Svan Towers of Latali and Ipari

ლათლის კოშკები

Scattered villages in the Enguri valley preserving dense clusters of medieval Svan defensive towers and ancient frescoed churches. They offer an authentic look at traditional Svan architecture away from the busier centres.

Things to do

• Explore Latali's tower clusters — Wander the scattered hamlets of Latali, one of Svaneti's densest concentrations of medieval defensive towers built between the 9th and 13th centuries.
• Visit Matskhvarishi church — See the 12th-century Church of the Saviour in Latali, famous for its well-preserved frescoes signed by the medieval painter Tevdore.
• Discover Ipari's frescoed churches — Head into the Ipari community to find remote stone churches like Lagurka, renowned for its medieval murals of Saints Kvirike and Ivlita.
• Photograph towers against the Enguri valley — Frame the stone Svan koshki towers rising above the villages with the snow-capped Caucasus and the Enguri gorge behind them.
• Hike between the hamlets — Walk the footpaths linking Latali's many small settlements to reach quieter towers and viewpoints few tourists visit.
• Meet local tower owners — Some families open their ancestral towers, letting you climb the wooden ladders through the defensive levels to the top.

Food to try

• Kubdari — The signature Svan meat pie, stuffed with spiced chopped beef or pork and baked in a round bread crust.
• Chvishtari — Fried cornbread patties filled with melted Sulguni cheese, a hearty Svan mountain staple.
• Tashmijabi — A rich Svan comfort dish of mashed potatoes whipped together with molten local cheese.
• Svanetian salt — A fragrant blend of coarse salt with garlic, coriander, dill and other herbs used on nearly everything here.
• Lukewarm Svan honey and herbal tea — Mountain honey and infusions of local herbs often served to welcome guests in village homes.

Local customs & good to know

• Ask before entering towers — Many towers and churches are privately owned or locked, so seek permission or a local guide with the key rather than climbing uninvited.
• Respect church etiquette — Cover shoulders and knees, keep quiet, and avoid flash photography inside the ancient frescoed churches.
• Come prepared for isolation — Latali and Ipari have few shops or services, so carry cash and supplies as amenities are far more limited than in Mestia.
• Honour Svan hospitality — If invited for a meal or toast, accept graciously as guests are deeply respected in Svan tradition.

Nearby

• Hatsvali Ski Resort — 10 km
• Mestia — 11 km
• Koruldi Lakes — 13 km
• Chalaadi Glacier — 16 km