All about Akhaltsikhe and Akhaltsikhe fortress. Sights of Akhaltsikhe: list, photo and description Akhaltsikhe Georgia

At the intersection of the history of three countries: Georgia, Turkey and Armenia stands the Georgian city of Akhaltsikhe, the center of cultural and tourist life in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region.

Georgia is a unique country. In a small area, there are twelve regions with a varied landscape and history. Samtskhe-Javakheti, where we go after Kutaisi, borders with Armenia and Turkey and their influence on the region is enormous.
Many Armenians live here, perhaps even more than Georgians, because Samtskhe-Javakheti was a part of great Armenia for more than 1000 years.
The main investors in the region are Turks. They build hydroelectric power plants and gas pipelines, help with infrastructure, not for free, of course. Most likely, domination over the region in the 15th-18th centuries does not give them rest and they decided at all costs to regain their influence, which had been taken away by the valiant Russian army in the 19th century. Part of the territory of Samtskhe-Javakheti, by the way, with some ancient monasteries and temples, was never liberated and remained on the territory of Turkey, Georgians still talk about this with sadness.

Akhaltsikhe city, Georgia.

The main city of Samtskhe-Javakheti is Akhaltsikhe with a population of about 20,000. It was he who we chose to base and get to know this region. We arrived in Akhaltsikhe from Kutaisi. The distance from Kutaisi to Akhaltsikhe is about 200 kilometers, approximately the same as Tbilisi - Akhaltsikhe. Traveling such a distance by taxi is not a cheap option, so our choice fell on a minibus. At the Kutaisi bus station, we buy a ticket (18 GEL per person) and after a little over three hours we find ourselves in Akhaltsikhe.

Kutaisi - Akhaltsikhe.

Traveling by minibus in Georgia is a separate song, but to hear it you need your own experience.
There were few people in our minibus at the beginning of the journey, along the way the number of passengers increased and decreased, with some we even managed to talk. For a while a beekeeper was riding next to me. He took the queen to his apiary, showed her to me and boasted about his honey. At one stop, a woman asked the driver to take large trunks of empty cans along the way, apparently she wanted to give them to someone in Akhaltsikhe. Without waiting for a positive answer, she began to arrange the trunks around the minibus, and so that they would not break, she handed them to us and our fellow traveler. The whole process was interrupted by the driver, and under loud joint squabbling forced the woman to take the cans back.
In a word, we did not have to get bored in the minibus. What was worth only the fact that before each overtaking our driver began to cross himself. At such moments you think about the frailty of life and how everything depends on the case.

Thank God our trip went well. From the Akhaltsikhe bus station to our hotel, ordered back in Russia through booking, a taxi took us for three lari.

Hotel Almi, Akhaltsikhe.

We liked Hotel Almi, Akhaltsikhe, and not only because my birthday fell on the days of my stay at the hotel and the friendly hotel staff made me a real holiday with songs, dances and fireworks:

But also because Hotel Almi is one of the best places in Akhaltsikhe!

The furnishings and renovations are new, tastefully done, cleaning is at a height, a beautiful view from the windows of the fortress.

Breakfasts are included in the room rate. They take place in a beautiful local area.

You can have lunch or dinner at any time (be sure to order fried fish), the menu is varied, the food is simply “lick your fingers”. Only hotel guests eat in the restaurant, and since there are few rooms, an almost individual service is obtained. So twice we dined in splendid isolation.

Very good value for money. If you want to enjoy excellent service and family atmosphere, come here !!! Once again, many thanks to the friendly Almi family for our holiday !!!

One of the advantages of Hotel Almi is its location. It is located between two streets: Kostava (the main street of the city) and Natenadze. The streets run parallel to each other, then merge into one and lead to the main attraction of Akhaltsikhe - the Rabat fortress.
The distance from the hotel to the fortress, if you walk along Kostava Street, is only one and a half kilometers, and along the way there are many attractions of Akhaltsikhe, so you will not be bored. Go for a walk around Akhaltsikhe!
Since we had several walks along this route: both during the day and in the evening, then there will be photos of Akhaltsikhe: both daytime and evening.

Map of Akhaltsikhe.

Before I start my story about walking around the city, I suggest that you familiarize yourself with the map of our route.

Sights of Akhaltsikhe.

