Svetitskhoveli

Svetitskhoveli is not just a temple, but a symbol of Georgian identity and spiritual continuity. Its name translates as "Life-giving pillar", which is associated with the legend of miracles that occurred during construction. According to legend, one of the columns erected itself, becoming a source of healing and blessings.

The temple is located in the very center of ancient Mtskheta, the former capital of Iberia, and for centuries remained the place of coronation and burial of Georgian monarchs. In architectural terms, it is a cross-domed church surrounded by a massive fence with towers and gates. Its strict forms are combined with refined carvings and bas-reliefs, many of which bear biblical, zodiacal and mythological motifs.

Particular attention is drawn to the stone stele with a carved image of the hand of the architect Arsukidze, as a symbol of his skill and sacrifice. Legend has it that he did not live to see the completion of construction, but forever remained a part of the temple.

🏞 Jvari Monastery

Jvari Monastery is one of the oldest and most recognizable Christian monuments in Georgia. Its name translates as "Cross Monastery", and this is no coincidence: according to legend, it was here in the 4th century that Saint Nino erected the first Christian cross, after which pagan Iberia adopted Christianity. Later, in the 6th century, a stone temple was built on this holy place - an austere and harmonious building that became the canon for Georgian cross-domed architecture.

The Jvari Temple literally "grew" out of the rock - it is erected on a high cliff with a panoramic view of Mtskheta, the confluence of the Kura and Aragvi rivers and the valleys stretching into the distance. This location is so symbolic and picturesque that the image of the Jvari Monastery has become one of the most recognizable in world photography and painting about Georgia.

The temple itself is relatively small in size, but is striking in its proportions, engineering precision and durability: it has survived wars, earthquakes and centuries without significant damage. Inside, there is a severe simplicity that emphasizes its spiritual power.

🌿 Samtavro

Samtavro is not just a monastery, but one of the most reverent and sacred places in Georgia, where history, spirituality and female monastic tradition are united into a single whole. The complex is located in the heart of ancient Mtskheta and, as legend has it, it was here that Saint Nino, the enlightener of Georgia, lived and preached, bringing Christianity to these lands.

The first Christian rulers of the country, King Mirian III and Queen Nana, who adopted the new faith under the influence of Saint Nino, are buried on the territory of Samtavro. Their graves are still located inside the monastery, preserving the atmosphere of reverent memory.

The main temple of the complex, built in the 11th century, is decorated with modest but expressive carved elements. The architecture feels strict harmony and spiritual tranquility. Nearby are a bell tower, cells, a chapel of Saint Nino, and the entire territory is surrounded by the greenery of the garden - as if specially created for reflection and prayer.

Today Samtavro is a women's monastery where prayer life continues, chants are heard and pilgrims are received. This is a place where time stands still and every stone seems to preserve memories of early Christian Georgia.

⛪ Historical monuments of Kutaisi

Kutaisi is one of the oldest cities in the world and the spiritual center of Western Georgia. Its hills preserve traces of the eras when Georgia experienced its cultural and political heyday. Here, the grandeur of temples, academic wisdom and deep religiosity meet. Gelati Monastery and Bagrati Cathedral are not just architectural gems, but symbols of national identity and pride.

📜 In 1994, the Historical Monuments of Kutaisi were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, which was a recognition of their exceptional cultural significance. This status emphasizes the contribution of Kutaisi to the formation of the spiritual and scientific history of not only Georgia, but of all mankind.

🏛 Gelati Monastery
Gelati Monastery is one of the greatest spiritual and architectural symbols of Georgia, founded in the 12th century by King David the Builder. This monastery complex was not only a place of prayer, but also a center of science: there was an academy where philosophers, theologians and scientists worked. The architecture of Gelati amazes with its harmony: mosaics, frescoes, majestic arches and stonework reflect the high level of art of that time. At the foot of the main temple rests David the Builder himself, a great reformer and statesman. Gelati personifies the golden age of medieval Georgia and still preserves an atmosphere of enlightenment and holiness.

The complex is located on a picturesque hill near Kutaisi and is surrounded by dense forests, which makes it an even more peaceful place. The walls of the monastery preserve centuries-old memories of the flourishing of Georgian thought, faith and art. Gelati is called the "Georgian Jerome" - for its contribution to education and cultural heritage. Even today, pilgrims, tourists and researchers come here to touch eternity.

