Mestia

The village Mestia is situated in the Great Caucasus near the Russian border at an altitude of about 1500 m.

It is the capital of the Swanetia region. The Swans are a subethnic group of Georgians who were ruled by powerful family clans until modern times.

Built as defensive structures against invading North Caucasian tribes and hostile family clans, the numerous defensive towers tell of a warlike past.

A typical Swan residence consisted of a defensive tower, an adjacent house (Machub) and some other household structures surrounded by a protective wall.

Today Mestia is unfortunately being rebuilt more and more for tourism and more ski resorts are being built in the surrounding area.
Nevertheless, Mestia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.