About Sights – Khikhani Fortress

Khikhani Fortress (ხიხანის ციხესიმაგრე) in Khulo district of Ajara was built in the 13th century A.D. Inaccessible from three sides, the fortress occupied a strategic position and retained its military function for 700 years.

Khikhani Fortress. Photo courtesy of Cultural Heritage Preservation Agency of Ajara

It is believed that the site was originally occupied by a church (the Church of St. George) built in 1230 A.D. and the fortress was later built around it.

Khikhani Fortress_11 Photo courtesy of Cultural Heritage Preservation Agency of Ajara

Situated at a height of 2635 meters above sea level the fortress provides spectacular views.

Khikhani Fortress_3 Photo courtesy of Cultural Heritage Preservation Agency of Ajara

Tbel Abuseridze (Georgian: ტბელი აბუსერისძე) lived at Khikhani. Abuseridze was a scholar and religious writer, principally known for his treatise, The Complete Timekeeper, which contains information related to calendars, dates of ecclesiastic holidays, and tables of moon rise and moon set. The treatise was the first astronomical work of a theoretical nature produced in Georgia.

Khikhani Fortress_2 Photo courtesy of Cultural Heritage Preservation Agency of Ajara

Although in ruins today, visitors can see the remains of the rectangular towers, walls, a bakery, wine storage area, a water well and a church.

Khikhani Fortress_6 Photo courtesy of Cultural Heritage Preservation Agency of Ajara

How to get there? The fortress is situated near the village of Khikhadziri in Khulo district of Ajara, 125km from Batumi. Coordinates: 41.542278/42.563556.

Khikhani Fortress_12 Photo courtesy of Cultural Heritage Preservation Agency of Ajara

The views from Khikhani Fortress are spectacular!

Photos courtesy of Cultural Heritage Preservation Agency of Ajara.

facebook-logo-ga (1)CLICK on the logo to visit GEORGIA ABOUT on Facebook and see photos and news about Georgia. Click LIKE on the page and become a friend of GEORGIA ABOUT.

Comments
2 Responses to “About Sights – Khikhani Fortress”
  1. sorrygnat says:

    Bassa, you would make any old gal want to come to Georgia!

Leave a comment