🏰 12 architectural treasures of Samegrelo-Upper Svaneti 2026 🌿

Samegrelo-Upper Svaneti is not only a land of mountains, lakes and canyons, but also a rich cultural heritage. Here you can see fortresses associated with the name of Queen Tamara, monasteries that have preserved the atmosphere of antiquity, and museums that carefully preserve the memory of great Georgian poets, writers and historical events. The architectural landmarks of the region open up an entire era for travelers - from the Colchis culture to modern museum complexes.

🛡️Strength and protection in stone

The fortifications of Samegrelo-Upper Svaneti reflect the heroic past of the region. Tamara's castle is surrounded by legends and still fascinates tourists. The fortresses of Nogi and Shkhepi allow us to imagine how fierce battles were fought here and borders were defended.

The Colkhetian Tower is a rare monument that has preserved the spirit of the ancient Colchis civilization. These places give a special feeling: standing on the walls of the fortress, you can literally feel how history comes to life around you.

👉 Advice for tourists: plan to visit the fortresses in dry weather 🌞, as the climbs to them can be slippery. Be sure to take a camera 📸 - the views from here are stunning.

A review from a catalog reader
Erik, 34, Oslo:
“Queen Tamara's castle made a very strong impression on me. I have heard many legends about this ruler, but when I came here, I felt a special energy of the place. The Nogi fortress amazed me with its power, even the ruins still look impressive. In Shkhepi I felt like an explorer - there are few tourists here, and you can easily imagine how people lived in ancient times. Samegrelo-Upper Svaneti turned out to be a real discovery for me."

⛪Spiritual life

The monasteries and churches of Samegrelo-Upper Svaneti carry a special energy and an atmosphere of solitude.

The Martvili monastery complex is famous not only for its architecture, but also for its spiritual significance: pilgrims have flocked here for centuries. The Teklati Monastery of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary is considered one of the oldest in the region and preserves unique paintings. The Church of Michael and Gabriel in Nakiani is an example of folk architecture, its simplicity and sincerity touch the depths of the soul. The Abedati fortress is interesting because here the defensive walls are combined with temple buildings, creating a unique complex.

👉 Advice to tourists: when coming here, choose the morning hours 🌅 - the atmosphere will be especially quiet and peaceful. For women, it is recommended to have a scarf 🧣 to cover their heads.

🏺 Keepers of history and culture

The museums of Samegrelo-Upper Svaneti allow you to better understand the history and cultural traditions of the region. In Martvili, artifacts are collected that tell about the life and crafts of the Mingrelians. The Terenti Graneli House Museum helps you better understand Georgian poetry, and the Konstantine Gamsakhurdia Museum - the political and literary life of the 20th century. A special place is occupied by Nokalakevi - an archaeological museum-reserve, where you can see the ruins of ancient buildings and feel the breath of history. This place is equally interesting for both scientists and ordinary travelers.

👉 Advice to tourists: it is better to set aside 2-3 hours ⏳ to visit Nokalakevi, and for literary museums, take a guide 👩‍🏫 - this way you will learn more interesting facts.

Review from a reader of the catalogue
Mari, 29, Lyon:
"I visited the Nokalakevi museum, and it was one of the most memorable experiences in Samegrelo-Upper Svaneti. Walking through the ruins of an ancient city that existed thousands of years ago is incredible. The Terenti Graneli house-museum was very atmospheric: his poems come to life when you see the place where he lived. In the Konstantine Gamsakhurdia house-museum, I felt that the history of modern Georgia was becoming closer and more understandable. This region was a real discovery for me in terms of architecture and culture."