Chvibiani

Chvibiani — The Majesty of Ushguli at the Foot of Shkhara

Chvibiani is a village in the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region, Mestia municipality. It belongs to the Ushguli community and is located at an elevation of 2080 meters above sea level. Chvibiani, along with other villages of Ushguli, is considered one of the highest permanently inhabited settlements in Europe and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

History and Cultural Treasures

Chvibiani is a true open-air museum. Many medieval Svan towers and machubis (traditional dwellings) are preserved in the village, maintaining their original appearance for centuries. The medieval Church of the Savior stands in the village territory, being one of the important spiritual centers of the region. Every August 3rd, the folk festival "Livskhvari" is held here, bearing witness to the vitality of the local culture.

Nature and Alpine Environment

Chvibiani is located at the foot of Shkhara (5193 m), the highest peak of the Caucasus. The nature here is presented in its primeval majesty — alpine meadows, glaciers, and crystal-clear air. The village's location gives it a special mysticism, where time seems to have stopped. Winters here are harsh and snowy, often cutting the village off from the outside world for months.

Highlights:

• Svan Towers and Machubis — UNESCO World Heritage sites.
• Church of the Savior — A historical medieval temple.
• Shkhara Glacier Views — Panorama of the highest peak of the Caucasus.
• Ushguli Community Landscapes — Beautiful alpine environment.

Chvibiani is a place that every traveler should see at least once in their life to feel the power and beauty of real Svaneti.