Abuli fortress in Samtskhe-Javakheti, Georgia.

In the mountains of Samtskhe-Javakheti, not far from the picturesque village of Gandzani, rises the Abuli Fortress - a majestic monument, lost among the peaks on Mount Patara (Small) Abuli, at an altitude of 2670 meters above sea level. This cyclopean fort, built in the 2nd-1st millennium BC, amazes with its architecture and majesty.

The Abuli fortress, created by dry masonry from untreated stones, delights with its uniqueness. The similarity with the Shaori fortress is manifested not only in the natural conditions and construction techniques, but also in the uncovered corridors and paths. However, Abuli Fortress has its own unique character, supposedly being one of the first centers since ancient times.

On the southern slope of Small Abul, covered with moraines, lies this architectural masterpiece. It seems that the builders wisely used natural conditions, creating hiding places with narrow and low loopholes, barely visible from afar. The fortress surprises with its grandiose and complex layout, high walls reaching 5 meters in height, and in places up to 3 meters wide.

Inside the fortress there are up to 40 camps attached to the walls and supports, many of them have two or three floors. The roofs of the large rooms are a thing of the past, but the crown of flat slabs moving in steps toward the center resembles a timber hall. Terraces in the east, hiding places and containers inside the fence add mystery and uniqueness to the Abuli fortress.

The extraordinary defensive capacity of the fortress complex is emphasized by the stream flowing south from the Abuli Fortress, making this place even more impressive and picturesque. We invite all travelers and historical enthusiasts to discover the secrets of antiquity imbued in every stone of this unique archaeological treasure - the Abuli Fortress.