Chkhutuneti Fortress in Adjara: Machakhela Medieval Stronghold
The Chkhutuneti Fortress, also known as Kalivake or Kalaboni, had military, strategic, and economic significance in the region. Chkhutuneti once served as a fortification. Today, virtually all of the strategically important fortresses of medieval Georgia remain.
It's not hard to guess that, located in Adjara, in the village of Lower Chkhutuneti in the Khelvachauri Municipality, on the left bank of the Machakhela River, at the confluence of the Machakhela Tskali and Daviteti rivers, the fortress provides clear evidence that the chain of fortified structures from the valley's source to the seashore—the Adjaristskali Gorge, like Adjara as a whole—was heavily fortified.
Experts believe this structure dates back to the 11th-13th centuries. The total area of the ruins is 200 square meters. Today, only the northern wing of the fortress remains, a striking example of its history, but in a dilapidated state.
The fortress itself was surrounded by a fence. Details of the fence are provided below. (See table.)
| Length | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 8 meters | 1 meter | 2 meters |
While exploring the fortress, experts uncovered numerous structures, including a wine cellar containing eight large clay vessels of varying sizes, and a tunnel. As with every fortress with an underground tunnel, it was also used to haul water from the nearby Machakhela River, as it was connected to it, and served as a typical refuge from foreign invaders. Today, the tunnel's characteristics are as follows (see table).
| Length | Thickness | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 31–32 meters | 0.7–0.8 meters | 1.3 m, up to 2.5 m in some places |
Location of the Fortress
Like almost all medieval fortresses in modern-day Georgia, Chkhutuneti is located above a narrow, emerald-colored river. The fortress seems to be embraced by wild nature. Clinging tightly to it, nature has gifted the fortress and its visitors with a breathtaking view. At the foot of the building is a residential building and a family-run hotel. The best option is to spend the night there to fully appreciate the view. The fortress is very easy to find.
Just walk 1 kilometer from the main road. Then walk 100 meters, and you'll be at your destination. It's easy to get there in your sedan. If you encounter any difficulties, simply ask the villagers. The hospitable, smiling Georgians will always be happy to help. If you're lucky, they'll even take you all the way to the fortress and then offer you a sample of homemade wine from their own gardens.
Photo source: georgiantravelguide.com
31 comments
Log in to leave a comment
ربما كان من المثير أن يتم تسليط الضوء أكثر على التجارب الشخصية للزوار في هذا الموقع. دعونا لا ننسى أن الحديث عن المعالم التاريخية أحيانًا قد يصبح جافًا. قد يكون من الأفضل لو كانت هناك مزيد من التفاصيل عن كيفية تأثير القلعة على الحياة اليومية في الماضي. كما أن إضافة أقوال بعض الزوار يمكن أن تضفي روحًا أكثر حيوية. القلعة نفسها تحمل سحرًا كبيرًا، لكن قصص الناس الذين عاشوا فيها وكيف أثرت عليهم، هي ما يجعلها تنبض بالحياة حقًا.