GE
Sighnaghi
A walled hill town above the Alazani Valley, in the heart of Georgia’s wine region
A walled hill town above the Alazani Valley, in the heart of Georgia’s wine region
A section of the wall with towers is open to walk, with views across the valley to the mountains.
Photo: Vladimir Pankratov, CC BY-SA 2.0
Restored 19th-century houses with carved wooden balconies line the steep lanes, with cafés, wine bars and craft shops.
Photo: Wowan1978, CC BY-SA 4.0
The town’s church and its free-standing bell tower sit near the edge of the ridge, a good spot for photos.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY 4.0
About 3km from town, this monastery in cypress gardens holds the tomb of Saint Nino. A path leads down to a spring.
Women should cover their heads; scarves are provided.
Photo: Hendrik Wieduwilt, CC BY 2.0
Try mtsvadi (grilled meat), khinkali (dumplings), shkmeruli (chicken in garlic sauce) and Kakhetian wines made in clay qvevri.
Many wineries around town offer tastings.
Minibuses leave from Tbilisi’s Samgori bus station and take about 2 hours; they leave when full. Taxis and private drivers are also popular.
The town is small and walkable, but hilly.
Georgia uses the lari (GEL).
Town, monastery and wine.
Walk the walls and old town, then visit Bodbe Monastery.
Tour Kakheti wineries with a driver.
Try qvevri wines at small family cellars.
Cover shoulders and knees at monasteries.
Arrive early at Samgori to get a seat.
Do not drink and drive; Georgia has a low limit.
Quick answers for planning time in Sighnaghi.
About 2 hours by minibus or car.
The site of Saint Nino’s grave, about 3km from Sighnaghi.
Yes, a section with towers is open.
Yes, it is in Kakheti, Georgia’s main wine region.
May to October, especially during the September harvest.
Planning a wider trip? Our Georgia travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.