Khertvisi Fortress and Tsunda: Medieval Strongholds of Georgia

Khertvisi is a medieval fortress located on the border of Samtskhe and Javakheti. It is strategically located at the mouth of the Parvana and Kura rivers, on a high rocky mountain.

Khertvisi Fortress has been mentioned in sources since the 11th century. From 1578 to 1892, Khertvisi Fortress served as an Ottoman garrison and administrative center. The fortress bears traces of numerous reconstructions (by Georgians, Ottomans, and Russians). This fortress is notable for its large area and numerous auxiliary buildings. It houses a hard-to-reach citadel and a court church. The fortress was supplied with water through a tunnel running from the northwest side.

Tsunda was an ancient political and ecclesiastical center. Today, this place is called the village of Nakalakevi (Old Town). The village is located on the right bank of the Kura River. According to legend, the city was founded by Etnark Javakhos. The founder of the Kingdom of Kartli, King Parnavaz (IV-III centuries BC), turned Tsunda into the center of the saeristavo.

Important trade and military routes passed through Tsunda. The hall-type church of Tsunda was built in the 12th-13th centuries on a small cliff. It is constructed of well-hewn, straight logs. The temple is richly decorated with carved ornaments. On the western door is an inscription in "asomtavruli" (the ancient Georgian alphabet). A gate with carved columns is added to the south. The temple's architectural design is distinguished by its originality. The walled inner courtyard can only be accessed through the temple.