Okros-Tsikhe: Georgia’s Golden Fortress

The Turks referred to the Okros Tsikhe fortress under the name "Altunkala." The 16th-century Iranian diplomat Don Juan of Persia, who visited the historical regions of Georgia, Kartli, and Saatabago, mentioned Altunkala as the capital of Saatabago. The fortress is frequently mentioned in other later written sources, including the Meskheti Chronicles of David (16th century), which describe the events of the final period of the Samtskhe principality.

The Okros Tsikhe fortress, also known as the Golden Fortress, is located on the road connecting the towns of Akhaltsikhe and Adigeni, near the village of Bolajuri, on a huge rocky outcrop. The fortress blends so seamlessly into its surroundings that it is difficult to distinguish it from the landscape at a glance. The fortress was built at the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries. For centuries, it was one of the main fortifications of the Jakeli clan and played a major role in the struggle against the Turks in the 15th and 16th centuries.

The Okrostsikhe fortress has a complex architectural layout. It is protected on three sides by steep slopes. The only entrance is on the north side. The citadel is built on a rocky ridge and surrounded by several parallel rows of walls.

The walls are reinforced with supporting pillars and towers. One of the towers is located at the highest point of the fortress complex, offering views not only of the fortress's interior but also of the villages located in the Kvabliani River valley. The surviving enclosure wall is 10 meters high. A gate frame has been preserved on the north side. The gate was presumably double-leaf and closed with a bolt. An additional wall stands in front of the entrance. Above the entrance is a room for a stone thrower.

Currently, the fortress is heavily damaged. Archaeological excavations have not been conducted within the fortress.

Due to the fortress's inaccessibility, it is very difficult to study it. Researchers and archaeologists are unable to find the necessary means and equipment to carry out the necessary work.

The fortress is accessible to tourists, but due to the high and steep slope, few dare to climb the sheer cliff. Furthermore, local residents strongly discourage such expeditions. But you can also admire it from below, and the incredible emotions are just as captivating and fulfilling.

Read more about Georgia's ancient buildings in the madloba catalog. Here we've compiled information about all the country's landmarks and created special selections for tourists.