It is estimated that Svaneti was Christianised between 523 and 530. Most people in Svaneti are Orthodox Christians. Despite the fact that Svaneti is sparsely populated, there are many, although small, churches.  As opposed to many other old churches in Georgia, the crosses and icons from the churches in Svaneti have not been taken to museums. They still hang as invaluable treasures in the old Svan churches. Some churches also contain pagan symbols from the time before Svaneti was Christianised. They include churches that are decorated with sculptures of stags, deers and mountain goats.