Ancient Georgian ruins. Visit the fortress city of Ujarma.

The historic village of Ujarma is located 22 kilometers from Sagarejo, on the banks of the Iori River. To the north of the village on a rocky ridge, the ruins of a once powerful fortress city have been preserved to this day, which in the III-IV centuries was built on the site of an older (II century BC) fortress structure.

Promotion of Ujarma to the political center Kakheti It was primarily due to its strategic location - the city connected the flat territories of Eastern Georgia with the mountainous regions. - Zhaleti from Mtsianeti, the valleys of the rivers Ertso and Aragvi. According to the ancient Georgian historian Leonti Mroveli, Ujarma was founded by the last representative of the Parnavaz dynasty, King Apsagur (at the turn of the III-IV centuries). In the IV century, Ujarma was the center of Kakheti. Here was the residence of Prince Revi and his wife Salome. In the V century, the son of King Vakhtang Gorgasali — Dachi was brought up here. Vakhtang Gorgasali died here as a result of severe wounds in a battle with the Persians in 502.

It consists of two main parts. In the eastern part, on a steep slope, there is a palace, the Church of the Holy and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, a large and small reservoir. The lower part of the fortress consisted of a fence and towers. In total, according to the fortress parameter, eight towers and a tower-type palace were built, with arched door and window openings. It is noteworthy that such forms of openings are found only in Ujarma. The main gate of the city was located in the western fence, and a spare gate in the southern fortress wall. The fence and towers, erected by means of horizontal masonry of small rectangular stone, look especially impressive.

The fortress city of Ujarma existed until the late Middle Ages. After the establishment of Mongol rule, the fortress was gradually destroyed.

Today, the fortress is a ruin where you can walk to get into the ancient history. Recreation areas and viewing platforms have been improved for tourists, trails and signs have been decorated.

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