Sighnaghi Fortress Wall

The wall follows the hill's natural contours – rising, dipping, and bending around outcrops. It is not a straight line but an organic structure shaped by terrain. Built from local cobblestone with red brick accents, a construction style typical of late 18th-century Kakhetian architecture. The wall thickness allowed for two tiers of defensive positions. Each of the 23 towers was built by residents of a specific village and bore its name. Six gates with quick-open mechanisms facilitated rapid evacuation.

The restored tourist section begins near the town's central square. Stone staircases lead up to the walkway along the battlements, from where you can reach several towers. From the upper points, the view opens onto the Alazani Valley – a flat green plain divided by vineyards, backed by the solid wall of the Greater Caucasus range. On clear days, snow-capped peaks are visible 60–80 km away.

Inside the largest tower – the King's Tower (Kiziqi Bulwark) – stands the Basilica of St. Stephen, built in 1762 directly within the fortification. This is a rare example of a fortress-church: from outside it looks like a military tower, inside it is a functioning church with 18th-century frescoes. In the lower part of town near the wall stands St. George Church with its separate bell tower.

Length – approximately 4.5 km, one of the longest fortress walls in the Caucasus

Towers – 23 watchtowers and 6 gates, each tower named after the village that built it

Elevation – town sits at 790 m, the wall follows the terrain with drops of up to 100 m

St. Stephen Basilica – a 1762 church built inside the fortress's largest tower

Panorama – 180° views of the Alazani Valley and Greater Caucasus range

Construction – cobblestone with brick accents, typical 18th-century Kakhetian masonry

Construction began in the 1770s on the orders of King Erekle II of the Kartli-Kakheti kingdom. Eastern Georgia at that time faced constant Lekianoba raids – devastating incursions by Dagestani tribes who captured slaves and plundered villages. Sighnaghi (from the Turkic 'signak' meaning shelter/refuge) was designed as a fortress-haven for the entire Kiziki region's population. Each of the 23 towers was built by residents of a particular village and carried its name. The wall enclosed the hilltop perimeter, creating a fortress-city of 40 hectares.

After the Treaty of Georgievsk (1783) and Georgia's subsequent annexation by the Russian Empire (1801), the fortress lost its defensive purpose. Through the 19th and 20th centuries, the wall gradually deteriorated. Large-scale restoration took place in the 2000s–2010s as part of a national tourism development program: several wall sections and towers were rebuilt, cobblestone streets repaired, and historic building facades renovated. Today the fortress is Sighnaghi's main landmark and a cultural heritage monument of national significance.

From Tbilisi (110 km, 1.5–2 hours):

– Shared minibus (marshrutka) from Samgori metro station – 10 GEL (~$3.50), every 2 hours from 07:00 to 18:00, journey 1.5–2 hours

– Alternative: marshrutka to Tsnori from Isani metro (hourly from 07:40), then transfer to Sighnaghi – total 12 GEL (~$4.50)

– Taxi (Bolt) – 100–150 GEL (~$35–55)

– Car rental – good road, last 5 km are switchbacks

From Telavi (60 km, 1.5 hours):

– Marshrutka – 10 GEL (~$3.50), 1 departure per day (morning)

– Taxi – 50–70 GEL (~$18–25)

Within Sighnaghi:

From the bus station to the fortress wall – 5–10 minutes on foot. The town is compact; all sights are within walking distance.

Season: April–June and September–October offer comfortable temperatures for walking the wall. September is rtveli (grape harvest) season, when the valley is especially scenic. The wall is accessible in winter but can be slippery.

Time of day: Sunset (18:00–19:30 in summer) provides the best light for photos. Early morning (before 10:00) means fewer tourists.

Duration: 1–1.5 hours for the restored wall section. With a town stroll and lunch – 3–4 hours. With a visit to Bodbe Monastery – a full day.

Avoid: Weekends in July–August – hot (+35°C) and crowded. Steps on the wall get slippery in rain.