The castle and church of Manji in Senaki are a unique complex located in the historical region of Samegrelo in the village of Menji, Senaki municipality. The attraction includes the ruins of an ancient castle of the 4th-6th centuries and a new church, forming an important historical and architectural ensemble.
Menji Fortress occupies a strategic position, controlling a vast territory. On the southern and western sides the complex is surrounded by steep slopes, and on the northern and eastern sides by the slopes of a saddle-shaped mountain. The architectural complex includes a fence, a tower and a church. The walls of the fence, which are 1 meter thick, form an oval shape. In the western part of the hedge there is a rectangular tower built from well-cut rectangular rock stones.
The church, located on the eastern side of the complex, is a hall-type building with a semicircular apse inscribed in a rectangle. It was built from neatly hewn stone and has traces of reconstruction from the 10th to 12th centuries, expressed in ornamental facing stones and fresco plaster.
The landmark is surrounded by an artificial trench 4 meters wide, which also emphasizes its historical significance and strengthens the defensive capabilities of the building.
A visit to the Manji castle and church may be of interest to both history and architecture lovers and tourists looking for new experiences and immersion in the culture of Samegrelo. These ancient ruins and architectural elements will expand your understanding of medieval Georgian culture and history.
