Svaneti is a historical region in Georgia, located in the northwestern part of the country. It is inhabited by the Svans, an ethnic subgroup of Georgians. Surrounded by mountains ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 meters in height, Svaneti is the highest inhabited region in Europe.

Mestia serves as the capital of Upper Svaneti, with a population of approximately 1,900 residents. The town is characterized by the presence of stone defensive towers, which are a common sight in Ushguli and Mestia itself, known as "Svan towers." A typical Svan fortified residence included a tower, an adjoining house (machubi), and various other domestic structures enclosed by a defensive wall.