Sighnaghi

Sighnaghi is a town in the eastern Kakheti region of Georgia. Here's an introduction: General Information - Location: Situated 113 km east of the capital, Tbilisi, at an altitude of 790m, Sighnaghi lies at the eastern foot of the Gombori Range, forming a watershed between the Iori and Alazani river valleys. - History: First settled in the Paleolithic era, the town and its fortress were sponsored by King Heraclius II of Georgia in the early 18th century. It officially became a town after being annexed by Tsarist Russia in 1801. - Population and Area: The town covers an area of 2.978 sq km. According to 2009 data, Sighnaghi's population was 2,300, which decreased to 1,485 by 2014. Attractions - Sighnaghi City Walls: Construction began during the reign of Tamar, ruler of Georgia's Golden Age, and was completed by King Heraclius II in the 18th century. A large portion of the walls and 23 towers are preserved today, making it one of the most well-preserved original-style city walls in Georgia. - St. George Church: Located within the Sighnaghi fortress walls, it is the largest church in Sighnaghi. Initially built in the traditional Armenian style, it is now a Georgian Orthodox church. - Bodbe Monastery: Situated 2 km from the town, the monastery was built in honor of St. Nino, who brought Christianity to Georgia. It also served as the coronation site for the kings of the Kakheti Kingdom and is an important pilgrimage site in Georgia. Culture and Economy - Wine Culture: Sighnaghi is one of the centers of Georgia's wine region, with a winemaking tradition dating back 8,000 years. It preserves the unique *qvevri* winemaking method, producing rich, complex wines with strong regional characteristics. - Tourism Economy: Known as the "City of Love" for its picturesque scenery and romantic, laid-back atmosphere, Sighnaghi attracts numerous tourists. In recent years, the local government has launched reconstruction projects to improve infrastructure and promote tourism development.