Thanks to Saakashvili, a global reconstruction was carried out in Akhaltsikhe at the beginning of the 21st century, which solemnly ended on August 17, 2012 in the renovated Rabat fortress. Thanks to the reconstruction, roads were repaired, new administrative buildings, supermarkets, hotels were built, parks were put in order.

The next street worth paying attention to is Ladze Street. It leads directly to the Armenian Catholic Church. The temple is unusual in that it is Catholic. The construction of the Church of the Holy Sign on this site began in the 15th - 16th centuries, but by the 19th century it was completely destroyed. At the expense of the Armenian Vardan in 1861, the temple was rebuilt. In Soviet times, it was used as a theater, as evidenced by the painted walls and the remains of the scene inside the temple.

Tamaroba.

The main holiday of Akhaltsikhe – Tamaroba passes May 14 on the day of commemoration of the holy queen Tamara. The residents of Akhaltsikhe have a special attitude towards Tamara, so the holiday is held on a large scale.
A special attitude is also confirmed by the main monument of Akhaltsikhe, dedicated to the queen. The monument to Tamara, together with the new temple of the Ascension, is located at the intersection of Kostava and Didimamishvili streets.

Let's continue our way to the fortress. Along the road from Kostava Street, small streets with old buildings go off to the right and then to the left.

Newer and more restored buildings are located along the street Kostava.

On a walk we met a car with such numbers. You can come across funny numbers on cars in Georgia quite often. Under Saakashvili, it became possible to order all thieves' numbers officially, without bribes, by paying a certain amount to the budget.

Throughout the walk we were accompanied by beautiful views of the Rabat fortress. And the closer we got to the fortress, the more it became, turning into a huge stone giant.

We pass along the bridge over the Potskhovi River, which divides Akhaltsikhe into a flat and mountainous part. The mountainous part of the city is older.

After crossing the bridge we find ourselves on the noisiest street in Akhaltsikhe - Tamarashvili. The federal highway to Turkey and the Akhaltsikhe-Batumi road pass along it.

There is a new palace of Justice in Akhaltsikhe, auto and railway stations, the main supermarket of the city of Smart.

Taxis are constantly on duty on the square under the fortress, as well as at the bus station, with which you can arrange trips to the sights of Samtskhe-Javakheti. So we visited the Green Monastery, Vardzia.

From the square, along a winding road, along the newly restored houses, we rise to the oldest part of Akhaltsikhe - to the Rabat fortress.

Akhaltsikhe fortress.

The main attraction of the Georgian city of Akhaltsikhe is the Rabat fortress. Before the city restoration, the fortress was in such a deplorable state that, instead of restoration, the fortress had to be rebuilt anew. It turned out, in our opinion, very well, although, according to local residents, almost nothing in common with the old fortress remained.

Inside the fortress is divided into two parts.

Open: Tue-Sun 10: 00-19: 00, Mon. - day off. The entrance to its territory is paid - 7 lari for an adult, 4 for a student, 1 for a child under 12 years old.

Rabat Akhaltsikhe.

Translated from Arabic, rabat means “fortified monastery”. This was the name of all Arab fortresses, and to the Akhaltsikhe fortress the name Rabat was fixed as its own. Much has been done in the fortress in the Arabian style, more precisely, even in the Moorish one. Those who have been to the city of Granada, Spain will agree with me. The style of Rabat is very similar to the Spanish Alhambra.

There is also some similarity with the walls of Jerusalem,

and its Temple Mount, dominated by a gilded mosque.

Ahmedie Mosque.

Russian historian of the Russian-Turkish war of 1828-1829. Vasily Aleksandrovich Potto in his book "The Caucasian War" wrote in detail about the history and structure of the Akhmediyev mosque. He noted that the Ahmediye Mosque, or, as it is also called by the name of the founder, the Ahmed Pasha Mosque, was built in the 16th century in the likeness of the Constantinople Cathedral of Hagia Sophia.

Ahmed Pasha.

Potto, relying on historical data and legends, described the fate of Ahmed Pasha. Ahmed Pasha was from the noble Georgian family of Jakeli. During the conquest of his lands by the Ottoman Empire, he had to convert to Islam. Having built a mosque, in its center, he ordered to establish a hill for himself, which was in violation of Islamic canons. According to the canons, only the Sultan had such a right, Ahmed Pasha was found guilty of insulting the padishah and sentenced to strangulation. Ahmed Pasha personally brought the verdict into effect, and his subjects gave his body great honors.

