Shkhepi fortress in Samegrelo-Upper Svaneti, Georgia.

The Shkhepi Fortress, located in the picturesque Samegrelo region, just a short distance from the town of Senaki, is a fascinating historical monument. A weaving of time layers adorns this majestic structure, starting from the 4th century and extending to the 16th-17th centuries. A former fortress and then the seat of the Dadiani family, Shkhepi was a key link in the chain of defense of the Kingdom of Egrisi.

The architectural structure of the Shkhepi fortress is impressive with its elongated shape, two gates, three towers and a small hall church. The walls of the fortress vary in thickness from 180 to 120 cm and are surrounded by a deep trench, making it impregnable from the south. The surviving towers are varied: one cylindrical in the southeast and the second, a quadrangular pyramid, built into the northern wall. Inside the fortress, storerooms with a fireplace and the remains of a small church in the northeast are found.

The history of the fortress is impressive, especially the events of the conflict between Mamia Dadiani and King Levan of Imereti, which ended with the king imprisoned in the Shkhepi dungeon. A great contribution to the history of this place is made by the aqueduct, built in later centuries to supply water, as well as the Karis Tvali tower with a mysterious inscription from Shchedan.

By visiting the Shkhepi Fortress, you will immerse yourself in the richness of history, wrapped in the breathtaking architecture and unique natural setting of Samegrelo. This place is attractive to historians, architecture lovers and those seeking a fascinating glimpse into Georgia's past.