Travel Guide Chenako

Close to the border of Russian Dagestan, dominated by the summit of the Diklo, it is a superb stone village with the only ancient church in the region, dating from the 16th century. Many of the affected villages traditionally had two of them: a winter village, down below, easily accessible, with houses side by side. The snow prevented attacks by enemies from the North Caucasus, Dagestanese or Chechens. The summer villages were defensive, perched high, with houses close together to facilitate defence. Nowadays, winter villages have often disappeared. Chenako is one of the last witnesses. It is one of the most beautiful and most populated villages in Touchetie, but it is accessible only by 4 x 4.