The fourth volume of Potto's book was devoted to a description of the battles for Akhaltsikhe, where the valiant Russian soldiers defeated the Turks.

The crown of the Rabat fortress is the Jakeli castle, from the tower of which a stunning view of Akhaltsikhe and the buildings of the fortress opens.

Akhaltsikhe Museum.

At the foot of the castle, you can go to the Samtskhe-Javakheti Museum, which presents archaeological finds and rarities. The advantage of the museum is that there is no need to buy a separate ticket to the museum, and the disadvantages include the lack of lighting in the rooms and the ban on photos.

In time, you need at least two hours to inspect the Rabat fortress and it is better to choose the time for inspection on weekdays, since many tourists come from Tbilisi on weekends. Our visit fell on a weekday and besides us there were only a dozen people on the large territory of the fortress.

Among the majestic mountains, on the banks of the Potskhovi River, lies the compact, cozy town of Akhaltsikhe (Georgia).

This colorful city, whose history goes back millennia, has played a strategic role since its foundation, since it was located in the south-west of Georgia, not far from the border with Turkey, at the intersection of major routes.

It is even clear about his past from the name: "Akhaltsikhe" is the "New Fortress". Although earlier, being the possession of the noble princely family of Jakeli (900 g), this city was called differently - Lomisia. The name that exists now was first mentioned in the annals of 1204, dedicated to the commanders Ivan and Shalva of Akhaltsikhe.

Now Akhaltsikhe, the number of inhabitants of which reaches almost 20,000 people, is the administrative center of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. Akhaltsikhe consists of the old city, spread out on a hill, and areas with new buildings erected on the plain.

It is impossible not to mention that people here are welcoming, always happy to make contact.

City landmarks

If there is a desire to learn the history of the ancient region of Samtskhe-Javakheti and get a lot of positive emotions, then the best solution is to see the sights in Akhaltsikhe. Most of the most interesting historical sites here can be viewed completely free of charge, which allows you to save a lot on vacation. In 2-3 days it is quite possible to inspect everything: the city itself, its immediate surroundings.

The centuries-old fortress Rabat

The impregnable fortress of Rabat has turned into a real city, occupying almost 7 hectares. It is quite possible to walk from the center of Akhaltsikhe to it - it will take at most 30 minutes.

The territory of this mighty fortification is a journey to different eras, here you can walk for hours, completely forgetting about life outside its walls. And if you come here in the evening, you can feel like in a fairy tale: the territory of the fortress is illuminated by strong searchlights, which creates the appearance that all structures are floating in the air!

The first mention of Rabat dates back to the 9th century, but then this structure was not so grandiose. In the 12th century, representatives of the Dzhakeli family of princes built a castle and a citadel here, making it an impregnable outpost in the southern part of Georgia. The fortification of Rabat has gone through a lot during its entire existence: in the 14th century it was destroyed by the warriors of Tamerlane, in the 15th century it was attacked by the Mongol Khan Yakub, and in the 16th century it was captured by the army of the Ottoman Empire together with the city.

Over time, the citadel lost its tactical purpose. The tensions between the USSR and Turkey, which developed in the twentieth century, led to the fact that the area was closed for tourism, the Rabat fortress did not receive appropriate care and was gradually destroyed.

Interest in Akhaltsikhe and Rabat resumed only after the collapse of the USSR, and in 2011 they began to restore the ancient citadel. The Georgian government spent over 34 million lari on restoration work (then it was almost $ 15 million). For the reconstruction, projects were developed that made it possible to preserve the authenticity of the existing structures; materials were also selected that made it possible to "repeat" the construction techniques used in antiquity. By the end of summer 2012, the reconstruction was completed, and the “New Fortress” of Akhaltsikhe was opened for inspection and regular visits.

Now the territory of Rabat is divided into lower and upper, historical, parts.

So, first about the lower part of the Akhaltsikhe fortress, which you can visit at any time of the day, and completely free of charge. The massive walls contain massive gates leading to the territory of the citadel, intended for walking: smooth paved paths, clean, cozy grounds, picturesque pools. There is also a young vineyard planted in an unusual stepwise order.

The hotel "Rabat" awaits visitors in the lower part of the building, against the background of its powerful stone walls, balconies made of carved wood look unrealistically airy. Comfortable rooms start at 50 GEL ($ 18.5). Tasty local cuisine is offered by the restaurant of the same name, located next door.

