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Historic Dartlo village – located in Tusheti (Georgian: თუშეთი) in north-eastern Georgia – is the focus of new restoration work that will repair many of the buildings in the village and restore traditional features, such as slate roofs. The restoration of 28 houses within the current stage is set to be completed later this year. The initiative is co-financed by the World Bank and the Georgian Government.

Dartlo Village in Tusheti

The historic region of Tusheti (Georgian: თუშეთი) is famous for its villages of fortress-houses and fortified towers.

Dartlo Village in Tusheti

Tusheti’s vernacular architecture is based on local needs. Construction materials and traditional dwellings were largely built using dry construction methods with stone walls and roofs made from large natural slates. Timber work was often highly decorated with painted carvings and fretwork.

Restoration of vernacular buildings in Dartlo

Restoration of vernacular buildings in Dartlo

Traditional house in Dartlo

Restoring traditional buildings in Dartlo village

There are three main types of dwellings in Dartlo: Traditional, Transitional and Modern. The traditional type, fortress-houses, have between 2-6 floors and an attached fortified tower.

Dartlo village in Tusheti

The transitional type of housing is similar to the traditional fortress-houses but often have roofed balconies and additional constructions for storage. This type is called “Karseani”.

The historic village of Dartlo in Tusheti

A medieval fortified tower in Dartlo village

Photo source: Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia.

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