# Sighnaghi Municipality - URL: https://explore-georgia.ge/en/municipalities/sighnaghi-municipality - Type: municipality - Region: Kakheti ## History Sighnaghi Municipality lies in south-eastern **Kakheti**, with the hilltop town of **Sighnaghi** as its administrative centre, about 113 km south-east of Tbilisi at roughly 790 m above sea level. The municipality covers about 1,250 km², from the **Alazani Valley** in the north-east, across the low **Gombori Range**, to the dry **Iori Plateau** in the south-west; floodplain forests line the Alazani. Sighnaghi borders Gurjaani, Sagarejo, Lagodekhi and Dedoplistskaro municipalities and **Azerbaijan**. The area corresponds to the historic land of **Kiziqi**, and the town was known locally as Kambechovani and later Kisiki. A settlement here is recorded in the early 18th century, but Sighnaghi took shape in **1762**, when King **Erekle II** sponsored the construction of a fortress to protect the population from raids. The town walls are about 4 km long, with 23 towers and six gates; many towers are named after nearby villages whose residents sheltered here. Under Russian rule Sighnaghi received town status in **1802**, and in 1812 its people took part in the Kakheti uprising. Just 2 km from the town stands **Bodbe Monastery**, one of Georgia’s most important pilgrimage sites. According to tradition, **St Nino**, who converted Georgia to Christianity, died here in the 4th century and is buried in the monastery founded by King Mirian III. The present church dates from the 9th century and was rebuilt in the 17th; the bell tower was added in 1862–1885, and since 1991 Bodbe has been an active convent. The municipality also includes the **Khirsa** monastery and the church of St John the Baptist in **Vakiri**. Since the restoration that began in 2007, Sighnaghi has become one of Kakheti’s most popular destinations, often called the “City of Love” for its romantic atmosphere and wedding registry. Its cobbled streets, balconied houses, museum and walls open onto sweeping views of the Alazani Valley and the Greater Caucasus. The municipality is also a wine area and includes the protected appellation **Tibaani**. For travellers, Sighnaghi is perfect for a slow stay: walk along the walls and towers, visit Bodbe, enjoy local wine and Kakhetian food, and watch the sunset over the Alazani Valley. It also makes a convenient base for trips to Dedoplistskaro and Vashlovani, Gurjaani’s wineries and the David Gareja area. ## FAQ **1) Where is Sighnaghi Municipality located?** In south-eastern Kakheti, about 113 km south-east of Tbilisi. **2) What is the administrative centre?** The hilltop town of Sighnaghi, at about 790 m above sea level. **3) When were the Sighnaghi walls built?** In 1762, under King Erekle II. **4) How long are the town walls?** About 4 km, with 23 towers and six gates. **5) Why is Sighnaghi called the City of Love?** For its romantic atmosphere and wedding registry, popular since the restoration that began in 2007. **6) What is Bodbe Monastery?** The monastery where, according to tradition, St Nino is buried; it is 2 km from Sighnaghi. **7) When did Sighnaghi become a town?** In 1802. **8) Which wine appellation is in Sighnaghi Municipality?** Tibaani. **9) What views can be seen from Sighnaghi?** Panoramic views of the Alazani Valley and the Greater Caucasus. **10) Where can I find official municipal information?** On the municipality’s official website. ## Sources - [Sighnaghi Municipality (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sighnaghi_Municipality) - [Sighnaghi (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sighnaghi) - [Sighnaghi — Georgia Travel](https://georgia.travel/en/cities-towns/sighnaghi) - [Bodbe Monastery (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodbe_Monastery) - [List of Georgian wine appellations (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Georgian_wine_appellations) ## Settlements - [Anaga](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sighnaghi-municipality/anaga): Discover Anaga, a village in Sighnaghi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Bodbiskhevi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sighnaghi-municipality/bodbiskhevi): Discover Bodbiskhevi, a village in Sighnaghi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Dzveli Anaga](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sighnaghi-municipality/dzveli-anaga): Discover Dzveli Anaga, a village in Sighnaghi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Erisimedi](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sighnaghi-municipality/erisimedi): Discover Erisimedi, a village in Sighnaghi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Iliatsminda](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sighnaghi-municipality/iliatsminda): Discover Iliatsminda, a village in Sighnaghi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Jugaani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sighnaghi-municipality/jugaani): Discover Jugaani, a village in Sighnaghi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khirsa](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sighnaghi-municipality/khirsa): Discover Khirsa, a village in Sighnaghi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Khornabuji](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sighnaghi-municipality/khornabuji): Discover Khornabuji, a village in Sighnaghi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kvemo Bodbe](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sighnaghi-municipality/kvemo-bodbe): Discover Kvemo Bodbe, a village in Sighnaghi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kvemo Machkhaani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sighnaghi-municipality/kvemo-machkhaani): Discover Kvemo Machkhaani, a village in Sighnaghi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Kvemo Magharo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sighnaghi-municipality/kvemo-magharo): Discover Kvemo Magharo, a village in Sighnaghi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Mashnaari](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sighnaghi-municipality/mashnaari): Discover Mashnaari, a village in Sighnaghi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Nukriani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sighnaghi-municipality/nukriani): Discover Nukriani, a village in Sighnaghi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Qaraghaji](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sighnaghi-municipality/qaraghaji): Discover Qaraghaji, a village in Sighnaghi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Sakobo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sighnaghi-municipality/sakobo): Discover Sakobo, a village in Sighnaghi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Tibaani](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sighnaghi-municipality/tibaani): Discover Tibaani, a village in Sighnaghi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Vakiri](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sighnaghi-municipality/vakiri): Discover Vakiri, a village in Sighnaghi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zemo Bodbe](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sighnaghi-municipality/zemo-bodbe): Discover Zemo Bodbe, a village in Sighnaghi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. - [Zemo Magharo](https://explore-georgia.ge/en/kakheti/sighnaghi-municipality/zemo-magharo): Discover Zemo Magharo, a village in Sighnaghi Municipality, Kakheti. View location, basic details and map on Explore Georgia. ## This page in other languages - [Georgian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ka/municipalitetebi/sighnaghi-municipality) - [Russian](https://explore-georgia.ge/ru/municipalitety/sighnaghi-municipality)