This name was given to a Svan village in Mestia area. Located 2,200 m above the sea level, the village of Ushguli is considered the highest standing settlement in Europe . It lies at the bottom Mount Chkhary, one of the highest mountains of the Major Caucasus (the Inguri river upper reaches) surrounded by glaciers and mountain sky scraping peaks.
Ushguli is a fortified settlement of the Middle Ages consisting of traditional Svan towers, dwelling houses and an ancient church of the 11 th century, Lamaria, with impressive wall frescos. Ushguli architectural complex is a valuable architectural and historical monument entered in the list the World heritage of UNESCO for its exclusiveness. There are about 70 families living in Ushguli (around 200people). |