⛪ Bagrati Cathedral
A majestic symbol of the united Georgia during the reign of King Bagrat III. Built in the early 11th century on top of Ukimerioni Hill, the cathedral dominates the city of Kutaisi and is visible from almost any point. It was once the main temple of Western Georgia, a place of coronation and prayer. Despite the destruction in different eras, Bagrati remains a proud architectural monument, personifying national unity, spirituality and the strength of Georgian culture.

Today, the cathedral has been partially restored and is open to visitors, and its walls continue to tell the story of centuries. The panoramic view of Kutaisi from the hill gives the visit a special atmosphere. Bagrati is not just stones, but the voice of the past, which sounds in every step on its ancient slabs.

🏔 Historical monuments of Upper Svaneti

🏔 Upper Svaneti is a highland region where antiquity is felt in every stone. Svaneti is located on the slopes of the Greater Caucasus and is known for its distinctive culture, language and architecture. Here, among the snow-capped peaks and picturesque valleys, stand unique Svan towers - multi-story stone fortifications that served both as dwellings and defensive posts.

The center of the region is Mestia, and the most famous and hard-to-reach village is Ushguli, one of the highest settlements in Europe. These places preserve centuries-old history, folklore and traditions passed down from generation to generation.

📜 In 1996, Upper Svaneti was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as a unique example of a traditional highland way of life, inextricably linked with the surrounding landscape.

🏔 Ushguli
Ushguli is one of the highest permanently inhabited settlements in Europe, located at an altitude of about 2,100 meters. This village seems to have frozen in time: ancient stone houses, narrow streets and dozens of unique Svan towers built to protect against raids create a stunning medieval atmosphere.

Against the backdrop of the snow-capped peak of Shkhara, the highest mountain in Georgia, Ushguli seems like a part of a fairy tale. This place is not just an open-air museum, but a living witness to a unique way of life that has been preserved for centuries.

A walk through Ushguli is like a journey into another dimension, where nature and tradition merge into one. Here you can see how shepherds drive their flocks along the same paths as centuries ago, and locals proudly preserve the language, music and customs of their ancestors.

Tourists can stay in traditional guest houses, try home-cooked food and hear ancient legends passed down from generation to generation.

🏞 Mestia
Mestia is the heart of Upper Svaneti, a cozy mountain village where ancient traditions meet modernity. It is the cultural and tourist center of the region, where routes to glaciers, peaks and ancient villages begin.

The town is surrounded by mountains and dotted with famous Svan towers, and its museum houses unique icons, manuscripts and artifacts that tell about the rich heritage of Svaneti.

Mestia preserves a special spirit: here they sing polyphonic songs, bake traditional khachapuri and live as they have lived for centuries. This is a place where you can feel the true Georgian mountain soul.

In recent years, Mestia has been actively developing: new hotels, a cable car and a modern airport have been built, making it accessible all year round.

In winter, people go skiing here, in summer, they go hiking along picturesque trails. Mestia became the starting point for getting to know the unique culture of Svaneti and its harsh but enchanting nature.

🏯 Svan towers
Svan towers are unique defensive structures that have become a symbol of Svaneti and all of Georgia. They were built from the 9th to the 13th centuries to protect families and property from enemies and avalanches.

Each tower is not just a stone building, but a part of the family history, an architectural code passed down through generations. The towers were erected near residential buildings and could reach a height of up to 25 meters, tapering towards the top and withstanding the harsh mountain conditions.

Today, they impress with their monumentality and mysterious beauty, telling about the warlike but noble spirit of the highlanders and the amazing engineering thought of the past.

Many towers are located in Ushguli and Mestia, where they create a unique silhouette against the backdrop of mountain landscapes.

Some of them are open to the public, and inside you can see how the Svans lived in the past.

These buildings are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as a unique example of medieval mountain architecture.

🌿 Colchis rainforests and swamps

This is a unique ecosystem located along the Black Sea, in western Georgia. The Colchis forests are some of the oldest on Earth: they are more than 25 million years old. Relict plants and animals have been preserved here, many of which are endangered.

The area includes wetlands, reservoirs, deciduous forests and subtropical thickets, forming a rare biome.

