One of the biggest fortresses is the Georgian landmark "Golden Fortress" Okrossikhe in Samtskhe-Javakheti.
The 13th century fortress of Okros-tsikhe is located in Samtskhe-Javakheti at an altitude of 1700 meters above sea level. Tourists will be able to see not only the unique ancient building, but also the most beautiful places of Georgia from a bird's-eye view.
Okros-tsikhe - translates from Georgian as “Golden Fortress". The approximate date of construction is the XIII century. The southern edge of Samtskhe-Javakheti, the Adigeni municipal administration, the northern direction from the village of Shoka, the plain of the Kvabliani River, on the cliff of the mountain at an altitude of 1700 meters above sea level. It is considered one of the largest fortresses in Georgia. The most beautiful places of Georgia are revealed from the presented place.
Приглашаем для общения про Грузию
History.
The approximate date of construction is the end of the XIII - beginning of the XIV century. The exact date of the fortress's construction is unclear for certain, there is no written evidence until a certain period. It occupies a worthy place in the list of sights of Georgia. The fortress was considered one of the weighty strongholds of the Jakeli family. It was the main defensive object in the defense of territories from Atabegs (a noble title subordinate to the monarchy). Due to the successful location and fortifications, the people hiding in it successfully observed and controlled wide territories and adjacent paths. Also, due to its fortification, it could withstand prolonged sieges for a long time.
Okros-tsikhe was often mentioned in the literary work “Meskhuri DavitnisKronika (XVI century)”. This book describes stories about the decline of the time of the Samtskhe Principality. In 1578, the Turkish commander launched an offensive on the territory of the citadel, in which Queen Dedisimedi was hiding at that moment. Attempts to save the territory from capture were unsuccessful. After discussing a peace treaty with the Ottoman commander, the fortress was conquered and began to bear the name of Altunkala. The fortress “Altunkalu” was also mentioned in the stories about this region by the traveler Evliy Celebi in the 1650s, that's how he described it: “The stone fortress is located at a distance of three hours from the Kizlar fortress.” According to this saying, it can be assumed that at that time the citadel was not yet in ruins.
Architecture.
The military stronghold of Okros-tsikhe is one of the most significant buildings of forts in the country. Heavy walls of rough rock blocks up to 10 meters high. It rises above the rocky ridge of the mountain, while the security towers of the walls descend along the northern and southern slopes. Between the mountain itself and the fortress, a saddle with the ruins of the temple is visible. Now it has already lost its former militant appearance, but it still attracts attention to itself and if there is a question of what to see in Georgia, it must definitely take a line to visit.
See all the sights of Georgia
7 comments
Log in to leave a comment