Armaztsikhe (Baginetti): Fortress of Mtskheta — History & Route

In the city of Mtskheta, specifically in its old part, home to stone houses, some dating back to the Middle Ages, the Bagineti Fortress was erected. Many travelers consider this structure one of the most beautiful places in Georgia. It once protected the city from invaders and enemy troops; later, the city was filled with new houses and residents, and the fortress became one of the boundaries of the old district.

Some sources say that the fortress was built by Armaztsikhe Kartlosu, and its original name was Kartli Fortress. Today, the structure is called Bagineti, which translates from Persian as "deity."

Georgia's landmarks often have ancient histories, with roots dating back to BC. Archaeological excavations have been conducted at the site of the fortress, leading archaeologists to conclude that the fortress was built and expanded over three periods. The earliest and most ancient stage of construction occurred between the 4th and 3rd centuries BC. The fortress's construction was then overseen by the first king of Kartli, Parnavaz, who also spread the Georgian language throughout the region. The second stage of construction took place in the 3rd century BC, and the final, third, phase took place between the 1st and 6th centuries AD. Over the course of time, Armaztsikhe was subjected to numerous military attacks, which left the city significantly damaged.

Excavations at Bagineti only began in the second half of the 19th century. It all began when, during a conversation between the Georgian poet Ilia Chavchavadze and a Greek expeditionary, a brick wall fragment was shown. Ilia became very interested and asked the talented archaeologist Dimitri Bakradze to conduct archaeological work at the Bagineti site. For unknown reasons, Bakradze passed this request on to Takaishvili. It was Ekvtime Takaishvili who carried out the two-week excavations, which resulted in the discovery of household items and fragments of images of deities. These can now be admired at the National Museum, which offers a wealth of sights in Georgia.

What is included in the Bagineti complex?

• Defensive structures: fences, high stone towers, trenches.
• Monuments and burial sites: Akdam's mausoleum, an idol of the deity Arzami, an altar, and a sarcophagus.
• Ruins of an ancient building and a columned palace.
• Ancient ablution structures and a cellar.

How to get there?

Bagineti is located on the banks of the Mtkvari River, on the right side of Mount Bagineti. To reach your destination, follow the Mtskheta-Tbilisi highway and the signs. Upon arrival in Mtskheta, you'll notice Abra, where the shortest route to the summit is located.

Read also

• Mtskheta: Svetitskhoveli Cathedral & Mamulashvili Garden