Khornabuji Castle in Kakheti: 3,000-Year History above the Alazani

In 1858, Alexandre Dumas traveled through the Caucasus and, along with other Georgian landmarks, visited the Khornabuji Fortress. The French writer was delighted by the fortress's grandeur. Hungarian artist Mihály Zichy, while creating illustrations for the poem "The Knight in the Panther's Skin," used Khornabuji to depict Kajeti Castle.

The grandiose fortress complex of Khornabuji (Choeti, Tamara) is located 5 kilometers from Dedoplistskaro.

Along with Ujarma and Cheremi, Khornabuji was an appanage fortress town and, for centuries, the main city of Georgia's historical region of Kambechovani. The city was founded by King Bakur at the end of the 4th century. In the 8th century, Asam and Varazvard Bagrationi expelled the Persians who ruled the fortress and the country. This was one of the first appearances on the historical stage of the Bagrationi dynasty—the Georgian kings.

According to chroniclers, the rulers of Khornabuji were known for their harsh disposition and wielded great influence throughout the region.

The fortress stands on a high rocky mountain and consists of a citadel and a treasury building. The inner fortress contains many rooms connected by narrow, steep staircases. Two reservoirs were located in the middle and upper sections of the fortress. In the lower courtyard, the ruins of a gate and a wall remain, rebuilt later after the spread of firearms. The wall was fitted with loopholes and special benches for rifle rests.

At the end of the 13th century, as a result of the Mongol Horde's invasions, the fortress was significantly damaged. From this period on, the town of Khornabuji fell into decline, with not only the economic but also the demographic situation deteriorating. The administrative center of the region moved from Khornabuji to Kiziki (Sighnaghi).

In 1970, archaeological excavations were conducted in Khornabuji, uncovering numerous artifacts dating from the first millennium BC to the late Middle Ages.

Visiting these ancient sites is a must if you're traveling in Georgia. The incredible atmosphere, colorful buildings, and hospitable people will impress you at first glance.

Learn more about ancient landmarks and the best hiking trails on Madloba.info. Here we publish not only reviews of various places in the country but also recommendations and instructions for tourists. Take advantage of them now to make your vacation more exciting!