The most beautiful places in Georgia are the ancient fortress of Chkhutuneti on the shore of Machakhela
One of the most important outposts of Adjara in the Middle Ages was the fortress of Chkhutuneti. During the archaeological excavations carried out on its territory, many interesting artifacts were discovered...
The fortress of Chkhutuneti, also known as Kalivake or Kalaboni, had military, strategic and economic importance in the area. At one time, Chkhutuneti served as a fortification building. Today, almost all strategically important fortresses of medieval Georgia have been preserved.
It is not difficult to guess that, being located in Adjara, in the Khelvachaur municipality, the village of Nizhnyaya Chkhutuneti, on the left bank of the Machakhela River, at the confluence of Machakhela Tskali and Daviteti, the fortress gives a clear example of the fact that a chain of fortress-type structures, from the source of the valley to the seashore, the Ajaristskali gorge, like Adjara as a whole, was very heavily fortified.
According to experts, this structure dates back to the 11th-13th centuries. The total area of the ruins is 200 square meters. Today, as a vivid example of history, only the northern wing of the fortress has been preserved, but in a dilapidated form. The fortress itself was encircled by a fence. The exact details of the fence are listed below. (see the table)
| Length | Thickness | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 8 meters | 1 meter | 2 meters |
While studying the fortress, experts came across a lot of construction sites, like a wine cellar, where 8 large clay vessels of different sizes were located, and a tunnel. As in every fortress where there was an underground tunnel, it was also intended to carry water from the nearest Machakhela River, since it was connected to it, and served as a characteristic refuge from foreign invaders. To date, the characteristics of the tunnel are as follows (see the table)
| Length | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 31-32 meters | 0.70-0.80 meters | 1.30 meters, and in some places 2.5 meters |
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Location of the structure
Almost like all medieval fortresses of present-day Georgia, Chkhutuneti is located above a narrow emerald-colored river. The fortress seems to be in the arms of the wild. Clinging tightly to it, nature gave the fortress and its visitors a delightful view. At the foot of the building there is a residential building and a family hotel. The best solution is to spend the night in it to fully enjoy what you saw. The location of this fortress is very easy to find.
You just have to move 1 kilometer away from the main road. Then 100 meters of walking distance, and here you are at your destination. You can easily drive your sedan. If there are any difficulties, you should just contact the villagers. Hospitable, smiling Georgians will always be happy to help you. Even if you are lucky, you will be taken to the fortress itself and then offered to taste homemade wine from your own beds.
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Photo source: georgiantravelguide.com
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