Georgia is a country with a thousand-year history, where fortresses and castles played a key role in protecting territories and preserving culture. These fortresses are not just stone walls, but living witnesses of heroic battles, political intrigues and cultural diversity. They tell about the difficult fate of the Georgian people and still amaze with their grandeur and architecture.
Georgia is a country with a thousand-year history, where fortresses and castles played a key role in protecting territories and preserving culture. These fortresses are not just stone walls, but living witnesses of heroic battles, political intrigues and cultural diversity. They tell about the difficult fate of the Georgian people and still amaze with their grandeur and architecture.
In this article, I will tell you about the most significant fortresses of Georgia, their historical significance, unique architectural features, and also tell you in detail how to get to them so that you can plan your trip as conveniently and interestingly as possible.
Narikala — an ancient fortress above Tbilisi
History and architecture
Narikala is one of the most ancient and iconic fortresses in Georgia. Its history begins in the 4th century, when King Vakhtang Gorgasali founded a defensive structure here to protect the future capital from raids. Over the centuries, the fortress was rebuilt, expanded and modernized many times — by the Arabs, Mongols, Persians, and Ottomans.
In the 19th century, after a powerful earthquake, the fortress was badly damaged, and today only part of the walls and towers remain. Nevertheless, Narikala continues to occupy an important place in the heart of the city and is a popular tourist attraction.
Features
The main gate is located on the southern side, where traces of ancient battles are visible.
The fortress offers a breathtaking view of the old city, the Kura River and modern neighborhoods.
Nearby is a botanical garden and the Church of St. Nicholas, revived on the site of an ancient temple.
How to get there
It is convenient to get to Narikala on foot from the center of Tbilisi (Freedom Square, Rustaveli Avenue). The climb takes 20-30 minutes and goes through picturesque streets. An alternative option is the cable car from the botanical garden, which is a tourist attraction in itself.
Rabati Fortress in Akhaltsikhe — cultural diversity and medieval power
History
Rabati is one of the largest and best-preserved castles in Georgia, built in the 13th century at a strategically important crossroads of trade routes. Throughout its history, the fortress changed hands: from the Georgian kings to the Ottomans and back.
At the beginning of the 21st century, the fortress was extensively restored taking into account historical details, which turned it into a tourist complex with a mosque, an Orthodox church, baths and museums.
Architectural features
A mix of architectural styles: medieval Georgian towers, an Ottoman mosque, an Armenian church.
The fortress houses exhibition halls and cultural centers.
The powerful fortress walls are surrounded by picturesque gardens.
How to get there
Akhaltsikhe is located in southwestern Georgia, approximately 230 km from Tbilisi. You can get there by car (about 4 hours) via mountain roads, or by bus from Tbilisi. It is convenient to move around the city on foot.
Ananuri — a fortress on the Georgian Military Road
History
Ananuri is a unique complex of several fortifications and churches built in the 16th century. The fortress served as a strategic point for control over the Georgian Military Road, connecting Eastern Georgia with the North Caucasus.
Ananuri participated in many military conflicts and was rebuilt several times.
Features
The fortress is surrounded by fortress walls with battle towers.
On the territory there are two ancient churches with beautiful carved stone reliefs and frescoes.
The territory offers a view of the Zhinvali Reservoir and the mountains.
How to get there
Ananuri is located only 70 km from Tbilisi along the Georgian Military Road (E60). The best way to get there is by car or a sightseeing bus. You can also take a minibus to the village of Zhinvali, from where the fortress is about 2 km on foot.