As a tribute to the Region of Svaneti, and thanks to the Author and Publisher's kind concessions, the Embassy of Italy to Georgia has published on its Website www.ambtbilisi.esteri.it an article by Italian architect Vincenzo Pavan, "Svaneti Towers, Fortified Stone Villages in the Caucasus". The article has been published in the volume "Glocal Stone" by "VeronaFiere - 46th Marmomacc Fair", a prestigious Fair for operators in the marble sector which took place in Verona, Italy, from 21st to 24th September 2011.
The article describes the characteristics of the Svaneti Towers, highlighting their uses and construction procedures, presenting photographs, maps, and drawings. A section is dedicated to Vittorio Sella, an eminent Italian photographer, alpinist and explorer who made a very important contribution to the awareness of Svanetian vernacular architecture.
On the occasion of the 46th Marmomacc Fair, the Svaneti Towers received the "Vernacular Architecture" award of the 2011 Edition of the International Award Architecture in Stone. The Award, ever since it was created in 1987, has been a fundamental guide in the world of architecture and design that searches for new directions and experiences in use of lithic materials, marrying professional expertise with innovation.
Upper Svaneti, lying against the majestic peaks of the Great Caucasus, is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1966.
A direct link to the article is available on the Embassy's homepage www.ambtbilisi.esteri.it