In 2021, the Colchis forests and swamps were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as an example of continuous natural evolution and exceptional biodiversity.

This is not just a green corner - it is a living museum of nature, where every centimeter keeps traces of the past geological eras.

🌲Mtirala National Park

Mtirala is one of the wettest places not only in Georgia, but also in all of Eastern Europe. The name translates as "crying", and this is quite justified: fogs, frequent rains and saturated moisture create a unique climate for the Colchis forests. Ancient relict trees, dense thickets of ferns and waterfalls descending from the mountains reign here.

The park is located only 25 km from Batumi, but when you get here, it is as if you find yourself in another reality - in a pristine tropical forest. Trails, suspension bridges, mini-waterfalls and bird watching make Mtirala an ideal place for ecotourism. This is living proof of how diverse and rich the nature of Georgia is.

The park is especially valuable for its biodiversity: these forests are home to rare species of amphibians, birds and insects, and many plants are endemic. Due to its natural uniqueness, Mtirala became part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, united under the name "Colchis Rainforests and Wetlands".

🍃 Kintrishi Nature Reserve

Kintrishi is a mountain refuge for rare species and one of the oldest reserves in Georgia, founded in 1959. Situated between the gorges of the Kintrishi and Chakvistskali rivers, it encompasses a variety of ecosystems: from humid subtropical forests to alpine meadows.

The territory of the reserve is famous for its untouched nature, centuries-old beeches, chestnuts and rhododendrons. Brown bears, otters, badgers and rare bird species live here. Inside Kintrishi, you can find ancient arched bridges and monasteries, which gives this corner of Georgia not only natural but also cultural depth.

This is a place where peace reigns, nature speaks its own language, and each turn of the path reveals a new facet of living Colchis.

🌊 Kolkheti National Park

Kolkheti National Park is the heart of the humid Colchis, a rare ecosystem preserved since prehistoric times. It is located in the western part of Georgia, along the Black Sea coast, and covers swamps, coastal lakes, forests and dunes.

Thousands of birds nest here, including endangered species migrating between Africa and Europe. Lake Paliastomi, one of the largest in the region, is famous not only for its natural beauty, but also for the archaeological finds on the bottom.

In Kolkheti Park, you can ride a boat among the swamps, walk on wooden boardwalks in the wilderness and see what real prehistoric nature looks like. This is one of the few corners of Europe where the swamps sing and the forests breathe antiquity.

🌿 Vashlovani National Park

Vashlovani National Park is a very special part of Georgia, unlike any other corner of it. Instead of the usual mountain landscapes, there are semi-deserts, clay canyons, steppes and sparse forests. The park is often called the "Georgian Safari", because on its territory you can meet gazelles, jackals, wild cats, and in the sky - eagles and vultures.

The park is especially valuable for its diversity of ecosystems, flowing into each other: from dry plains to deep gorges. This place is ideal for observing wildlife, scientific expeditions and ecotourism.

Vashlovani is not just a natural area, but a living example of how man, wildlife and unique landscapes can exist in harmony. That is why this territory has become part of the Dedoplistskaro Biosphere Reserve under the auspices of UNESCO.

🌾 Steppes of Eldar

The Eldara Steppes are one of the rarest and least studied natural landscapes in Georgia. Here, the silence of the semi-deserts, the restrained beauty of the hills and the harsh ecosystem adapted to life in arid conditions reign. These steppes are unique in that they contain species of flora and fauna that are found nowhere else in the country.

The Eldara Steppes are especially valuable as a habitat for rare endemics and endangered species. This is a real natural laboratory where scientists study the adaptation of plants and animals to extreme drought.

The inclusion of this area in the Dedoplistskaro Biosphere Reserve has drawn attention to the need to protect steppe ecosystems, which often remain in the shadow of brighter and more "tourist" natural sites.

🗺️ Dedoplistskaro Biosphere Reserve

The Dedoplistskaro Biosphere Reserve unites several protected areas, from the Eldara Steppes to the Vashlovani National Park. This is the first reserve in Georgia to be included in the UNESCO international network under the Man and the Biosphere program in 2022. Its goal is not only to preserve rare natural landscapes, but also to show how to live in harmony with them.

