Visiting Khertvisi Fortress, Georgia

July 2019 · 2 min read · Samtskhe-Javakheti

Khertvisi is one of the most ancient, biggest and remained well enough fortresses in Georgia. Its walls witnessed the battle of Alexander the Great of Macedon...

I visited many awesome landmarks on my first and so far the only trip to Georgia. We passed the citadel on the way to cave monastery in Vardzia, and decided to explore it on the way back. The weather suddenly turned cloudy, the light was like it is in the end of day.

So it all looks a bit creepy and grim at my pictures. But it is a very nice place, and easy to get to. Also, there is a snack shop Cafe Tourist at the start of the path. When we were there, a cash box was closed, and we freely got inside.

According to Georgian chroniclers, the fortress was constructed in the 4th-3rd centuries B.C. on a rocky crag above the meeting of the Paravani and Mtkvari Rivers, in Southern Georgia. Its name (as well as name of the village beneath) comes from the word that designates confluence of rivers.

The strategic location determined its purpose - to guard the road connecting Armenia and Byzantium.

They say it stood on the Great Silk Road, I suppose from East through Georgia to Turkey.

Some sources say that Khertvisi was destroyed by Alexander the Great. In the 13th century Khertvisi was destroyed by Mongols, later in 1578 was seized by Turks.

Of course, due to these events Fortress changed its appearance several times during the long life. Significant renovation work has been performed in 10th and 14th centuries and progressively grew into a city.

From the eastern wall two secret passages go down to the river. One was used for water, the other served as a communication system. There are ruins of a church within the walls dated to 985. Two big towers (main towers) of citadel were built in the time of Queen Tamara (1184-1212).