Sighnaghi Hilltop Town

Visit Guide to Sighnaghi Hilltop Town

Sighnaghi, known as the “City of Love,” is a romantic little town dating to the 18th century in Georgia’s eastern Kakheti region. Perched on a hill overlooking the vineyard-packed Alazani Valley, the partly fortified Sighnaghi has a charming, fairy-tale appearance, with tiled-roof houses and cobblestone streets, brightly painted wooden balconies, and the best of local cuisine and wine tasting opportunities.

Getting There

The town is a 1.5-hour drive from Tbilisi. Take a private taxi, or a minibus from Isani metro station.

What to Expect

Sighnaghi Museum displays archaeological artefacts and paintings by Georgia’s famous primitivist artist, Niko Pirosmanishvili (Pirosmani).

Climb the city wall and enjoy delicious local cuisine and wine.

The nearby Bodbe Convent boasts churches, beautiful gardens, a crafts shop, and the tomb of St Nino, who brought Christianity to Georgia in the 4th century.

History

In 1762, King Heraclius II sponsored construction of the town and fortress to defend the area from attacks by Dagestani raiders. In Soviet times the town became an agricultural centre. In the early 2000s the Georgian government invested in its renovation, and marketing as “The City of Love.” 

Facilities Available

  • Restaurants / bars / cafes
  • Tourism Information Point
  • Central Bus Station
  • The starting point for regional exploration of Kakheti sights