Farms, ecotourism, nature conservation and scientific research coexist in this area. Here you can see how pastures and gardens coexist with areas where rare animals live and endemics grow.

Dedoplistskaro is not just a protected area, but a living example of sustainable development, where nature and man work as a single system.

🌄 Biosphere Reserve "Three Rivers Alazani"

Eastern Georgia is not only vineyards and ancient monasteries, but also amazing natural areas that combine rural culture, biodiversity and traditions of mountain peoples. The Three Rivers Alazani Biosphere Reserve was officially recognized by UNESCO in 2022 and became the second reserve in Georgia to join the international network.

It covers three valleys - Alazani, Iori and Turdoshenistskali - and includes such unique territories as Tusheti, Pankisi Gorge and wine-growing lands around Alaverdi. Here, protected landscapes, pastures, alpine zones and ancient routes of the highlanders are intertwined in one space.

"Three Rivers Alazani" is not just a geographical term, but a whole living organism, where man, land and nature coexist in balance. This reserve reflects the idea of ​​​​sustainable development, where nature conservation becomes the basis for education, traditional farming and tourism.

🏞 Tusheti

Tusheti is one of the most remote and picturesque regions of Georgia, located in the north-east of the country at the foot of the Caucasus Mountains. This region seems untouched by time: there are no paved roads, you can get there only in summer, but this is its magic.

Deep gorges, alpine meadows, steep passes and crystal clear air create a unique atmosphere. Tusheti is the birthplace of one of the most ancient peoples of Georgia - the Tushets, who have preserved a unique way of life, traditions and architecture. Here they still bake bread by hand, graze sheep, sing old songs and celebrate pagan holidays.

The area is part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve "Three Rivers Alazani" due to its rich ecosystem and the careful attitude of local residents to nature. This is a place where cultural heritage, spirituality and ecological balance are combined.

🌿 Pankisi

Pankisi Gorge is a mysterious corner of northeastern Georgia, bordering Chechnya and surrounded by picturesque mountains and dense forests. This region is unique not only for its nature, but also for its culture: it is home to the Kist people, descendants of the Chechens who moved to Georgia in the 19th century.

Pankisi preserves deep traditions, which harmoniously combine Islamic customs and Georgian everyday life. Visitors are greeted with true Caucasian hospitality: they will feed them, tell them ancient legends and show them the natural wonders of the gorge.

Due to its biological and cultural significance, Pankisi has become part of the Three Rivers Alazani Biosphere Reserve. This is a place where nature and traditions live in harmony, and rare species of animals and plants coexist with an original culture.

🏛 Alaverdi

Alaverdi is not only one of the oldest and most majestic monasteries in Georgia, but also the spiritual center of the Alazani Valley. Founded in the 6th century, the complex was rebuilt in the 11th century and became the largest temple of its time in the country. The massive building, built of light stone, rises against the backdrop of vineyards and mountains, creating a truly inspiring landscape.

The monastery is dedicated to St. Joseph of Alaverdi, one of the Assyrian Fathers who brought Christianity to Georgia. Inside, there is an austere interior, ancient frescoes and a special feeling of silence and strength.

Alaverdi is also a symbol of the connection between spirituality and nature. It has become part of the Three Rivers of Alazani Biosphere Reserve, emphasizing the importance of harmony between cultural and natural heritage. Here, spiritual depth combines with the richness of ecosystems, creating a unique space for contemplation and study.

🍇 Alazani Valley

The Alazani Valley is the picturesque heart of Kakheti, famous for its vineyards, ancient monasteries and mild climate. It stretches along the river of the same name, between the Caucasus Mountains and the Gombori Range, creating ideal conditions for agriculture and especially winemaking. It is here that the famous Georgian wines come from, including those made from qvevri jugs.

In addition to its agricultural significance, the valley plays an important ecological role. Rare species of flora and fauna can be found here, and the territory itself is a unique example of sustainable interaction between man and nature.

The Alazani Valley is included in the Three Rivers Alazani Biosphere Reserve as an example of how cultural heritage, rural life and ecology can coexist in harmony. This place is not only pleasing to the eye, but also a reminder of the importance of careful treatment of natural resources.

📖 Why did these manuscripts become part of the Memory of the World?

