Rabat Fortress in Akhaltsikhe is an iconic landmark of Georgia that is worth seeing during a tourist trip.
What to see in Georgia during the journey - the ancient fortress of Rabat in Akhaltsikhe is an important attraction of Georgia. It has all the conditions for tourists - you can get acquainted with the history of the city of Akhaltsikhe and the fortress, buy souvenirs for memory
Find out about the sights of Akhaltsikhe⬇️
A little about the history
The ancient Georgian town of Akhaltsikhe, founded in a picturesque area on the banks of a tributary of the Kura, is the center of the historical district of Javakheti. The district occupies the southern part of the country and borders the territory of Turkey.
Akhaltsikhe was founded at the beginning of the XII century, and since the XIV century for two centuries it has served as the cultural and political center of Meskhetia. The power in the city belonged to the influential princely family of Jakeli. In an attempt to gain independence, the princes of the family constantly engaged in military clashes.
At the end of the XVI century, Akhaltsikhe fell under the rule of the Turkish state and became the center of the province of the same name of the Ottoman Empire. Following the results of the Russo-Turkish war of the XIX century, the city was annexed to the Russian Empire.
During the entry of the Georgian Republic into the USSR, the region became a closed border zone, and military garrisons were stationed in the city.
In the post-Soviet period, Akhaltsikhe was in oblivion, and only from the second decade of the XXI century began the reconstruction of the central part of the city and the restoration of the main attraction of the city - the ancient fortress of Rabat. After the completion of the works, the city was radically transformed, revived, cafes and shops, hotels and guest houses began to open. Akhaltsikhe has turned into a tourist city of Georgia.
The Potshovi River, which flows through the city, conditionally divides Akhaltsikhe into two districts:
- left-bank, hilly. The Old Town is located here;
- the right bank with a calm relief is a new development.
Rabat Fortress
The medieval fortress of Rabat is the hallmark of the city. The fort consists of two levels separated by a stone wall. The lower part of the fortress is publicly accessible. Tourist infrastructure facilities are located here: Rabat Hotel, shops, wine shop, tourism information center.
Upper Rabat is a museum complex consisting of a mosque, an Orthodox church, a fortress tower, which you can climb and explore the city from the highest point, a covered gallery and a fountain. A visit to the museum is paid.
For sightseeing, you can use the services of a guide.
Catholic Monastery
The monastery is located in the northern part of the city at the Northern height. It is noteworthy that this religious building was almost completely destroyed during the Russian-Turkish war of the beginning of the XIX century. Subsequently, the monastery was rebuilt. Entrance to the monastery is free.
Приглашаем для общения про Грузию
Armenian Temple
The temple has no name, but there is an opinion that it belonged to the Armenians. The structure was erected in the eighteenth century, and, unfortunately, has not preserved its original appearance.
Today you can observe the walls and roof of the building, in the western part – a bell tower and a wooden dome.
Ruins of Turkish baths
To the northwest of the Rabat fortress, the ruins of the famous Turkish baths built during the rule of the Ottoman Empire have been preserved. To this day, only the walls of the structure and two domes have survived.
Presumably, the baths were built on the foundation of a destroyed religious building.
The Church of Saint Marina
The Orthodox Church of Saint Marina is located to the west of the Rabat fortification. This little-known church, built in the XIX century by order of Emperor Alexander II, attracts the attention of mostly believers, since the relics of Saint Marina are kept in the walls of the temple.
Interestingly, the architectural appearance of the building and the materials used for construction are not typical for Georgian buildings.
Jewish Quarter
A cozy Jewish quarter is located in the east of the city of Akhaltsikhe. Local attractions include two synagogues and a Jewish cemetery. The old synagogue was built in the middle of the XVIII century, and is currently not in operation. The building can be viewed from the outside.
The second, the Great Synagogue, was built a century later. The facility is functioning, so if you wish, you can attend the service. The Jewish cemetery is closed to the public
The Temple of Queen Tamara
The temple in honor of the Georgian ruler Queen Tamara was built in the central part of Akhaltsikhe already in modern times: 2009-2010. The structure is distinguished by conciseness and simplicity of execution, modest interior decoration. The walls are decorated with paintings depicting the queen. There is a monument to Tamara in front of the entrance to the temple.
Sapara Monastery
10 kilometers from the city on the hillside is a secluded ancient monastery of Sapara, dating from the X century. A mountain road leads to Sapara, which offers panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.
The monastery complex consists of several structures. The Church of the Assumption, founded in the years of the foundation of the monastery, is considered the oldest, and the Church of St. Saba, built in the XIII century, is the largest building. Fortress structures consisting of a stone wall and towers have also been preserved. The lower level housed the monks' cells, carved into the rock.
When to come to Akhaltsikhe
The most suitable time for sightseeing tourism in Georgia falls in spring and early summer. During this period, stable warm weather is established with a comfortable temperature of no more than +25℃. You can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of medieval architecture with pleasure, enjoying the fresh mountain air and the gentle sun.
10 comments
Log in to leave a comment