If you’re into massive Soviet-era infrastructure or just enjoy exploring places with a bit of history behind them, the Enguri Dam in Georgia is something you have to see. It’s one of the tallest arch dams in the world—271.5 meters high and 728 meters long—and even though it’s still fully operational, there’s something haunting about it. Maybe it’s the sheer scale of it, or maybe it’s the story of what’s been left behind. Either way, this place is worth the trip.
The dam was built during the Soviet era and was finally completed in 1987 after decades of work. It was designed to harness the power of the Enguri River, supplying around 40% of Georgia’s electricity even today. To make it work, they constructed a 20-kilometer underground tunnel—yes, 20 kilometers—to send water to a hydroelectric power plant located in Abkhazia. This setup is still running, and it’s fascinating when you think about how much effort went into building it back then. But the real twist is how this dam quietly connects two regions that, let’s just say, don’t have the smoothest political relationship. Regardless of the tensions, they rely on this thing to keep the lights on.
What I find just as interesting as the dam itself is the town next to it. Back when construction began in the 1960s, they built an entire workers’ village for the thousands of people who worked on the project. There were apartments, schools, shops, and everything else you’d need to create a little community in the middle of nowhere. Fast forward to today, and most of that town is abandoned. The empty buildings are still standing, and walking through them gives you this strange feeling—like you can almost hear the echoes of the lives that were once lived there.
Visiting the dam itself is incredible, though. The scale of it is hard to wrap your head around until you’re standing in front of it. You can’t access the inside (it’s still a working facility), but just walking along the top or standing at the base of this giant wall of concrete is enough to blow your mind. The reservoir is massive—over a billion cubic meters of water—and the views of the surrounding mountains are stunning, especially on a clear day.
Getting there isn’t too complicated, but you’ll need your own car or a solid plan since public transport won’t take you all the way. The roads to the dam are decent, but it’s a bit remote, so it’s a good idea to download maps or plan your route ahead of time. Also, don’t expect much in terms of facilities nearby, so bring snacks and water if you’re spending the day.