• 📜 Byzantine Manuscripts of Georgia
  ✦These manuscripts are not just texts, but documentary bridges between Byzantium and Georgia. They illustrate how Georgian religious, philosophical and scientific thought was formed.
  ✦ Among them are treatises on medicine, theology, astronomy and music, written in fine calligraphy on parchment.
  ✦ Their significance lies in the continuity of cultural tradition and interaction with the great civilizations of the past.
  
• 📜 Atlas and "Description of the Kingdom of Georgia" by Vakhushti
  ✦ These are not just maps and descriptions - this is a scientific work of the 18th century, created by the Georgian scientist, historian and prince Vakhushti Bagrationi..
  ✦ It is the first systematic description of the territory, ethnic composition, traditions, laws and natural features of all of historical Georgia.
  ✦ UNESCO recognized this work as an example of scientific and historical-geographical heritage, significant far beyond the borders of one country.
  
• 📜The Knight in the Panther's Skin Manuscripts
  ✦ Shota Rustaveli's poem is a pearl of Georgian literature and a cultural symbol, analogous to the Odyssey or the Divine Comedy.
  ✦ The handwritten versions are not just copies, but real works of art: decorated with miniatures, ornaments and gilding.
  ✦ UNESCO included them in the register as outstanding examples of medieval literary tradition, spiritual philosophy and calligraphy.
  
• 📜 The oldest Georgian manuscripts
  ✦ These texts are among the first written evidence of Georgian civilization, dating back to the 5th–9th centuries.
  ✦ These are translations of the Bible, theological works, fragments of the Gospels and apocrypha, written in the Old Georgian language (Asomtavruli, Nuskhuri).
  ✦ They are important not only for Georgia, but also for the entire Christian world - as sources of the early Christian written culture of Transcaucasia.
  
• 📜 Tetra Gospel-palimpsest
  ✦ This is a rare example of a palimpsest - a manuscript in which new text has been written over erased text, hiding two layers of history in one document.
  ✦ Hidden beneath a layer of late medieval text is an ancient translation of the Gospels into Georgian, dating back to the 10th century.
  ✦ UNESCO has recognized this manuscript as evidence of a high culture of preserving and rewriting texts, as well as a subject of interest for scholars around the world.

🎶 Georgian polyphonic singing

Georgian polyphony is a unique phenomenon in world musical culture. Its roots go back to ancient times, and it has survived to this day almost unchanged. It is not just a form of performance, but a reflection of the mentality and way of life of Georgian communities. There are several regional styles: Imeretian - melodic and harmonious, Gurian - with improvisation and falsettos, and Svan - archaic, with severe, "gloomy" tones. Each song is performed without musical accompaniment, with a strong emphasis on the interaction of voices and intonations.

This singing is heard in churches, on holidays, in everyday life and is passed down from generation to generation - from elders to the young. It unites people, preserves traditions and remains a living symbol of the spiritual and cultural identity of Georgia.

🕺 Perhuli Dance

Perkhuli is a traditional male dance originating from the mountainous Svaneti. Its main feature is a synchronized performance in a circle or line, without musical accompaniment. The dance is performed in a restrained manner, with clear and strong movements, symbolizing the strength, unity and discipline of the mountaineers. There are no pompous steps in it - here reigns austere aesthetics and respect for collective harmony.

Perkhuli is not just a dance, but an element of the cultural code of Svaneti. It is performed at holidays, weddings and public gatherings, uniting generations and reminding about the roots. It is a living testimony to the sustainability of mountain traditions and respect for the heritage of ancestors.

💂‍♂️ Khorumi Dance

Khorumi is a war dance originating from the coastal regions of Georgia: Adjara and Guria. It was inspired by ancient traditions of military formation and marching rituals. The dance begins with reconnaissance: one or more dancers go out to "reconnoiter the area", then the rest of the participants join them, imitating the formation of a detachment, combat maneuvers, battle and triumphant return.

Khorumi is performed exclusively by men and requires high physical fitness. It combines strength, endurance and artistry, emphasizing valor, heroism and honor. Drums, which play the accompaniment, give the dance powerful dynamics and rhythmic energy. This is one of the most spectacular and recognizable national dances of Georgia - a symbol of courage, unity and national spirit.

