Omalo & Keselo Fortress
ომალო და კესელოს ციხე
The central village of Tusheti. The stone towers of Keselo on Upper Omalo's ridge are the most iconic sight in Tusheti and the base for most visitors.
Omalo is split into Upper and Lower villages. Lower Omalo has the school, shops and most guesthouses. On the ridge of Upper Omalo stands Keselo Fortress, a group of shale stone towers built from the 13th century as shelters against invaders, including the Mongols. Some have been restored, and you can climb to the top of the towers for free to look over the river valley and the snow-capped mountains opposite. Beneath the towers is a small Tusheti folk museum. The towers look their best at sunrise and sunset. In early August the village holds the Tusheti Festival with horse races and folk performances. The walk from Lower Omalo to the fortress takes about 20 minutes.
Opening hours
Open all day (folk museum open in summer)