Khevsureti

The historic province of Khevsureti is like a gulp of old fashioned fresh air and one of the most beautiful and mysterious parts of Georgia. The largest villages are Barisakho and Shatili.

Khevsureti is famed for its living ancient traditions - the medieval ballads, folk music and folklore, the medieval fortress villages that guard secret valleys, and the unforgettable landscape.

History

Despite the sporadic invasions by the royal troops, historically, the highlander communities of Khevsureti and the neighbouring areas enjoyed a degree of autonomy from the royal authorities. Considered Georgia's best warriors, they defended the borders and provided crack troops for the royal guards.

Their well-preserved ancient traditions are a mix of Christian, Muslim, spiritualist, and pagan beliefs. The Khevsur men dressed in chain mail, armed with broadswords and wore garments decorated with crosses. They considered themselves members of the army of the sacred flags and guards of Georgian kings and had a strict system of physical training in martial arts - that can still be seen in performances today as the warrior dance, Khevsuruli.