Located near the border of Chechnya, Shatili is a medieval fortress complex on the northern slope of the Greater Caucasus mountains in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region of Georgia. The stone and mortar dwellings both served as a residential area and a fortification in the historical province of Upper Khevsureti. The fortress village consists of flat-roofed structures cascading over each other, and around 60 towers create a chain of fortifications.
The Shatili village is actually a medieval fortress comprising a chain of dwellings that functioned both as a residential area and a fortification.
The village was a key point for guarding the roads on the northern side. Its towers were made up of tightly placed crushed stone, cobblestones, and shale. There were also passageways and staircases interconnecting all structures. The fortress’ multi-functionalism, isolated location, and optimal orientation are also among the factors that make Shatili’s architecture unique. During the 1950s and 1960, the Soviet powers forced the residents of the village to resettle to the plains. Nevertheless, there are still 22 people living in the village today.
