Ananuri Fortress on the Georgian Military Road: How to get on the way to Gudauri.

1. Ananuri Fortress on the road to Gudauri
2. History of the sights
3. How to get to Ananuri Fortress in Georgia

Traveling along the Georgian Military Road, it is worth stopping by the Ananuri fortress, the hallmark of Georgia. The ancient castle was built in the 17th century on the bank of the confluence of the rivers Vedzatkhevi and Aragvi, where the Zhinval Reservoir can now be observed.

The road towards Gudauri is attractive at any time of the year, and seeing the iconic historical monument will make your trip more memorable!

Ananuri Fortress: Description and Construction Features

The picturesque castle is located on the Georgian Military Road, 12 km from the town of Ananuri. Ananuri Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it vividly demonstrates the late feudal era in Georgia. Walking on the territory of the monument you can observe the majestic mountain ranges and Lake Zhinvali.

Historians believe that the construction of the fortress began in the 17th century, although some scientists claim the erection of observation towers as early as the 13th century. Today, the bell tower, two churches, and large towers are available for viewing, one of which has slabs and stairs, so you can climb to the top. There are also small watchtowers, defensive walls and the ruins of an ancient temple on the territory of the fortress.

Particular attention should be paid to the Church of the Assumption. This monument is one of the rare cases of architectural construction in Georgia in the 17th century, as it has cross-domed structure. The peculiarity of the temple lies in its decorations: crosses and grapevine of stucco. Inside the building, frescoes with images of thirteen Assyrian monarchs have been partially preserved.

Not far from the Church of the Assumption is an ancient temple of the Virgin Mary, it is also called the Church of the Savior. The building was built in the 16th century, since repairs and restoration were not made, the monument is closed to the public.

History of Ananuri Fortress

The Ananuri fortress was built to defend the lands of mediaeval Georgia. Since the Daryal Gorge was the only passage across the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range, military fortifications were indispensable both against non-Russian invaders and in internecine wars.

In 1739, the fortress belonged to the Shanshe family, who seized it with the support of Lezghin units. At the same time, the frescoes and watchtowers were partially destroyed. At the end of the 18th century Ananuri fell into the hands of the Persian conquerors, and at the beginning of the 19th century it was securely guarded by the army of the Russian Empire. Authorities intended to equip the castle with a military town, but these plans did not materialize, and the buildings were not used for a long time.

In the summer of 1829 Alexander Pushkin visited the fortress Ananuri, historians say that he was the first Russian tourist in the Gudauri region. The famous poet visited the castle during a hike from the town of Pasanauri to Dusheti.

Military-Georgian road towards Ananuri

It's hard not to marvel at the beauty and grandeur of the Ananuri Fortress as you drive along the Georgian Military Road. This is the first landmark that you meet on the way towards Tbilisi.

You can get to Ananuri Fortress from Tbilisi by public transport, taking a bus from Didube bus station, which goes to the ski resort of Gudauri and Stepantsminda village. The total distance to the capital of Georgia is 66 kilometers, and the travel time is less than an hour.

The majestic fortress of Ananuri, located on the shore of Lake Zhinvali, deserves attention of travelers from all over the world. The castle's tragic history, unique architecture, and beautiful nature allow you to immerse yourself in the special atmosphere of Georgia, distracted from everyday worries.

If you have already visited Ananuri Fortress, share your impressions and emotions in the comments!