The KTW Wine Shop, one of the best wine shops in Samtskhe-Javakheti, has an excellent assortment of drinks. Here they offer chacha, cognacs, a variety of wines, including a very rare one made from rose petals. The store also amazes with its interior: there are a lot of display windows, comfortable wooden furniture for guests, and magnificent domes made of mirrors under the ceiling.

In the souvenir shop you can buy icons, luxurious silver jewelry with natural gems, as well as wine bowls and bottles made of the purest wax.

At the entrance to the Rabat fortress in Akhaltsikhe, in its lower part, there is a tourist information center, where you can immediately buy tickets to visit the museum section of the complex.

Next, we will talk about the upper part of the Rabat citadel - this is a museum territory, the entrance to which costs 7 GEL, and for children under 12 years old - 1 GEL. Having bought a ticket, you can walk around the fortification from 10:00 to 19:00, taking photographs and filming.

The upper part of the fortress is separated from the lower part of the fortress by a powerful stone wall, and the buildings here are made in a stepped structure, so you have to climb the numerous steps all the time. The main attractions are located in the museum part:

Sapara monastery

In the mountains, just 10 km from the center of Akhaltsikhe, there is another historical attraction - the Sapara (Safara) monastery. It was abolished under Soviet rule, and since the 1980s it has been a functioning male monastery - 20 monks live there.

The monastery territory is located:

• The most ancient structure of the complex is the Church of the Assumption, erected in the X century. It is famous for its iconostasis, which is crowned with luxurious relief sculptures.
• Nearby there is a solid domed church, the construction time of which dates back to the 13th century, and a bell tower. The bell tower has a dome made of solid stone slabs.
• A little further and higher up the slope there are fortifications, among which there are 3 well-preserved towers, a stone wall of low height, as well as cells (they were cut into the rock and completed from stone).
• The main cathedral of the monastery - the temple of Saint Saba, was built in the 13th century. This is the most powerful structure faced with hewn stone on the territory of the monastery. Its architecture is dominated by flat surfaces and low proportions. There are 2 very small ones near the main temple. All of these monastic buildings have roofs made of stone slabs.
• The entrance to the southern part of the complex is closed. There are monks' cells and utility rooms.

Sapara is a unique and most interesting place in Georgia near the city of Akhaltsikhe, but getting there is not so easy. There are no direct flights from the city bus station, but sometimes tourists here agree with the minibus driver about an excursion - it will cost about 3 GEL per person. You can take a taxi, which will cost approximately 25 GEL.

Can also be reached on foot. From the central part of Akhaltsikhe, you need to go east along Rustaveli Street for about 2 km, then turn onto the road to the village of Khreli - the difficulty is that this turn is not marked in any way. The village starts almost immediately, and the dirt road goes up steeply. After 2.4 km from the outskirts of the village, the road will lead to the pass of a small ridge, from where a panoramic view of Akhaltsikhe opens. Immediately behind the pass, on the left side, there is a small house and a bunch of ruins - this is the village of Verkhniye Khreli. On the right side there will be a clean pine forest, which is considered the best place for a wild overnight stay near Akhaltsikhe. It is about 3 km from the village of Verkhnie Khreli to the monastery along a quite good road from which the city outskirts, the Kura valley, and the village of Minadze are visible.

The entrance to the monastery is free. It should be noted that on weekends in Sapar it is very crowded, as excursions of schoolchildren come from all over Georgia.

Temple of Queen Tamar

Throughout the history of Georgia, this state was the only woman who ascended the throne and independently ruled the country. This is Queen Tamara.

The time of Tamara's reign (XII century) became the Golden Age for Georgia. It was thanks to Queen Tamara that Christianity spread in Georgia and became its religion. Since 1917, it is customary to celebrate the Tamaroba holiday in Georgia on May 14.

This national holiday is celebrated with special celebration and spectacularity in Akhaltsikhe, where the temple of Queen Tamara was erected in 2009-2010. This modest building is decorated in light colors. Inside, the attraction looks quite modest, however, the altar is all shining with gold, and the walls are decorated with traditional painting, on which there are many images of the queen.

In front of the temple, there is a huge monument depicting Tamara, who sits on the throne, holding a symbol of power.

The monument and temple of Queen Tamara are located almost in the center of Akhaltsikhe, on Kostava Street, it is convenient to get to it from anywhere in the city.

How to get to Akhaltsikhe?

