One of the sights to see around Borjomi is Khertvisi Fortress. We like different castles, so we couldn’t miss this one!
We started our trip together with Vadim and Natalya, a family from Dnepropetrovsk. They made our trip more funny and interesting. Thank you, friends! 🙂
GPS coordinates for Garmin/Navitel: N41.479631, E43.285087
The Khertvisi name comes from the word designating the confluence of two rivers. In ancient times, during the march to the east, Alexander the Great was fighting under the fortress’ walls.
The fortress looks quite fine. Buildings that we can see nowadays were built between 10th and 19th centuries.
The territory consists of two main parts: the citadel citadel and the wall.
The Citadel stands on a narrow ledge that is protected by a high vertical cliff. Towers are also well protected.
A small church and some remains of other structures are located in the western part.
Standing out is the main tower – a building constructed of well-crafted and stacked stones.
Five-side turret protects the east side.
The fortress was supplied with drinking water through a tunnel attached from the north-west.
Khertvisi was built on a strategically important location, at the confluence of Mtkvari and Paravnistskali rivers. It was used to control roads leading to Armenia and Byzantium.
The fortress had many owners, so it was rebuilt frequently. In 1356, Zakaria Kamkamishvili, Treasurer of the King, built the tower and the wall.
In 16th century, the it belonged to the feudal family Hertvisari. In 1578 Turks captured Khertvisi with other fortresses of Samtskhe-Saatabago. In 1828-1829, after the victory of Russia over Turkey, the fortress was returned back to Georgia. By that time, Khertvisi, along with other Georgian fortresses, lost its strategic importance.
Walls are covered with flowers and trees.
While walking around, we found an interesting artificially made tool. This can be a part of fireplace, or the bottom part of millstones…
Those who likes hiking can use the route from the fortress plan!
And we’re going forward to see more Georgian sights.
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