Khertvisi Fortress — Attraction in Samtskhe-Javakheti

Khertvisi fortress is situated on the high rocky hill in the narrow canyon at the confluence of the rivers Mtkvari and Paravani.

It is composed of the citadel with towers and the lower yard, surrounding the citadel from the south and east. The citadel, resting on the mountain top, is itself made of smaller separate parts. Two tunnels from the north lead down to the river.

In the 10th-11th centuries it was the center of Meskheti region. During the 12th century it became a town. In the 13th century Mongols destroyed it and until the 15th century it lost its power. According the inscription on a stone, found in the fortress, significant reconstruction was made by Zakari Kamkamishvili in 1354-1356. From the end of the 13th up to the 15th century it was owned by Meskheti landlords from Jakeli family. In the 16th century the southern region of Georgia was invaded by Turks. During next 300 years they have owned Khertvisi too. In 1624 the fortress was temporarily taken by Giorgi Saakadze. Another successful though again temporary attempt was made by the King...

Khertvisi fortress (Georgian: ხერთვისის ციხე) is situated in the Meskheti region of southern Georgia. Its strategic location guards the road connecting the towns of Akhalkalaki and Akhaltsikhe. A fortification was first built on the site in the 2nd century BC but was reputedly destroyed by Alexander the Great. The present fortress dates from the fourteenth century. Situated on a high rocky outcrop the fortress overlooks the village of Khertvisi at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Paravani Rivers. At more than 150 meters along and more than 30 meters wide Khertvisi is one of the biggest fortresses in Georgia. Its 1.5 meter thick walls stretch up to 20 meters high. According to legend, a master stonemason and an apprentice entered a competition held by Queen Tamar to see who could build the best tower. The apprentice won and the dejected master stonemason jumped from one of the towers and died impaled on the knife...

Perched above the confluence of the Paravani and Mtkvari rivers, this grand, towering fortress stands as a monument to the brilliance of its builders and the unyielding spirit of its defenders. Its imposing silhouette dominates the landscape, both beautiful and mysterious, inviting visitors to imagine the epic battles it has witnessed and the hardships weathered within its ancient walls. Strategically positioned to guard the river valleys, the fortress played a crucial role in protecting the region from southern invasions. Alongside the nearby Tmogvi Castle, it formed part of a formidable defensive chain that deterred enemy advances for centuries. You can explore the site for a modest entrance fee, which contributes to the ongoing preservation of this remarkable piece of...