Sighnaghi, often referred to as the “City of Love,” holds a rich history, and its formidable Sighnaghi Wall stands as a testament to its resilient past. Built in the 18th century as a sanctuary for those seeking refuge from invaders, this impressive fortification once encircled the entire city. Today, while only sections of the original wall remain, its strategic design and historical significance are well-documented in 19th-century city plans.

This remarkable 4-kilometer-long defensive wall originally featured 28 towers, each uniquely named after the village it connected to Sighnaghi. Each tower incorporated a gateway equipped with swift opening and closing mechanisms, highlighting the ingenuity of its construction. Notably, the villagers themselves played a crucial role in building their respective towers, forging a strong connection between the community and its defense.

Among the towers, the King’s Tower held significant political importance, while the Bodbe Tower was revered for its religious significance, underscoring the intertwined nature of power and faith in Sighnaghi’s history. The majority of the wall and towers were constructed using local cobblestones, with red brick accents adding a distinctive architectural element.

Beyond its defensive capabilities, the Sighnaghi Fortress Wall served as a protector of lives and a preserver of Kakhetian heritage, offering solace through nearby religious monuments during turbulent times. A prime example of this is the Basilica of St. Stephan, a unique 18th-century church built directly into the largest tower in 1762, illustrating the deep-rooted importance of religion within the city walls.

• St. Stephan’s Basilica: A Unique Fortress Church: Discover a remarkable architectural fusion – an 18th-century basilica constructed within the walls of a fortress tower. Unlike typical Georgian churches, St. Stephan’s Basilica showcases a predominantly red brick structure with cobblestone details, making it a truly unique historical and religious site in the Kakheti region.
• Restored Sections of the Ancient Walls: Explore the well-preserved parts of the Sighnaghi Wall located in the city’s historic districts. While a complete walk along the entire original circuit isn’t possible, visitors can explore several of the historic gates, each telling a story of the past.
• Panoramic Views of the Alazani Valley and Caucasus Mountains: For an unforgettable experience, find a vantage point along the Sighnaghi Wall on a clear day. The foreground of the ancient wall against the breathtaking backdrop of the expansive Alazani Valley and the majestic Caucasus Mountains offers unparalleled photographic opportunities and a sense of timeless beauty.

The best time to visit Sighnaghi and the surrounding Kakheti region is generally from late August to mid-October. During this period, the weather is pleasantly warm and dry, and the harvest season brings vibrant colors to the vineyards of the Alazani Valley, enhancing the scenic beauty of the region.

How to get to Sighnaghi from Tbilisi:

1. Budget Option: is to take a seat on a regular minibus (i.e. marshrutka) from Samgori Bus Station (map link). It takes about 2,5 hours to drive from Tbilisi to Sighnaghi. Price is 12 GEL per person.
2. Shared taxi option: you can share a taxi “on-demand” from this location close to Isani metro station. Price is usually not more than 30 GEL per person, and the driving time is about 2 hours.
3. For a well-organised experience we suggest you use one of our tour programs that include visits to Sighnaghi. If you’re looking for a cultural tour we suggest you check out the Sighnaghi, Tsinandali and Telavi day tour; or if you’re willing to combine Sighnaghi wall attraction with Georgian wine history and tastings – have a look at the Wine Day Tour to Kakheti. You can also contact us for more tailor-made options.