Shatili

Shatili is a small ancient town founded around the 12th and 13th centuries on the border between Georgia and Chechnya. Located in the Arghuni Gorge some 1,400 meters deep, the village is truly a unique complex of medieval to early modern fortresses and fortified houses of stone and mortar, which functioned both as a residential area that is both a fortress guarding the northeastern suburbs of the country. The fortress consists of terraced structures mostly flat-roofed houses and about 60 towers gathered together to create a single chain of fortifications.

The houses in the village are built from slate stones collected from the surrounding areas and stacked on each other. All the houses and towers in Shatili village are connected via doorways, building an interconnected network.

The fact that Shatili is located in Arghuni Valley, which is the gateway to Georgia, adds to the structural significance of the interconnected homes. The invasion was fought off by using the connected houses as a fortress. The community is still home to a few residents who make a living from agriculture and tourism. It's no surprise that Shatili is in the top 10 of the most beautiful historical sites in Georgia.

Location: Upper Khevsureti province