About Sights – Akhaltsikhe Fortress
Akhaltsikhe (Georgian: ახალციხე, literally new castle); also known as Lomsia, is a small city in Georgia’s southwestern region of Samtskhe-Javakheti. Established around 800 years ago, it has had Georgian, Ottoman, Russian and Soviet rulers.
The city is situated on both banks of the river Potskhovi, which separates the old city in the north and new in the south. The old city houses a 13th-14th century fortress, a mosque and a church.
The fortress is currently undergoing extensive restoration.
Detail of the craftsmanship of the restoration
What else is there in the vicinity? About 10-12 km outside of Akhaltsikhe is the magnificent Sapara Monastery (საფარის მონასტერი), almost hidden in the forests and the Khertvisi Fortress (ხერთვისის ციხე) perched on an outcrop overlooking the village of Khertvisi. The outcrop was used as a fortress from the second century B.C., and was reputedly destroyed by Alexander the Great.
How to get there? Most western visitors arrive in Akhaltsikhe from Posof in Turkey, the backdoor route over the mountains into Georgia. If you are already in Georgia and want to visit, the principal road route to Akhaltsikhe runs from Georgia’s main East-West highway (E60) at the spur in Khashuri leading to Borjomi. Marshrutkas (minibuses) run to Akhaltsikhe’s main market/bus station from Tbilisi’s Didube market, as well as from the bus stations in Kutaisi and Khashuri. Akhaltsikhe is connected to the main Batumi–Tbilisi–Baku railroad by a spur through Borjomi ending in Akhaltsikhe.
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About News – Charles Aznavour sings at opening ceremony of restored Rabati Castle « Georgia About says:
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[…] when its Ottoman defenders were attacked by a Russo-Georgian army that had also marched against Akhaltsikhe, the main Ottoman stronghold in […]
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Georgia has some amazingly beautiful structures both old and new. It is wonderful that they are restoring these places. I would love to be able to see everything in person. Terrific pictures! Hugs
Thank you Chancy, Mumsy and Crew. I would love to be able to show you this magnificent fortress in person!
WOW!!! I love the old Castles and Fortresses!!! Great post and please know I love learning about Georgian History! 🙂
Georgia has many ancient castles and fortifications Chuck. I will be posting more about them!
This fortress is beautiful, and looks like it could be fun.
Thank you Lynlee. The castles are often perched on the top of mountains and often have stunning views. When you stand on the battlements you can imagine the brave Georgians fighting to repel invaders of their country.
What beautiful architecture! I hope there will be future posts as the restoration is completed.
It will look stunning once the restoration is complete and I am looking forward to posting more pictures.
That mosaic lined pool is so beautiful. Wonderful photos!
It is beautiful. It is a very sympathetic restoration with many craftsmen working on it.
I love the close up of the detail!
The craftsmanship is superb!
You have such beautiful old buildings, what a lovely place to live.
They are lovely and there are so many of them Jodi. We also like the modern, futuristic buildings
Reblogged this on Slikk Baltimore Journal.