Caucasus - Svaneti

Svaneti is a region located on the southern slopes of the Caucasus Range in Georgia known for its picturesque landscapes, thousand-year-old defensive towers, and intense indigenous people. The area has a rich history and culture, with the first recorded information dating back to 63 BC. The Svans have a reputation as fierce warriors. Many powerful empires tried to conquer the region, but it remained unconquered until the mid-19th century when the Russians exerted control. Svaneti's isolation has shaped its identity and historical value. It is considered the highest populated region in the Caucasus, where pagan and Christian rituals, customs, and traditions merge into a new, unique look. Gold has been mined in Svaneti since ancient times, and legends tell of gold-horned bulls and a Golden-haired goddess. The government is implementing a plan to turn the medieval mountain zone into a tourist magnet, so the region has seen more change in recent years than the past thousand. Overall, Svaneti is a unique and fascinating region with a rich history and culture, and its mountains are a testament to its enduring legacy.