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Akhaltsikhe Fortress

Symbol of tolerance and diversity

The administrative center of Samtskhe-Javakheti is the city of Akhaltsikhe, which is famous for its great historical background, its culture and its ethnic and religious diversity. The River Potskhovi runs through Akhaltsikhe, dividing the city into the old part in the north and the new part in the south.

The name “Akhaltsikhe" literally means “new castle”. The famous fortress of Akhaltsikhe is also known by its present name “Rabati Castle”, named after Rabati, one of the old districts of the city of Akhaltsikhe. The castle is a medieval fortress from the 9th century, located on a little hill near the river Potskhovi and can be spotted from almost any point in the city. 

Here in Akhaltsikhe, examples of Georgian, Turkish and Russian architecture are found alongside one another. Due to its ethnic and religious diversity, Akhaltsikhe and especially Akhaltsikhe Fortress are called a symbol of tolerance, because the city and consequently its fortress were the subject of interest for many invaders.

According to the Georgian Chronicles, a famous medieval compendium of Georgian texts, the city, was established in the 9th century by Gvaram Mampal, a Bagratid prince and youngest son of King Ashot I . At that time the city was called “Lomsia”, which means “lion”.

At the end of the 12th century Lomsia became a real city with fortifications like high walls and watch towers and gained a new name – Akhaltsikhe. Throughout the Middle Ages, the city was the ancestral residence of the House of Jaqeli and the main city of the region.

In 1578 Akhaltsikhe was conquered by the Ottomans and, despite numerous attempts at resistance, stayed under Turkish rule until 1828, when the city was taken over by a joint Russian-Georgian army led by Prince Ivan Paskevich.

Akhaltsikhe Fortress, today also known as “Rabati Castle”, is located on an area of ​​7 hectares, which is divided into two parts - upper and lower fortress.

In the upper part of the fortress there are mainly historical buildings: Samtskhe-Javakheti Historical Museum, as well as a mosque, an 11th century orthodox church, a synagogue, a Catholic church, the Pasha's House, a citadel and an amphitheater.

The lower castle is mostly occupied by service facilities like a hotel, a restaurant, two bars and shops including a tourist information center and an administration building.

In 2011 and 2012 Rabati Castle and its adjacent buildings were widely reconstructed. Although experts are still discussing the historical correctness of some details, like the mosque’s new golden roof, the fortress of Akhaltsikhe is known as one of the main attractions of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region and is always worth a visit!

How to get there:
Rabati Castle is in the old part of the city of Akhaltsikhe, about 1km from the city center. On foot 10 min or by taxi (3 min, 3 GEL)

Opening hours:
November - April: 09:00-18:00 | May: 09:00-19:00 | June - November: 09:00-20:00

Admission fee:
General entrance fee:
Adults: 7 GEL | students: 3 GEL | children: 2 GEL | payment with cash or credit card
Seperate museum fee:
Adults: 3 GEL | under 18: 0,5 GEL

Guide Service and Audio Guide Service:
Georgian groups up to 5 people: 10 GEL | groups 6 and more: 20 GEL
Foreign groups up to 5 people: 20 GEL | groups 6 and more: 30 GEL
Foreign languages available: French, Turkish, German, English, Russian, Georgian
Audio Guides available in Georgian, Russian, English (10 GEL)
Payment with cash or credit card

Important things to know:
The lower part of Rabati Castle offers a variety of shops, cafes, restaurants, toilets, cash machines (ATM) and even guest houses, if you plan to stay overnight. 

Picture credits: Cultural Department of Akhaltsikhe Municipality (SJDC)

Project “Increased regional added value in the tourism sectors of Georgia by Digital Heritage Tourism Guides” was funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) with funds of Austrian Development Cooperation.

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