🍷 Wine in kvevri jugs

Qvevri are large clay vessels that have been used to make wine in Georgia for over 8,000 years. They are buried in the ground to provide natural temperature regulation during fermentation. The wine matures on the skins, seeds and sometimes twigs, giving it a rich flavor, full structure and vibrant character.

This technology is not just a production method, but a living heritage passed down from generation to generation. Family traditions, clay secrets, vessel shapes and cleaning methods are all passed down by craftsmen and winemakers within communities. Qvevri is an integral part of Georgian identity, associated with hospitality, celebrations and lifestyle. That is why UNESCO has recognized this element of intangible heritage as a unique phenomenon worldwide.

✍️Living Culture of the Georgian Alphabet

The Georgian alphabet is one of the few in the world that has developed independently and survived in its unique form to this day. It includes three equal writing systems: asomtavruli (the most ancient and monumental), nuskhuri (ecclesiastical and ceremonial) and mkhedruli (modern, used in everyday life). All three forms are recognized as cultural values ​​and are actively used in education, art, church practice and design.

Georgian writing is not just a way of transmitting information, but a deep cultural tradition that includes calligraphy, manuscript design, the creation of inscriptions on monuments and use in visual art. The importance of this alphabet lies in its role as a bearer of national identity and spiritual continuity. It is studied by children, perfected by masters and interpreted by modern artists. It is this connection of times that makes the culture of Georgian writing “alive” - worthy of protection and world recognition.

🤼 Chidaoba (traditional wrestling)

Chidaoba is an ancient Georgian martial art that combines elements of wrestling, ritual and theatrical performance. This sport has existed since time immemorial and remains an important part of the national culture. The fights are accompanied by traditional music, a special costume of wrestlers (chokha) and respect for the opponent, which makes Chidaoba not just a fight, but an expression of the Georgian spirit.

An important feature of Chidaoba is its connection with holidays and folk festivals - competitions are often held in open areas, gathering entire villages and towns. Wrestling develops not only strength, but also honor, endurance, a sense of proportion and respect for tradition. Today, Chidaoba is taught in wrestling schools, is included in sports festivals and inspires the new generation to preserve and develop the country's cultural heritage.

🏉 Alpine rite "Lelo Burti"

"Lelo Burti" is not just a traditional ball game, but an ancient Georgian ritual in which strength, cohesion and community spirit become one. The game is held once a year - on Easter in the village of Shukhuti (Guria region) - and attracts hundreds of spectators. Two teams from neighboring parts of the village fight for a heavy ball filled with earth and wine. The side that carries the ball to its part of the village wins.

But "Lelo" is not a sporting competition in the usual sense. It reflects the symbolism of sacrifice, rebirth and unity, and participation is perceived as a spiritual duty to ancestors and the community. In terms of strength and spectacle, it is comparable to rugby, but its sacred role makes the game unique in the global cultural context.

🕊 Today, the ritual remains alive and preserved in its original form - thanks to the villagers passing on the tradition from generation to generation. This is why UNESCO has recognized Lelo Burti as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

🧶Carpet weaving in Atskuri village

Traditional carpet weaving in the village of Atskuri (Samtskhe-Javakheti region) is a unique craft that intertwines history, symbolism and everyday life. Local craftswomen have been making woolen carpets by hand for generations, using natural dyes, traditional looms and established patterns.

Each pattern on such carpets is a symbol, behind which there is a legend or a prayer: the sun, a bird, a tree, a path. The process of creating a carpet lasts for weeks, requires painstaking care and attention to every detail. In Atskuri families, carpets are still woven for everyday life, as gifts, for weddings and as amulets.

This is not just a craft, but a living part of the identity of the local community, uniting women, preserving collective memory and providing practical knowledge about nature and material. This is why in 2023 this art was recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage - as a rare example of sustainability, authenticity and deeply symbolic.

Georgia is not just a country with a rich history. It is a whole world where ancient monasteries stand on mountain slopes, polyphonic singing sounds in villages, and wine slowly matures in underground qvevris, just like hundreds of years ago. Here, culture is transmitted not through books, but through gestures, melodies, rituals, and the ground you walk on.

And all this is part of the heritage that has already been recognized by UNESCO or is waiting for its time.

Travel, discover Georgia deeper, listen to it, taste it, feel it - and you will understand why this corner of the world is so important for the entire planet.