The Ananuri Fortress, also known as the Ananuri Castle, was built in the 16th century and for two centuries served as the northern outpost of the defense of Transcaucasia, blocking the road from the Daryal Gorge. The seat of the Eristavate in the 17th century was the city of Dusheti, and the main road to the north passed through the narrow gorge of the Vedzatkhevi River, where a natural gate was formed at the confluence with the Aragvi River. At this strategically important place, the Ananuri fortress was erected, which became a reliable fortification.
Historical information about the life of the inhabitants of the fortress before the 1720s is scarce. It is known that the fortress protected the central part of the Eristavate, covering the retreat of local residents to the mountains. More detailed information about the events associated with Ananuri can be found in the historian Vakhushti, who describes the enmity of the Eristavis in the 18th century. In 1739, the fortress was taken by storm by the Ksani eristav Shanshe, after which the city and its inhabitants suffered significant destruction.
In 1795, the defenders of the fortress successfully resisted the troops of Aga-Magomed Khan, preventing them from going up the gorge. At the beginning of the 19th century, after Georgia annexed Russia, a Russian garrison was constantly stationed here, guarding the main road connecting Georgia with Russia and maintaining order in the region. In 1812, the fortress withstood the uprising of the highlanders, which was brutally suppressed.
On the territory of the citadel there is a tower with a pyramidal roof, the temple-tomb of the Eristavis of Gvtaeb (XVI-XVII centuries), the Temple of the Assumption (1689), traces of a pool and baths. In the lower fortification, the single-nave Mkurnali Church with a bell tower (XVI-XVII centuries) has been preserved. The Ananuri Fortress has been proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Historians, architectural researchers and tourists interested in the history of Georgia should visit the Ananuri fortress. This place offers a unique opportunity to get acquainted with historical monuments and fortifications preserved from ancient times, and enjoy the picturesque views of the medieval fortress against the backdrop of the nature of Transcaucasia.
