Castles and Forts

Explore the defensive architecture of Adjara, ranging from the 1st-century Roman fortification of Gonio-Apsaros to the 6th-century Byzantine citadel of Petra. The list includes the high-altitude Khikhani Fortress, built in the 13th century at 2,236 meters above sea level, and the medieval ruins of Queen Tamara's fortress. These sites illustrate the region’s strategic importance for the Roman, Byzantine, and Georgian kingdoms, featuring diverse masonry styles and military engineering from different eras.

Castles and Forts — Harita

Giorgi Balakhadze / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

Gonio Fortress

Gonio is a Roman fortification in Adjara, Georgia, on the Black Sea, 15 km south of Batumi, at the mouth of the Chorokhi river.

B

Sopeli kokotauri

Medieval defensive structure located in the Keda Municipality.

C

Petra Fortress

Petra was a fortified town on the eastern Black Sea coast, in Lazica in what is now western Georgia.

D

Khikhani Fortress

13th-century fortress situated in the Khulo Municipality at an elevation of 2,236 meters. The site contains defensive walls, towers, and the remains of a medieval church.

E

Queen Tamara's fortress

Medieval ruins located on a hill near the mouth of the Korolistskali River in Batumi.