Georgia About

Petra Fortress (Georgian: პეტრას ციხე) is located in the village of Tsikhisdziri in the Kobuleti district of Ajara. Built during the 6th century A.D., it held an important strategic position at the crossroads of the route linking Georgia with Iran and Armenia. The fortress is one of the most significant monuments on the entire eastern coast of the Black Sea.

Photo courtesy of the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Georgia

Situated on a rocky outcrop beside the shore of the Black Sea, Petra was considered to be an impregnable fortress. Its name originated from the Greek word “Petra” – meaning rock, stone.

Some historians consider the fortress to be the “Hell’s Castle” referred to in the famous “The Knight in the Panther’s Skin” poem (Georgian: ვეფხისტყაოსანი) by Shota Rustaveli.

Archaeological excavations have revealed that the site has been settled since at least the Late Bronze Age.

Although the fortress is in ruins today, the remains of a small hall-style 10th century church can be found in the center of the complex.

A larger basilica-type church did exist on the site and is believed to be Petra Cathedral Church, which dates to the 6th century.

How to get there? The fortress is located in the village of Tsikhisdziti in Kobuleti Municipality in Ajara. The nearest town is Kobuleti (Georgian: ქობულეთი) (7 km). Distance from Batumi is 20 km. Distance from Tbilisi is 350 km.

Shuttle-bus- Tbilisi-Kobuleti-Batumi
Minibus – Tbilisi – Kobuleti- Batumi
Train – Tbilisi-Batumi

When is it open? Open: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM, six days per week; closed on Mondays.

Photo courtesy of the Cultural Heritage Preservation Agency of Ajara

Petra fortress is one of the most significant monuments on the entire eastern coast of the Black Sea.

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