SAINT-STÉPHANE CHURCH

This church has an excellent camouflage: a fortified tower integrated into the fortifications! The camouflage is so good that you're likely to walk right past the building without noticing it. It was dedicated to Saint Stephen, one of the thirteen Assyrian fathers responsible for the Christianization of Georgia.

It was built in the ^18th century in the largest defensive tower, known as the "King's Tower". Although severely damaged during the Soviet era, the sanctuary has now been restored. From the church, you can climb the tower for an exceptional view of the valley.