The village Ushguli & its beautiful church Lamaria

The village Ushguli is one of the most attractive villages in Ge[orgia](https://www.livetheworld.com/post/georgia-touch-of-the-past-taste-of-the-future-6wg0), and it is situated in the upper Sv[aneti](https://www.livetheworld.com/post/svaneti-the-most-beautiful-place-in-the-whole-caucasus-f40y) Region. This populated village is located on the highest point in Europe, which makes is unique. In this article, I am going to tell you about the village Ushguli that is positioned near the mountain of Shkhara. This place has special cultural value for us, as it relates to our great King Tamar. Also, I am going to tell you about its beautiful church Lamaria against which the time is powerless. 

A road to the village Ushguli

The village Ushguli is located 2100 meters above sea level. The Enguri, one of the fastest rivers, starts its journey from this place and then it flows throughout the whole Sv[aneti](https://www.livetheworld.com/post/svanetian-legends-more-than-just-a-story-qxb8) Region. For many centuries, it was hard to get to the village Ushguli for the outsiders because it was very hard to reach it. However, in the latest decade, the road is continuously reconstructed, so now it is much easier to get there from Mestia. It is around 40 kilometers long road, but you will still need more than 2 hours to reach it. 

If you want to feel yourself in a fairytale, you have to go through this road and reach the Ushguli village. Especially in the late spring and summer, you will see a contrast of the colorful fields and snowy mountains above it. This might confuse you, as the two seasons mix each other at once place. The first things you will notice in the Ushguli Village are the extraordinary Svanetian towers. You will see these characteristic towers only in this region. Despite the fact that some of the towers are already destroyed, the feeling that you are in a mysterious place is quite vivid. If your guide is a local, then he will proudly tell you that Ushguli was the favorite place for our great K[ing](https://www.livetheworld.com/post/king-tamar-the-secrets-of-her-death-8g18) Tamar. He will show you a distinctive tower that used to be a residence of the King. 

The church Lamaria

The next place to visit is the Lamaria Church that is dedicated to St. Mary. It is located on the high hill, and it is surrounded by the fence made out of rocks. It was built in the 10th century. Once you step into this fence, you will feel that the time stops for you because everything has remained the same for centuries. Inside the church, you will notice many frescoes that are almost faded by the time. However, you will still notice a very interesting fresco of Jesus, in the center of the church. Usually, the sun rays do not reach inside the church, and it is lighted with the candles. This fact makes the church Lamaria even more untouchable and mysterious. Every year on the 28 of August, a lot of people from all around Georgia gather here to celebrate the day of St. Mary. 

After leaving this place, the Ushguli village and beautiful church Lamaria will remain in your memories for a long time. You might not recognize the feeling that it will give you at first. However, after leaving this place, you will understand that it was the feeling of harmony and peace. Believe me, you will want to visit this place again. 

Video © Credits to Svaneti Georgia