Region of Svaneti | სვანეთი

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Where is Svanetia?

Location

Svaneti, a region in northwestern Georgia on the southern slopes of the Caucasus, is bordered by Racha in the east, Lechkhumi and Mingrelia in the south, Abkhazia in the west and the main ridge of the Caucasus in the north.

The administrative centres are Mestia for Upper Svanetia and Lentechi for Lower Svanetia. According to the current administrative-territorial structures, Upper Svanetia belongs to the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region, while Lower Svanetia belongs to the Racha-Lechkhumi-Kvemo Svaneti region.

Geography

The Svaneti region is divided into Upper and Lower Svaneti by the imposing Svaneti Mountains. Upper Svaneti extends along the Enguri Gorge to the border with Mingrelia and the Egrisi Mountains, while Lower Svaneti encompasses the Tskhenistskali Gorge to the Muri Bridge in Lechkhumi. Other important rivers in the region are the Cheledura, Mulchura, Mestiachala, Laskadura, etc.

The highest peaks in Georgia are located here, including Shkhara (5,201 m), Tetnuldi (4,974 m), Shota Rustaveli (4,960 m), Ushba (4,710 m), Ailama (4,525 m), etc. The most famous glaciers in the Caucasus are also located here.

In addition to the Caucasus Mountains, the most important mountain ranges extend around Svaneti. The Egrisi Mountains, the Lechumi Mountains and the Svaneti Mountains characterise the landscape of this region.

Climate

The climate in the Svaneti region, which lies up to 2000 m above sea level, is humid with long, cold winters and short, sometimes hot summers. The average annual temperature is 5.7°C, in January -6.4°C and in July 16.4°C. The extreme temperatures range between -25°C and +35°C. The annual precipitation is about 1035 mm. In the higher altitudes of Svaneti, there is a humid, nival climate without a real summer.

History and culture

Key historical passages

The oldest mentions of the Svans come from ancient Greek and Roman historians such as Strabo (64/23 BC, 23/24 AD) and Pliny (23/24). According to Strabo, the Svans were stronger than the neighbouring tribes of the Dioskuri highlands in the 1st century.

Originally, the Svans inhabited a much larger area and controlled a significant part of Lechkhumi and Racha. They also lived in parts of present-day Mingrelia.

In earlier centuries, Svaneti belonged to the kingdoms of Colchis and later Egrisi. In the first half of the 3rd century BC, Svaneti was a Saeristavo / principality of the Kingdom of Kartli under the rule of King Parnavaz.

In the 4th century, it became an ally of the Lazeti Kingdom and often took part in battles to defend the kingdom’s borders. Part of Svaneti remained independent until it was annexed by Russia in 1833.

During the Middle Ages, Svaneti played a prominent role in the cultural and political life of Georgia and was considered one of the most powerful provinces in the country. This rich history is reflected in the many impressive churches and towers that were built in Svaneti during this period.

In 1875-76, there was an uprising against the policies of the Tsarist Empire when the government wanted to increase taxes in the region. The uprising ended with the destruction of the village of Khalde and the capture of the rebels.

Today, Svaneti is part of the administrative regions of Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti and Racha-Lechkhumi-Kvemo Svaneti.

Culture

Svaneti is a region with a rich and fascinating culture. As in all mountainous regions of Georgia, pagan and Christian rituals, customs and traditions are mixed here to form a new and unique whole. Festivals such as Lamproba, Haul-Maul or Hlisch are examples of these old traditions.

One particularly interesting tradition is Lipanali or Kunaresch. According to this tradition, the Swans believe that the souls of the deceased visit their families. On these days, the table is set as if for guests.

The region is rich in folk songs. Most of these songs are very old, some even dating back to pre-Christian times. One example is ‘Lile’, a song dedicated to the sun. Swanetian dances are also very popular and are danced throughout the country. In Svaneti, there are many myths about goddesses, demons, magical creatures and incredible hunting stories.

The architecture of Svaneti is unique and recurring. The region is characterised by special buildings, especially the fortified towers of the settlements. The Swane house – Luschnu Kor – is characterised by the fact that it has been preserved for centuries. Some of these towers and houses are over a thousand years old and in good condition.

The cuisine

The cuisine of Svaneti is unique and delicious. Special dishes are Kubdari and Chvishtari. Since livestock farming is the main occupation in Svaneti, the cuisine is characterised by a variety of meat dishes and dairy products. A well-known cheese dish is Tashmjab, mashed potatoes with cheese. Svan salt is well known as a spice.

Svan language

The Svan language belongs to the group of Kartuz languages. It is assumed that the Swan language, along with other Georgian languages, originated from a common root. This language is spoken exclusively in the Svaneti region and has several dialects – Balszemouri, Balskvemouri, Lentechuri, Tsoluruli and Laschchuri. The language is very rich and flexible, but there is no written language. Other inhabitants of Georgia do not understand this language.

