Diklo

The Village Diklo (42°23′48″ N, 45°41′18″ E) is located in eastern Georgia, in the municipality of Akhmeta, Kakheti region, in the historical-geographical region of Tusheti, in Chaghma community, at 2155m above sea level, on the river Tusheti, in Alazani Gorge.
The Village Diklo is under the jurisdiction of the Alaverdi Diocese of the Georgian Patriarchate. Diklo consists of 2 main parts: Village Diklo (at an altitude of 2155m) and Diklo Fortress (at an altitude of 2130m) 2.5 km away from the village, which is a real cultural heritage site of national importance.
Until the 19th century, the Village Diklo was located on a steep cliff, two kilometers away from what is now current Diklo and it was destroyed by a Dagestani invasion. There is a legend about the fall of Diklo, according to which, at the beginning of the nineteenth century, for 18 days, 16 Diklo dwellers captured the 10,000-manned strong enemy army that invaded the valley (although historians say this number is false and their actual number did not exceed 4,000). Right after Diklo fell, the village also changed location, or rather revived on another slope. Later, the enemy was coming in less and less, and defense was no longer necessary. Consequently, people also chose an easily accessible place. Old Diklo became a legend.

Today's Diklo is located on a mountain slope. Its basic structure is not distinctive, although the individual micro-districts are formed as a complete architectural ensemble.
From the village you can reach Diklo Fortress by hiking trail (2.3 km). The castle is currently in ruins, but due to its unique location and structural features, we can assume that in case of restoration we will have a unique architectural ensemble (archeological excavations and restoration works to be carried out).
Inside the village itself, an urban fabric consisting of several buildings are formed into small neighborhoods.
There is a border checkpoint near the Diklo Fortress. According to the border guards, this is where the neutral territory with Russia begins. Near Diklo there are also sulfur mineral springs, which are often visited by tourists.
There are some guesthouses in the village.

References: Spatial-territorial planning of Akhmeta municipality and Tusheti. Studio 21
Photo: Studio 21