One of those regions that is very remote and can keep secrets well, Svaneti has managed to preserve a huge number of golden artifacts, precious icons and priceless books during the turbulent times that Georgia went through time and again.

As you arrive in Mestia, the central town of Upper Svaneti, and look around, you’ll find the museum easy to spot. The contemporary building drastically stands out among the forceful medieval towers that make up the local skyline. It looks unusually modern, very bold, without any folk elements, but it makes perfect sense: the treasures that are kept inside need a very minimalistic frame as they speak for themselves.

Established in 1936 as a Local Museum, in 2013 the new museum was opened in a modern building (architect Gaga Kiknadze) according to international standards. It offers temporary exhibitions, a unique permanent exposition, an educational center and media library. 

The Museum preserves items of Christian treasure, including 9th-18th century masterpieces of world importance such as: the Icon of the Forty Sebastian Martyrs, an embroidered Byzantine icon, a Venetian Cross, a jug gifted by Queen Tamar, and the earliest remaining sample of illustrated manuscript - the Adishi Gospels (897). Visitors can also enjoy an exhibition of Georgian ethnography.

The museum is also a nice viewpoint – the whole Mestia and surroundings can be seen from the comfy couch in the lobby.