Sno Castle

Sno Castle lies in the village of the same name, in the Kazbegi municipality in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region in Georgia.

When Sno Castle was built is unknown. Comparative analysis showed it was probably built in the 2nd half of the 16th century, or maybe the early 17th century. Nothing is known about its history either. It was only mentioned once during the early 1730s.

The castle is sometimes also known as Gudushauri Castle as it was part of the belongings of Shiola Gudushauri. He was a 17th century fighter of the local Khevsur people, Georgian highlanders, who distinguished himself while the Khevi fought off an invasion of Leks, a group name for Islamic highlanders from the Northern Caucasus, who frequently raided the area during the 17th and 18th century. Shiola accepted a noble title from the King for his bravery. But as the Khevsurs didn't accept the establishment of inequality amongst their own in terms of rights, Shiola was subsequently executed.

Sno Castle was built on a rock next to the Snostskali River. It is small, with its walls following the outline of the rock. A slender square tower served as a keep.

At present Sno Castle is freely accessible and part of a very small village park. The tower is inaccessible, sadly enough. A very nice castle ruin.

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