Churches of Latali & Lenjeri

Time: half a day

Lenjeri is just 3 km away from Mestia. It is very picturesque, but tourists don’t often visit, and life is just as it has been for hundreds of years before. You will visit village Soli for its beautiful architecture and village Kashveti to admire the familial church of the Udesiani family, with 14th century mural paintings. The church is one of the very few in Svaneti with façade frescoes depicting the battle of Amiran. Just a few meters away there is another beautiful 13-15th century church devoted to the Archangels.

Latali is one of the most interesting communities of Upper Svaneti. Geographically it marks the beginning of Independent Svaneti – the land of self-governed communities that never knew any feudal rule. Its reputation for wealth and high culture is confirmed by over 60 stone churches built and lavishly decorated by the families inhabiting the community. Most churches date back to the 9 – 14th centuries. We have included 3 of the most famous churches: Saviour’s of Matskhvarishi, Archangels’, and St.Jonah’s.