GeorgiaOfficial tourism
Sighnaghi Fortress Walls

Love-walled citadel above the vineyards

Sighnaghi Fortress Walls

Why go

Sighnaghi Fortress Walls form one of the few fully intact 18th-century defensive systems in the Caucasus, built by King Erekle II between 1762-1770 to protect Kakheti's eastern frontier from Persian and Dagestani raids. The walls stretch over 4 kilometers with 23 towers and 6 gates, encircling the entire town in a rare example of complete urban fortification. Beyond their military history, they earned Sighnaghi its nickname 'City of Love'—the walls now frame cobblestone streets where couples still marry at any hour, day or night, a tradition begun here. Walking the ramparts delivers sweeping views across the Alazani Valley toward the snow-capped Caucasus, with vineyards and monasteries scattered below.

On the ground See

  • Walk the full circuit of stone ramparts between watchtowers for panoramic valley views
  • Bodbe Monastery of St. Nino, 2km downhill, where the 4th-century evangelist of Georgia is buried
  • The town's wedding registry office, open 24/7, where couples marry on the fortress walls

Practical Know before you go

Best visited April-June or September-October for clear Caucasus views; the walls are freely accessible on foot from any point in Sighnaghi's old town, 110km east of Tbilisi by marshrutka or car.

Last reviewed 25 August 2026 · reviewed quarterly