Ksani Fortress in Georgia: 16th-Century Prison and Battle History
The Kakhetian king Av-Georgi ("avi" means "evil"; he was so nicknamed for murdering his father and blinding his brother) repeatedly ravaged the Kartli lands. Bagrat, determined to put an end to the insolent king's atrocities, built a fortress in which he ambushed Av-Georgi. During the Kakhetian king's next raid on Kartli, Bagrat cut off all his routes, captured him, and imprisoned him in the Ksani Fortress, where Av-Georgi died.
The Ksani Fortress (Kura Fortress, Konstantilabad) is located in Mtskheta, near the village of Tsikhisdziri, at the mouth of the Ksani and Kura rivers, on the summit of Mount Sarkineti. The fortress was built in the early 16th century (1512-1513). The Georgian chronicler Vakhushti Bagrationi believes that the fortress was built by Bagrat, the son of the Kartli King Constantine (1478-1505) and brother of the Kartli King David X. Vakhushti Bagrationi calls this fortress "Mtkvris Tsikhe" (Kura Fortress), while the 18th-century historian Beri Ignatashvili calls it "Mtueri Fortress." Popularly, it has always been known as the Ksani Fortress.
The Ksani Fortress is the largest and most impressive in the valley. It protected and controlled the roads passing through the area. It is quite difficult to approach. The enclosure walls extend along the terrain and are reinforced with supporting pillars of varying shapes and sizes. The fortress is planned as an irregular polygon, constructed of cobblestone. The interior is leveled. The old fortress had two towers: one circular, located in the northeast, and a second rectangular tower in the eastern part. During the fortress's rebuilding, walls and four towers of varying shapes and sizes were added to the eastern and southern sides. The walls contain fireplaces, windows for throwing stones, and loopholes. The grounds also include a reservoir, a wine cellar, and other structures.
The fortress suffered greatly from numerous battles and sieges. In the 17th century, in 1746, to protect against the constant raids of North Caucasian tribes, it was essentially rebuilt by order of Konstantin Mukhransky (this is stated in the inscription located at the top of the fortress entrance), who renamed it "Konstantilabat" in his honor.
After Georgia was annexed by Russia, the Ksani Fortress, like other Georgian fortresses, lost its function.
Despite the fact that defense was no longer required, the fortress remained an important point for the country. Today, it carries a history that is revered and preserved in Georgian families. Every local treats national treasures with gratitude and respect and does not allow visitors to destroy them.
Read more about Georgia's attractions in Madloba's catalog. Here you will find interesting articles and notes that will make your trip bright and unforgettable!
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And the hiking in Adjara as a bonus? Yes, please! I can just picture those lush forests and roaring rivers. 😍 Makes me think - what’s the best way to approach this fortress? Any insider tips on getting there or hidden gems I should look out for while visiting?
Крепость Ксани (её ещё называют Мтквари‑фортресс) была построена в начале XVI века князем Багратом I из рода Мухрани и служила важным стратегическим укреплением, контролируя пути вокруг слияния рек Ксани и Куры (Мтквари). 
Один из самых ярких эпизодов истории крепости — когда здесь заключили кахетинского царя Георгия II, пойманного в бою, и он умер в плену именно внутри этих стен — настоящая средневековая драма, которую хочется представить своими глазами при подъёме по старому каменному пути. 
Архитектура крепости впечатляет: она спроектирована как неправильный многоугольник с бойницами, резервуарами для воды, винным погребом и башнями разной формы, что демонстрирует военное мастерство и практичность средневековых мастеров. 
Хотя сегодня крепость частично в руинах, её мощные стены на вершине гора Саркинети всё ещё напоминают о том, что когда‑то отсюда наблюдали за подходящими армиями и контролировали долину. 
Спасибо автору за такую живую и атмосферную историю!
А вы бы хотели подняться к крепости Ксани ради панорамных видов на долины рек — или предпочли бы сначала осмотреть историческую Мцхета и её древние монастыри, а потом отправиться к этой крепости? 🏞️✨