Warm and welcoming, Georgia is a treasure trove of cultural and natural wonders, proudly featuring several UNESCO World Heritage Sites that captivate every traveler. From the ancient temples of Mtskheta to the breathtaking Gelati Monastery, the stunning landscapes of Upper Svaneti, and the unique rainforests and wetlands of Kolkheti, Georgia’s diverse beauty is nothing short of remarkable. Among its most celebrated intangible cultural heritage is the renowned Georgian polyphony, a musical tradition that resonates globally.
Georgia’s UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage encompasses four distinct sites:
Georgian Polyphonic Singing: Recognized as a masterpiece of humanity’s oral intangible heritage in 2001 and officially added to UNESCO’s representative list in 2008, this unique form of choral singing is a cornerstone of Georgian culture.
Ancient Georgian Traditional Qvevri Wine-Making Method: This ancient practice, included in 2013, highlights Georgia’s deep-rooted wine culture, where every meal is complemented by the country’s exquisite wines.
Living Culture of Three Writing Systems of the Georgian Alphabet: Added in 2016, this living tradition showcases the unique scripts that define the Georgian language and its literary heritage.
Chidaoba, Traditional Georgian Wrestling: Recognized in 2018, Chidaoba reflects the athletic prowess and cultural significance of wrestling in Georgia.
Choral singing holds a special place in Georgian culture, characterized by a distinctive vocal technique where multiple voices harmonize using neighboring notes. Initially rooted in folk traditions, polyphonic singing found its way into the church following Georgia’s adoption of Christianity. Today, there are approximately 15 distinct styles of Georgian polyphonic singing, each with its own unique flavor and significance.
Georgia is celebrated for its exceptional wine production, with wine being an essential part of every meal. The Qvevri wine-making method involves using large clay vessels known as qvevri, in which wine is both aged and stored. Grapes are placed inside the qvevri, which is then buried underground, allowing the wine to ferment for a minimum of six months before it is ready to be enjoyed. This ancient tradition of crafting qvevri and the intricate winemaking process have been lovingly passed down through generations, preserving a vital aspect of Georgian culture.
Georgia boasts three active alphabets: Mkhedruli (the primary script), Nuskhuri, and Mrvlovani. The origins of the first alphabet date back to at least the 5th century, influenced by Greek and Aramaic scripts. Notably, none of these alphabets utilize capital letters; all writing is done in lowercase. Georgian is considered a manageable language to learn, and all three scripts are taught in early education, with Mkhedruli receiving in-depth study while the others are introduced at a basic level.
Chidaoba, a traditional form of Georgian wrestling, has ancient roots that have evolved over time from a combat technique into a celebrated sport. This unique discipline combines wrestling in traditional attire with elements of dance, creating a vibrant spectacle. Competitions are typically accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of the Georgian dole drum and the zurna, a traditional wind instrument. There are over 200 techniques in Georgian wrestling, some of which have influenced the development of modern combat sports like sambo.
In 2011, the Georgian government established its own register of intangible cultural heritage, encompassing nearly 50 unique sites. This register includes traditional dances, cheese-making, the culture of Lagidze water, Svan cuisine, Kakhetian churchkhela, khachapuri traditions, and much more.
Discover more about Georgia’s tangible UNESCO World Heritage Sites.