Signagi

Signagi is one of the most popular touristic destination in Georgia. Town Signagi is located in south - east Georgia, region Kakheti, historical district Kiziki in 113 km from Tbilisi.
The territory of the modern-day town has been settled since Paleolithic period and had been known as Hereti in Middle Ages and as Kiziqi since the 15th century. Sighnaghi (literally meaning "a harbor" in Turkish) as a settlement is first recorded in the early 18th century. In 1762, King Heraclius II of Georgia sponsored the construction of the town and erected a fortress to defend the area from marauding attacks by Dagestan tribesmen. As of the 1770 census, Sighnaghi was settled by 100 families, chiefly by craftsmen and merchants. When Georgia was annexed by Imperial Russia in 1801, Sighnaghi was officially granted town’s status and became a centre of Signakh uyezd (Russian: Сигнахский уезд) within Tiflis Governorate in 1802. The town quickly rose in its size and population and became an agricultural centre under the Soviet Union. The severe economic crisis in post-Soviet Georgia heavily affected the town, but a major reconstruction project recently launched by the Government of Georgia and co-funded by several international organizations intends to address an increasing tourist interest and modernize infrastructure.
 Signagi was renovated couple years ago, to save it's historical face. Now it is popular touristic destination. Here is not problem to find hotel of any cost, from luxury ones to cheap but nice family guest houses. Thats why it is best option to stay there overnight while traveling in Kakheti. Here are also several restaurants and cafes, fine art exhibitions, museum with good collection of arts, archaeological material and painter Pirosmani's paintings, several churches and of course Signagi fortress, from which is perfect view on all Alazani valley and great Caucasus mountains.
Signagi is located on Gombori range, it's elevation is  up to 800m above sea level. Best time to visit it is Spring and Autumn.
For Georgians Signagi became popular place also to celebrate wedding.
So it is good choice to spend there day or two, to rest and walk around.
Nearby is Bodbe monastery, which can be easily visited from Signagi


Photos made in March 2009