Shatili
(Medieval Fortress)     

Khevsureti, one of the most picturesque and original spots in the northern mountain province of Georgia, is situated in the upper reaches of the Assa, Arguni and Khevsurian Aragvi rivers.

Khevsurians are an ancient Georgian people. Until recently the main occupation of the Khevsurians was cattle-breeding. They were almost isolated from the rest of Georgia.

The main and most ancient part of the village of Shatili was built on the rock at the junction of the turbulent Arguni river and the transparent Mitskhuris Tskhali river. The villige of Shatili is connected with the outside world by a narrow road which winds its way in the Arguni Gorge. Four-storeyed towers were built close to one another on the very edge of the precipice thus creating a monolith defensive wall inaccessible to enemies.Houses cram one above another in a step-like manner, the roof of a lower house serving the terrace for upper houses.Tall monumental residential towers make an unforgettable silhouette of a grave compact complex.

Folk Khevsurian costume is very picturesque. Women wear dresses made of home-made wool. Women, like men, are very good horse-riders.

Sewing and knitting are traditional occupations of Khevsurians and in these they have attained a high degree of perfection.. Khevsurian garments resemble a carpet with a brightly-coloured ornate ornament.