Castles and fortresses in Samtskhe–Javakheti

Historic Fortresses & Ruins

Samtskhe–Javakheti’s landscape is defined by its strategic border position, resulting in a dense concentration of medieval fortifications. This collection features the 12th-century Vardzia cave complex, the multi-layered Rabati Fortress in Akhaltsikhe, and the imposing Khertvisi Fortress, situated at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Paravani rivers. The list also includes the remote Golden Fortress (Oqros Tsikhe) and the dramatic cliffside ruins of Tmogvi, offering a comprehensive look at the region’s defensive architecture, from rock-cut tunnels to Ottoman-era bastions.