Why visit
For centuries Shatili guarded the roads coming from the north. Its towers, built of stone and shale, stand so tightly together that the whole village works as a single fortress, linked inside by passages and staircases. Fortress-houses, flat-roofed homes with threshing floors and an elders' meeting place survive within about a hectare.
What to expect
Shatili is on Georgia's UNESCO tentative list. Exploring it takes a few hours, but staying overnight lets you see the towers in evening and morning light, after day visitors leave.
Plan your visit
Allow1.5 hr–3 hr · walking through the village
AreaShatili · in the village
Before you go
Respect private homes and ask before entering any tower. Stay overnight rather than driving back to Tbilisi the same day.
Allow extra time
Visit times are estimates for this activity only. Travel, queues and breaks are extra.
