Everyone who wants to get to know Adjara from the inside should visit its fortresses. They have a rich history, shrouded in myths and legends, harsh and romantic at the same time. Here you can see ancient terraces, Roman baths, the tomb of the Apostle Matthew, as well as take wonderful photos against the backdrop of a beautiful mountain landscape and the ruins of ancient buildings.
Although many of the fortresses were destroyed, some of them have survived to this day. We suggest you visit them and plunge into the atmosphere of those ancient times.
Gonio
The most ancient fortress known in Georgia is the Gonio fortress. It is located 12 km from Batumi, near the border with Turkey.
The construction served as the protection of the northern outpost of the Roman Empire. There were 22 towers along the entire perimeter of the wall, 18 of which have survived to this day. The height of the fortress is 5 meters, and the length is about a kilometer. Thanks to this construction, all entrances to the gorges of the nearest rivers were reliably protected.
The Gonian fortress also had political, economic and cultural significance for the eastern border of Rome. There was even a theater and a hippodrome on its territory. Now here you can see the Roman baths, which have been preserved after so many centuries.
Previously, this place was called Apsaros. It is associated with ancient Colchis, whose king buried his son Apsyrtus here.
Some legends say that the fortress of Gonio served as the burial place of the Apostle Matthew. Excavations are still going on in this area.
Gwara
The ancient fortress of Gvara can be seen on a hill located above the valleys of two rivers: Machakhlistkali and Chorokh. From such a viewing platform, valleys, mountains and rivers are very clearly visible.
Now most of the walls of Gvara are in a ruined state, and the surviving ones have a height of 5-6 m.
Archaeologists have established that the fortress was built in the 5th-6th century AD. e. It was of very strategic importance, as it was in a convenient location, thanks to which the river valleys and the roads passing there were well controlled.
To get to the Gvara fortress, you need to go down 300 steps. Such obstacles seem to separate the building from the outside world.
Petra
Adjara is also known for the former fortress city of Petra, which was founded in the 6th century by the Byzantine emperor. It is located on a hill near Batumi, on the coast of the sea.
The fortress was of strategic importance, since a well-known trade route was laid here, and coastal transportation took place by the sea.
The central part of Petra was built on a sheer cliff, so it was impossible to reach it from the sea. And the land territory was protected by rocks and a stone fence. Therefore, the fortress received such a name as “Petra”. From the Greek language, this word means “rock, stone.”
Thanks to such protection, the structure became impregnable for enemies. In this regard, it is also called “Gareji”, which means an enchanted fortress.
Everyone who comes here can admire the stepped terraces, which are surrounded by thickets of ivy. Therefore, this place resembles the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. The very last tier is known for containing the ancient acropolis of Petra.
Also on the territory of the fortress you can see the ruins of the baths and the basilica.
Tamara
The history of the capital of Adjara, Batumi, is closely connected with the fortress of Tamara or Tamaris-tsikhe. It was around this building that the city of Batumi arose.
Previously, the fortress extended over a large territory, but now only ruins on the mountain remain here. From this place you can have a good view of the mountain landscapes and take beautiful photos. No wonder the fortress fell in love with the newlyweds, who film their celebrations here.
Near the ruins of the fortress there is an Orthodox church and a museum.
Khikhani
Khikhani Fortress is one of the most important fortresses for which Adjara is known. It is located in the municipality of Khulo, in a village called Upper Tkhilvana.
This fortress was built in a very strategic place on top of a mountain, therefore it served as a shelter for the Georgians from various conquerors. It was also convenient to observe the Turkish border from this structure.
The fortress consisted of impregnable walls 7-8 m high and two large towers. But it is only partially preserved, although it still attracts tourists.
On the territory of Khikhani, large clay jugs were found, which were used for long-term storage of wine. Such vessels were buried in the ground and were called qvevri. These finds indicate that there was a permanent place of residence for people.
Zendidi
Among the fortress sights it is necessary to highlight the Zendidi fortress, which is located in Adjara, in the village of Zendidi.
The building is located on a hard-to-reach rocky mountain surrounded by a ridge with a forest. This fortress was a protective barrier against enemy raids and control over the trade routes that led to the gorge.
Now on the territory of Zendidi there is a residential courtyard of the Bezhanidze family. It is enclosed by an old fortress fence.
Tourists who come to this place will be able to see the towers, walls of the fence, various buildings, gates, a water tank.
