Top 10 Things to Do in Sighnaghi
The charming two- and three-story buildings with tiled roofs and views of the beautiful Alazani Valley in Kakheti's picturesque town of Sighnaghi will immediately capture your attention. Sighnaghi is a small city that may be explored in one to two days. The top 10 things to do in Sighnaghi are listed below.
1. Climb the walls of the fortress
The longest fortress wall in Georgia, measuring more than 4 kilometers, is located near Sighnaghi. From the city's observation decks, it is plainly visible. As you take in the Alazani Valley's vastness, you'll see tall skyscrapers. There is a total of 28, some of which are accessible. The fortress was built in the 18th century by Erekle II, the last monarch of Georgia. Your travel itinerary should include a stroll along the fortress wall as it is one of the city's primary attractions and one of the 10 things to do in Sighnaghi.
2. Buy souvenirs in central park on April 9
You will find a charming park right in the middle of the city, where local shopkeepers have set up a business. There are carpets, traditional Georgian "khantsi" (horn-shaped wine glasses), honey, cheese, pastries, and wine available here. Sellers frequently offer to taste the product. You can haggle here, just like in any neighborhood market. You can learn useful contacts and advice from Signakhi businesspeople, or at the very least, have some fun for a short while. Feel free to haggle and inquire. The friendliness of the locals will not leave you indifferent!
3. Visit the Church of St. George the Victorious
Sighnaghi is a relatively new city, having only existed for about two centuries. However, there are also old sites and remains in this area. The St. George temple is one of them. It is featured in the city's most famous postcard image, which is seen in most pictures of the area. In contrast to the background of distant blue and misty mountain slopes, the bell tower of the church stands out vividly. The temple's interior décor appears relatively austere from the outside because it has not been repaired. From here you may also see the city from a different perspective and fall in love even more!
4. Go to Bodbe Monastery
Bodbe Monastery is located very close to Sighnaghi. The monastery is only a short drive from the city center, so visiting it should be on your list of the 10 things to do in Sighnaghi. St. Nino, who is deeply loved in Georgia, is buried here. She brought Christianity to Iberia and persuaded the native pagan monarch Mirian to adopt the new religion. Nino's grave can be found in the first temple at the entrance to the territory of the monastery. Additionally, there is a large observation platform and a small park with shade, both of which provide a good view of the Alazani Valley.
5. Wander around the evening city
Lantern light makes Signagi appear extremely enigmatic and romantic at night. You are surrounded by a cozy and magical ambiance as you go through stores, eateries, local wine cellars, and streets lit by lanterns. There is no doubt about what to do in Sighnaghi because shops and restaurants are open in the evening virtually until late at night, giving you a vast selection of locations for a leisurely dinner or busy shopping. You may see the entire city from a higher vantage point, where it will appear like a dazzling star flashing in the middle of the Alazani valley's vast plains at night.
6. Take a photo with the sculpture "Doctor on a donkey"
…Or just take a unique photo of this amusing monument! Many people mistake this sculpture for Don Quixote, but it's a local doctor making his way across the valley to his patients. The doctor is holding a huge bag in his left hand and a cane-shaped umbrella in his right. The explanation is simple: it's common for travelers on lengthy journeys to get trapped in heavy weather. Most visitors find it impossible to ignore this sculpture, which has turned into a lovely ornament for the heart of Sighnaghi. Many people rub the doctor's knees and the donkey's ears "for good luck."
7. Tasting wine at a local wine cellar
Wine from Kakheti is well-known across Georgia. In Sighnaghi, there are wonderful establishments with delicious food, attractive interiors, live music, and kind hosts. Each of them has outstanding wine, produced exclusively in Kakheti. Locals enjoy discussing winemaking, its techniques, and the variations in grape kinds. So, all connoisseurs of good wine can get invaluable information.
8. Visit the local history museum of Sighnaghi
It is a special location where you can view works by famous Georgian painters Lado Gudiashvili and Niko Pirosmani. It is a small museum with two floors. The first one contains household items and tools for winemaking from the Middle Ages. The second floor is devoted to paintings, where any connoisseur of genuine art will certainly be inspired by the creations of Georgian geniuses.
9. Hold an outdoor wedding ceremony and get married
The 24-hour registry office has contributed to Sighnaghi's recent rise to fame. You are able to get married here at any time of the day. At the same time, neighborhood eateries serve as sites for solemn ceremonies, where everything is in place to organize fantastic celebrations while enjoying lovely views of the Alazani Valley. Consequently, Sighnaghi may be one of the top venues for your wedding in Georgia.
10. Make friends with the locals!
Kakhetians are incredibly hospitable! Ask the locals of Sighnaghi about their customs, way of life, and daily routines; also inquire about how life operates in a tiny tourist town at various times of the year. I assure you that they will be appreciative of your curiosity and will share a wealth of fascinating tales with you. These passing acquaintances frequently develop into close friendships!
Be open to new experiences, carefully read the 10 things to do in Sighnaghi, and locals will share their warmth and genuine care with you no matter where you go.