Sighnaghi - a City of Love, It Has Everything Yet Ahead

Sighnaghi is a small town in the east of Georgia situated on the mountainside in the historical region of Kakheti. It was founded in the 17th century during the reign of King Heraclius II of Georgia, and as locals say, it is the only city in Georgia that has fully preserved the fortress walls that are crowned with watchtowers, where one can climb to get the magnificent view of the Alazan valley.

New pages in the history book of the small town have been written in the last decades with the beginning of the capital reconstruction. The aim is to transform Sighnaghi into the centre of tourism. By 2007 Sighnaghi has turned into a European town with narrow cobbled streets, that are winding and steep, and districts full of one or two storey houses with bright red tiled roof in the style of South Italian classicism.

The town has two central squares with casinos, banks, mayor’s office and a wedding house where one marry anytime of the day. Thus, Sighnaghi is called the city of lovers. You will find many cosy places, hotels and hostels to your taste, street cafes and restaurants, where you can try the home-made Kakhetian wines: saperavi, kindzmarauli, rkaciteli, mtsvane… There goes a long list.

There are three medieval churches and all of them are at restoration works. But only 2km away from Sighnaghi, there is a famous for tourists and pilgrims a Bodbe monastery, where the remains of the St. Nino are enshrined (4th century).

Sighnaghi is a convenient starting point for those who want to explore its surroundings. 50km away from Sighnaghi the oldest Nekresi Monastery is located, with the most tasty water in Georgia, the Gremi fortress, two big cities of the Kakheti region Kvareli and Telavi, Lagodekhi protected areas and other sights that you can tour and return for an overnight back to Sighnaghi.

You will not regret if you choose Sighnaghi for a photosession, staff party, romantic weekend or an escape from big city life.

Despite the above mentioned spots in Sighnaghi, it is to note that the modern Sighnaghi resembles a touristic project rather than a complete city. Maybe it’s not the time yet, and soon these nice streets will be crowded with people, and there will be life running in hotels, squares, shops. We believe it will happen soon.