Sighnaghi

Perched gracefully on the gentle slopes of the Gombori Ridge, Sighnaghi is a gem of a town, radiant with charm and poetry. Its terraced streets and breathtaking scenery evoke the essence of southern Europe — winding cobblestone alleys, sun-drenched red-tiled rooftops, sprawling vineyards, and the aroma of romance lingering in the air. As you wander its meandering lanes, it’s easy to imagine yourself in a quiet Italian village rather than the Georgian countryside. And when you climb one of the old fortress towers that still embrace the town like a protective necklace, you feel the horizon pull you toward an invisible sea. Built on natural terraces, Sighnaghi is especially stunning when viewed from one of its many panoramic viewpoints — a place where every frame becomes a postcard.

Locals, tourists, tour guides, and even international travel authorities all agree: Sighnaghi is Georgia’s City of Love. And for good reason. The town radiates a gentle, romantic allure that touches the soul. There’s even a 24-hour wedding registry office where couples can marry at any hour — spontaneously, passionately, without any prior appointment.

But the town’s most famous love story is immortalized in legend — the tale of world-renowned Georgian painter Niko Pirosmani, a native son of this region. As the story goes, the talented yet impoverished artist fell in love with a beautiful French actress, Marguerite de Sèvres. To win her heart, Pirosmani sold all his belongings and spent everything he had on a million scarlet roses — her favorite flower. This poignant act of love inspired poems, ballads, and the famous Soviet-era song “A Million Scarlet Roses” performed by Alla Pugacheva, turning the legend into eternal folklore.

Curiously, despite its ancient appearance, little is known about Sighnaghi’s early history. What we do know begins in the era of King Erekle II in the mid-18th century. Determined to protect the Kakheti region from highland invasions, the king commissioned the construction of a formidable fortress. Built possibly upon the remains of older structures, Sighnaghi’s citadel was soon regarded by contemporary travelers as one of the most impregnable strongholds in Georgia.

In the 19th century, Sighnaghi, along with the rest of Georgia, became part of the Russian Empire. The town was renamed “Signakh” and designated as the administrative center of the Signakhsky Uyezd within the Georgian Governorate. During the Soviet period, Sighnaghi was reduced to the status of a rural settlement, and it is only in the modern era that it has undergone a renaissance — a full-scale revival as a destination of culture, beauty, and romance.

• Though modest in size, Sighnaghi stands proudly as one of Georgia’s top tourist destinations — the calling card of Kakheti. Travelers from across the globe arrive here in search of those idyllic, postcard-perfect views.

• The town’s location is as unique as it is dramatic — built along the slopes of the Gombori Range above the Alazani Valley, offering breathtaking views of the majestic Greater Caucasus Mountains from nearly every lookout.

• The centerpiece of Sighnaghi is its fortress, a historical marvel built in the mid-18th century under the direction of King Erekle II.

• Much of the ancient fortress wall has survived the centuries, and visitors can still walk along its passages and climb the old towers to take in the stunning vistas.

• The town’s terraced architecture, with its tapestry of narrow alleys and warm-hued rooftops, creates a mosaic-like effect — as if painted by an artist’s hand.

• Sighnaghi is rightly called Georgia’s City of Love — not only for its enchanting ambiance but also for the unforgettable story of Pirosmani’s devotion to Marguerite.

• The works of Niko Pirosmani, Georgia’s most beloved painter, can be admired in the Sighnaghi Museum, adding cultural depth to the town’s romantic atmosphere.

• Capture the magic: Pose for a photo session that looks straight out of Italy, framed by the town’s panoramic rooftops, winding alleys, and luminous light. Several viewing platforms throughout Sighnaghi are perfectly designed for this.

• Walk the walls: Climb the ancient fortress, explore its corridors, and marvel at the strength of this once-mighty citadel — one of the most powerful in Georgia.

• Dine at twilight: Stroll through the cozy streets at dusk, then enjoy dinner at a terrace café as the town sparkles beneath a canopy of stars. Sighnaghi by night is simply irresistible.

• Fall in love with a legend: Listen to the tales of Pirosmani’s unrequited love and the million scarlet roses — a real-life story behind a timeless song.

• Explore Georgian art: Visit the Sighnaghi Museum to view Pirosmani’s evocative works — a window into the soul of Georgia’s most iconic painter.

• Experience vineyard life: Journey through the Alazani Valley, snap photos in the lush vineyards, and if you’re lucky, join in the grape harvest. The picking season runs from September through October.

• Honor a saint: Make a pilgrimage to the nearby Bodbe Monastery to pay respects at the tomb of Saint Nino, the beloved enlightener of Georgia. Her relics rest in this sacred site just outside Sighnaghi.

Sighnaghi is the perfect starting point for those eager to discover the beauty and romance of Georgia’s Kakheti region. Begin your journey with a leisurely walking tour through Sighnaghi — a picturesque town perched on the slopes of the Gombori Ridge, often likened to southern Italian villages for its winding cobblestone streets, terraced architecture, and tiled rooftops glowing in warm shades of red and orange.

From there, make your way to Telavi, the historic capital of Kakheti. This ancient city offers a rich tapestry of Georgian history and culture. The surroundings of Telavi are a treasure trove of attractions — from sprawling vineyards and celebrated wineries to medieval churches, cathedrals, and monastic complexes that reflect centuries of spiritual and architectural heritage.

Among the region’s highlights are the Gremi Fortress, a majestic remnant of Georgia’s royal past; the Nekresi and Ikalto Monasteries, steeped in monastic tradition and historical intrigue; and the Alaverdi Cathedral, a stunning example of Georgian ecclesiastical architecture that towers over the surrounding plains. To truly experience these cultural landmarks, allow yourself at least two to three days.

If this isn’t your first visit to Kakheti, consider diving deeper into its aristocratic and spiritual legacy. A trip to the Chavchavadze family estate in Tsinandali offers a glimpse into noble Georgian life, complete with elegant gardens and a historic winery. For a more contemplative experience, travel to the edge of the desert to explore the awe-inspiring David Gareja Monastery Complex, carved into the cliffs and echoing with centuries of silence and devotion.

The easiest route to Sighnaghi is from Tbilisi, with the City of Love lying just over 100 kilometers east of the capital. The most convenient option is to take a marshrutka (minibus), which departs from the Samgori metro station, where you’ll find a small adjoining bus terminal of the same name.

Marshrutkas to Sighnaghi run every two hours between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM. The ride takes approximately 2.5 hours, offering scenic views of the Georgian countryside along the way. Your journey will end near the “Populi” supermarket on Baratashvili Street, a short walk from Sighnaghi’s central streets and panoramic viewpoints.