Svaneti is a historic region in the northwest of Georgia, bordering Russia. It is located in the southern part of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. The area is known for its snow-covered mountain peaks and deep gorges. In the medieval villages of Upper Svaneti, one can see the so-called Svan towers — defensive stone structures built by locals starting from the 9th century. An especially large number of these towers have been preserved in the village of Chazhashi, located in the Ushguli community in eastern Svaneti.