Sighnaghi, a romantic little town located in Georgia’s eastern Kakheti region is attracting more and more visitors by the year. Some people are charmed by its fairy-tale appearance, red-roofed houses and cobblestone streets, others by the enchanting wine tasting opportunities the region has to offer. The town is around a 1.5 hour drive from Tbilisi, so one can even organize a spontaneous trip there. The city was nicknamed the City of Love for its romantic environment and coziness, so you may come across many foreign and native couples walking around holding hands and enjoying the sightseeing. The town is also notable for its wedding chapel that operates around the clock, hosting dozens of wedding ceremonies, be it planned or “drive-thru” marriages.
THE GREAT WALL OF SIGHNAGHI
Although the town is quite small, there are many things to see there. When you get there, take a stroll around the streets to soak up the charming architecture. Sighnaghi is endowed with significant historic and cultural heritage sites and is surrounded by an old city wall that once served as a defensive fortification protecting townsfolk and dwellers of nearby villages from enemies who frequently attacked the area. Sighnaghi’s wall dates to the 18th century and can be climbed at various access points to allow you to enjoy the amazing view over the Alazani Valley, notable for its vast vine-yards, and breathtaking backdrop of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. The wall has around 23 towers, each of which was named after a particular village during the times it was constructed, and six gates.
THE ETHNOGRAPHIC & ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM 
Image Source: betravel.ge
When walking through the cobblestone streets, you’ll come across a statue of famous Georgian painter Niko Pirosmani, who was born near this town and whose paintings are internationally renowned. Many of his artworks are kept at the National Museum of Georgia, and Sighnaghi hosts a sizeable collection of his works in the Ethnographic and Archaeological Museum. The museum is located in the center of Sighnaghi, up the steps from the main square, and also preserves relics from archaeological excavations and time to time hosts the visiting exhibitions of world-famous painters.
THE BODBE NUNNERY & THE SIGHNAGHI CHURCHES
On the way to or from Sighnaghi, the historic Bodbe Nunnery is well worth a stop. Just 2 kilometers outside the town, it was constructed in 9th century to entomb St. Nino, who converted Georgia to Christianity in the 4th century. The place has recently been renovated and boasts beautiful gardens around two churches and a bell tower. It is frequented by numerous pilgrims and tourists, many of whom also hike down to the St Nino Spring, where believers bathe in cold water believed to have healing powers. Sighnaghi itself houses two churches, one built in the name of St. George and another dedicated to St. Stephen.
THE SIGHNAGHI WINE FESTIVAL
Sighnaghi welcomes guests year-round. Autumn in particular is the perfect time for planning a trip there. As already mentioned, this part of Georgia, Kakheti, is notable for its rich and ancient winemaking culture. Every autumn, on October 15, Sighnaghi hosts a wine festival, a feast for the wine enthusiasts and gourmands alike. Within the frames of the festival, Georgian wine tasting is offered, and various kinds of local wines, original wines and regional varieties are exposed and sold. Visitors can also enjoy traditional barbeque “mtsvadi” and delicious Georgian shoti bread, backed in front of you on the streets. Guests are more than welcome to take part in preparing Georgian churchkhela, made with grape juice and threaded walnuts, and Georgian sweet grape pudding tatara. This warm, silky grape pudding is the best dessert you can treat yourself during the autumn, so don’t miss out this opportunity when attending the festival. You’ll also get the chance to try and buy a wide selection of Georgian cheeses paired with soft and chewy churchkhela to round off an unforgettable wine tasting experience. If you don’t manage to attend the wine festival, don’t feel disappointed, since the town has many wineries and small restaurants that offer guests a wine tasting service, one of the Where.ge team’s favorites being Pheasant’s Tears, known for its friendly environment and great food and service.
By Lika Chogladze
Main photo source: signagi.gov.ge