Ushguli community in Svaneti Region is a truly captivating place; a place steeped in history, culture, unique architecture, and beautiful landscapes. In this community, north of Zhibiani Village, you’ll see one of Svaneti’s most important and impressive sights - Lamaria - also known as the Ushguli Mother of God Church. Standing atop a high hill, this small but proud church has a big historical significance. History of Ushguli Mother of God Church Lamaria is a basilica-type st

History Although widely known as Metekhi, this church was actually named Holy Virgin Mary church, built by King Demetrius II in the XIII century on the base of an older church that was built in 480 CE. King Vakhtang Gorgasali whose monument stands just next to the temple, was the one initiating it's construction back in the 5th century. During the reign of Queen Tamar, in the XII century, a royal castle and church were located here, carrying the name of Metekhi fortress.  Unf

Gonio Fortress is a witness to three of the world’s most powerful and influential empires, having survived the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman dominance in the region. This imposing Black Sea fortress is located twelve kilometers from Batumi, and was once one of the main citadels in the region. According to legend, this is where Apsaros, son of King Aeëtes, was buried after he was killed during Jason the Argonaut’s escape from Colchis. The fortress was formerly named Apsaros Fo

Gori Fortress was one of Georgia’s main citadels, dating back as far as the 13th century, with evidence of human habitation stretching back as far as the first millennium BCE. Sitting atop a rocky hill in the centre of Gori, it is an Immovable Cultural Monument of National Significance and a popular tourist attraction. Due to its strategic location, having control of Gori Fortress meant having ownership of Shida Kartli . For centuries, the rulers of Kartli and Kakheti , the