Travel tips for the Svaneti region

Sights and activities

Cultural sights

• On a hill in Ushguli, at the foot of the Caucasus, stands the Church of Our Lady of Lamaria of Ushguli, a national landmark. The 12th-century chapel attracts visitors from all over the world and is famous for its typical Svaneti wall paintings. This church is highly recommended.
• The Chukuli church from the late Middle Ages is famous for its frescoes. In addition to traditional biblical scenes and depictions of saints, there are also unusual representations of the sun, moon and stars, which are unusual for Georgian painting.
• The village of Chkayasthi in Ushguli is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is characterised by its architectural beauty. It is located directly on the Enguri River and is home to several medieval residential complexes. The Laghami Church is a two-storey chapel from the Middle Ages and fascinates visitors with its shape and well-preserved paintings.
• The Swanic towers are generally impressive, no matter in which village you see them. Unfortunately, many of the hundreds of preserved towers have been destroyed over time. They can be found in both valleys of Svanetia, with Upper Svanetia being richer in towers than Lower Svanetia.

Natural sights

• The Natbeura is a beautiful waterfall in the village of Rzchmeluri. It is only accessible on foot and is an excellent destination for a day hike. The route leads through the forest and along the river, where you can even swim. Since the route is not marked, it is advisable to explore it with a local guide.
• Mount Goldaschi is located in Lentechi in Lower Svaneti. It is a spur of the Svaneti range and a beautiful destination for hikers and horseback riders. The highest point is about 3000 m high and offers a unique view of the surrounding mountains and further into the Kolkhi plain. If you are lucky
• The Koruldi Lakes are located at an altitude of 3000 m in Mestia. They were formerly used as mountain pastures, but today they are a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. A day tour to the lakes and back can be organised from Mestia, which takes a total of 7-8 hours.
• The Shkhara glacier is located in the Enguri Valley in Ushguli at the foot of the highest mountain in Georgia, Shkhara. Here you can experience the formation of the most important river in Svaneti up close. The round trip on foot from the village is about 19 kilometres and takes 5-6 hours.
• The Chaaldi glacier is located in Mestia, directly at the foot of the Caucasus. Part of the route, about 8 kilometres, can also be travelled by car. The last part has to be covered on foot. The area around the glacier is unique. The route first leads through a beautiful pine forest and then along the river. The route is moderately difficult and ideal for a shorter day hike.
• The Ushba waterfall (Shdugra) is the most voluminous waterfall in Georgia. It is located in Svaneti near the village of Mazeri in the Becho Valley. The trail to the waterfall is about 3 km long (one way) and moderately difficult.

Resorts

Muaschi was a well-known health resort in the village of Sasaschi in Svaneti. Thanks to the magnificent coniferous forest, a microclimate developed here that had a healing effect on lung diseases. There is also a mineral spring here. Today the health resort is no longer in use.

Activities

• Cultural excursions: The region attracts culture lovers with old towers, chapels and architectural landmarks. A visit to local folklore ensembles offers the opportunity to enjoy Swanian songs and dances.
• Hiking: With its numerous mountain ranges, Svaneti is a paradise for hikers. The region is considered one of the best hiking areas. Here you can go on hikes lasting one or more days. The classic route from Mestia to Ushguli is particularly popular. The route over the Latpari Pass from Lower to Upper Svanetia is also very popular. In addition to the classic routes, there are also other, unknown hiking routes in Svanetia that are no less interesting.
• Mountain climbing is a very popular tourist activity in Svaneti. The region is home to some of the most famous peaks in the Caucasus, which attract adventurers from all over the world. The most popular peaks include Ushba, Tetnuldi, Laila and Shkhara. Each of these mountains offers different levels of difficulty and is only suitable for experienced mountaineers. Local mountain guides can be booked in Svaneti to provide tailor-made mountain tours.
• Horseback riding: Well-maintained bridle paths lead through the villages and offer insights into local life. The aforementioned hiking trails are also ideal for horseback riding.
• Photo trips: The landscape, everyday life, people and architecture offer photographers a wealth of subjects.
• Cycling: As a mountainous region, Svaneti offers excellent opportunities for mountain bike tours, including downhill. The route over the Lasdili Pass from Ushguli to Lentechi is particularly beautiful.
• Culinary and wine tours: The unique Svanetian cuisine offers culinary discoveries. Some families enjoy organising culinary evenings for visitors.
• Rafting: Rafting on the Zchniszkali River is a popular tourist activity. Several providers in the region offer this service.
• Jeep tours: Jeep tours are very popular in the region. Almost all mountains have gravel roads suitable for jeep tours. The route over the Latpari Pass is particularly fascinating for adventurous drivers.

Tours in Svaneti

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