In the heart of Guria, in the picturesque village of Likhauri, stands the majestic Likhauri Fortress, dating back to the 14th-16th centuries. This historical monument, which has overcome centuries and wars, embodies not only stone walls, but also a rich saga of resistance and defense.
Let's fast forward to 1774, when Turkish troops captured Likhauri along with the fortresses of Askana and Bukissikhe. However, thanks to the steadfastness of Mamiya IV Gurieli and Solomon I, the fortress was returned the same year. The spectacular episode of the Russian-Ottoman war left a mark on history: Sophio Gurieli took refuge within the walls of Likhauri, refusing to surrender the fortress with the memorable words: “In one are all my belongings, in the other are my children.”
The architectural splendor of the Likhauri Fortress captures the imagination. The rectangular structure, topped by three towers of different shapes and sizes, stands out for its historical importance. The north tower with its four floors attracts the eye, with the first floor serving as the entrance through the main gate, and the upper floors were residential and military.
The main feature is that the struggle for Likhauri did not stop over time. In the 19th century, robbers found refuge here, and at different periods this historical site was visited and described by famous researchers such as Dubois de Montpereux, Dimitri Bakradze and Tedo Sakhokia.
Within the stone walls of the Likhauri Fortress, fascinating legends combine with architectural sophistication. Travelers looking for a unique experience and immersion in Georgia's rich history should definitely visit this magical location. Every stone of this fortress is imbued with memories, and it invites those who appreciate the greatness of the past and the mystery of the Middle Ages to plunge into the fascinating world of the Likhauri Fortress.
