Chapala Castle in Kvemo Kartli: 10th century fortress in Bolnisi

Chapala Castle is a fortress ruin located in the Kvemo Kartli region of Bolnisi Municipality, near the village of Chapala. It is located at the confluence of two rivers, the Mashavera and Bolnisi Tskali.

Although it currently appears in ruins, it is a wonderful example of a Georgian landmark.

History.

Archaeological excavations have revealed that some of the structures here date back to the 10th century. This citadel was also mentioned in 17th-century manuscripts, revealing that it was owned by the Sologhashvili family. In 1749, the Orbeliani Principality became its new and last known owner. It has been established that the fortress consisted of two parts: the upper fort stood on the mountaintop, and below it was the lower fort, which contained baths and walls.

The citadel was located on two hills and occupied both of them entirely, including the middle of the mountaintop. On the eastern peak of the hill, the foundations of presumably guard towers and a stone staircase carved directly into the rock remain. The center of the castle is a saddle, a flat area; this is where the buildings were located. The two buildings located here, or rather the traces of their presence, were bathhouses. When these buildings were intact, this place must have been a sight to behold in Georgia.

What's most interesting is that there was a noticeable shortage of water resources in this area. No religious structures were discovered, indicating only the fortress's military and defensive nature. The area is surrounded by a brick wall with stone inlays. Remnants of pottery are easily found on the ground, and it's not difficult to even find pieces resembling ancient Georgian vessels, a cross between a jug and an amphora.

In the western part of the mountain, there are water collectors carved directly into the rock, which was unusual for such structures. Along the sides of the mountain, there is a winding path leading directly to the very top of the cliff and the fortress. Although the fortress is no longer visible from the summit, as it is located below us, this vantage point offers some of the most beautiful views in Georgia. Also near the fortress, over the Mashavera River, stands an ancient stone bridge from the 17th century.

Getting to the fortress is not particularly difficult. It is visible from the main Bolnisi-Maneuli road. 1.5 km from Mukhran, to the west, there is a turn to the south, and there you will find the Mashavera River and the Chapalsky Bridge. One third of a kilometer before the crossroads, turn right, and after almost a kilometer, turn left and you will find yourself on the only road leading to the fortress, and then it will not be difficult to find the ruins of the fortress.

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