Georgian sights Mzovreti Fortress, tourist video review

The construction of the fortress in the Dzama Gorge is directly related to the protection of the land from attacks and territorial seizures, but the exact date of its construction is unknown. The castle is located in a strategically important place, at the crossroads of Shida, Kvemo and Zemo Kartli roads. Historical records mention two variants of the name of the monastery: Mdzovreti and Mzovreti. According to the etymology Mzovreti comes from the word "Sazauere", and its translation means "customs".

In the X century on the territory of the castle there was a princely residence of the Prince of Kartli. In the XIV century, due to the transfer of the political center of the nobility to Mzovreti and the relocation of Prince Zaza Tsitsishvili-Panaskerteli the region becomes one of the most famous in Georgia. Some sources contain evidence of the erection of a town where the Jewish family of Tsitsuashvili lived. Later, the princely family Tsitsushvili left the urban settlement, and the fortress was long forgotten.

Today Mzovreti is valuable not only as a historic fortress with a fascinating history, but also as a monastery with a temple, a three-tiered bell tower and a tower. The main part of the castle was restored thanks to voluntary donations of initiative local residents and foreign tourists. The restoration of the complex is still going on, and at the moment there is a library and a garden, which was erected by the fathers living there.

Of particular interest in the temple complex is the tower, the construction of which dates back to the XVII century. It was built of cobblestone in the form of a seven-story pyramidal structure. Semicircular buttresses were built to fortify it, and a dwelling house can be seen on the northern side of the tower. The three-story bell tower was created later than the other buildings, and brick was used in its interior. The third floor of the structure opens to a vaulted roof, which is a pergola for hanging bells, while the second floor was intended for the guards for protective purposes.

The monks always welcome travelers to Mzovreti and are ready to give a tour to show the interior of the fortress, the stone cores found by archaeologists and the ancient wine storages. In the courtyard of the monastic complex you can observe a beautiful park, as well as a miniature Calvary created by the abbots. Please note that it is not advisable for women to enter the monastery during Lent.