Chvabiani: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

Anyone wishing to rent a holiday apartment in Chvabiani can then continue searching for accommodation. The Mestia–Zhabeshi route running through Chvabiani is 17 kilometres long, follows the valley of the Mulkhura River and takes around six to seven hours in total.

Landscape and Trails

The Mestia–Zhabeshi route running through Chvabiani offers views of the Svaneti peaks Ushba, Tetnuldi and Gistola.

Geographical Context

In the broader regional surroundings of Chvabiani, Upper Svaneti is recognised as an exceptional mountain landscape with medieval villages and defensive towers. Within this wider regional area, villages dominated by towers are situated in gorges and alpine valleys against snow-covered mountain backdrops.

Culture and History

The Church of the Saviour in Chvabiani was built in the 10th century and is classified as a state cultural heritage site dating from the 10th century. An inscription in Asomtavruli attributes the construction and painting of the church to Bendes, Amrola and Michael from the Amroleani family. The Deesis composition on the apse conch dates from the 13th century; a bell tower in the north-western part of the churchyard dates from the late Middle Ages.

The Church of the Saviour in Chvabiani is historically and artistically significant because of its architecture and interior frescoes. The paintings inside combine a distinctly classical style with local traditions of early Svaneti art.

The Omar Margiani complex in Chvabiani is classified as a state civil-defensive site dating from the Middle Ages. Chvabiani’s Church of St George is classified as a local cultural heritage site from the late Middle Ages.

Local Character

Chvabiani itself is classified as a medieval urban heritage site. The Church of the Saviour in Chvabiani is located in the highlands and offers views of Svan towers, the village and the twin peaks of Mount Ushba. On a Svaneti excursion in the municipality of Muzhali, it is one of the places to include.

Other places: Adishi, Ushguli, Jvari, Tvebishi, Martvili, Nashtkoli, Darcheli, Chkhorotsku.

For the higher-level travel overview: Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti.