Ksan fortress in Georgia. What is better to visit in Georgia?

The Ksani Fortress (Kura Fortress, Konstantilabad) is located in Mtskheta, not far from the village of Tsikhisdziri, at the mouth of the rivers Ksani and Kura, the top of Mount Sarkineti. The fortress was built at the beginning of the XVI century (1512-1513 rr). The Georgian chronicler Vakhushti Bagrationi, believes that the fortress was erected by Bagrat, the son of the Kartli king Constantine (1478-1505) and the brother of the Kartli king David X. Vakhushti Bagrationi calls this fortress "Mtkvris tsikhe" (Kura fortress), and the historian of the XVIII century Beri Ignatashvili - "Mtueri fortress". In the people, it has always been known as the Ksansky fortress.

The Xan fortress is the largest and most impressive in the valley, It protected and controlled the roads passing through these places. It is quite difficult to approach him. The walls of the fence stretch along the relief and are reinforced with support pillars of different shapes and sizes. According to the plan, the fortress has the shape of an irregular polygon. It is built of cobblestones. The inner territory is leveled. The old fortress had two towers: one was located in the northeast side and had the shape of a circle, and the second was rectangular, in the eastern part. During the secondary construction of the fortress, walls and four towers of various shapes and sizes were added to the eastern and southern sides. The walls have fireplaces, stone throwing windows and loopholes. There is a reservoir, a wine cellar and other facilities on the territory.

The fortress was badly damaged due to numerous battles and sieges. In the XVII century, in 1746, to protect it from the constant raids of the North Caucasian tribes, it was actually re—erected by the decree of Konstantin Mukhransky (this is stated in the inscription, which is placed in the upper part of the entrance to the fortress), who named it by a new name in his honor - "Constantylabat"-om.

After the annexation of Georgia to 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. Now it carries a history that is revered and kept in Georgian families. Every local resident treats national treasures with gratitude and respect and does not allow visitors to destroy them.

Read more about the sights of Georgia in the Madloba catalog. Here you will find interesting articles and notes that will make your trip bright and unforgettable!