From Tbilisi

Finding out how to get from Tbilisi to Akhaltsikhe, it becomes clear that although there is a railway station in these cities, there are no direct flights, however, as well as with 1 change. Instead of making 2-3 transfers, it is better to forget about the train altogether and take the bus.

Buses going to Akhaltsikhe depart from the capital's bus station Didube. In Akhaltsikhe, they come to Tamarashvili Street, where the local bus station is located. There are flights every 40-50 minutes, from 7:00 to 19:00, and the ticket costs 15 GEL. From Akhaltsikhe to Tbilisi, the distance is approximately 206 km, the journey time is almost 3 hours.

How to get from Batumi

You can also get from Batumi to Akhaltsikhe by shuttle bus, which departs from the old bus station, located on the street. Mayakovsky, 1. There are only 2 direct flights per day: at 8:00 and at 10:30. The journey costs 20-25 GEL, the journey lasts about 6 hours. By the way, these buses go through Borjomi, so there is an opportunity to visit the world famous source.

You can also get from Batumi to Akhaltsikhe by taxi, but is there any point in such a trip? Taxi, as it is usually understood, is not here - there are private cabbies who offer their services for too high a fee. A trip in the same minibus as a regular one, except with fewer passengers, will cost about 70 €.

When deciding how to get to Batumi in Akhaltsikhe, it becomes clear that the most convenient option with such a weak transport connection is to travel by your own car. It is desirable that it be an off-road vehicle, since although the roads were repaired not so long ago, there are quite a few unpaved areas.

When is the best time to come to Akhaltsikhe

You can come to the city of Akhaltsikhe to admire its grandiose sights at any time of the year. But the best time to travel will be July-September: in May, the temperature already rises to + 17 ° C, but there are often intermittent rains.

In summer, there is usually no intense heat: the temperature can reach + 30 ° C, but on average, the thermometer is kept at around +23 .. + 25 ° C. At the beginning of autumn, the weather conditions are still comfortable, the temperature drops to + 18 ... + 19 ° C. In such weather it is pleasant to walk around the city, but it is not cold yet to climb the mountains.

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In the fall in Akhaltsikhe (Georgia) magnificent pictures open up! Thanks to the trees, the mountains take on shades of yellow and purple, complemented by green spruces. The ridges are shrouded in a light haze, the air is filled with wonderful forest smells.

High quality video - the city of Akhaltsikhe and the Rabat fortress, filmed from the air.

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Population

According to the All-Russian population census of 1897, 15.357 people lived in the city of Akhaltsikh, of which:

• Armenians - 9.035 (58.8%)
• Georgians - 3.576 (23.3%)
• Russians - 1.172 (7.6%)
• Jews - 438 (2.9%)
• Ukrainians - 404 (2.6%)
• Poles - 345 (2.2%)
• Tatars - 108 (0.7%)
• Lithuanians - 73 (0.5%)
• Turks - 59 (0.04%)
• Germans - 53 (0.03%)
• Ossetians - 11 (0.07%)
• Assyrians - 10 (0.07%)
• Greeks - 10 (0.07%)
• Chechens - 8 (0.05%)
• Avars - 6 (0.04%)
• Belarusians - 4 (0.03%)
• Persians - 4 (0.03%)
• Czechs - 4 (0.03%)
• Latvians - 3 (0.02%)
• French - 2 (0.01%)
• Kurds - 1 (0.007%)
• Lezgins - 1 (0.007%)
• Chuvash - 1 (0.007%)

The population of the city in January 2016 was 14,000 people, in January 2014 - 20,000 people, in 2002 - 18,500 people, in January 1989 - 24,570 people.

History

Founded in the first half of the 12th century A.D. NS. From the 14th century to the 80s of the 16th century, Akhaltsikhe was the center of culture, politics and economy of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region and the residence of Atabegs from the Dzhakeli clan. In 1579 the city fell under the rule of the Ottoman Empire and in 1628 the city became the center of the Akhaltsikhe province of Tur. Ahıska of the Ottoman Empire.

sights

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Historical coat of arms of the city, 1843

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• // Encyclopedic Dictionary of Brockhaus and Efron: in 86 volumes (82 volumes and 4 additional). - SPb. , 1890-1907.

The history of Akhaltsikhe, a picturesque, ancient town in Georgia, is more than a thousand years old. The name of the settlement means "New Fortress". It is the administrative center of the region called Samtskhe-Javakheti. The settlement was built in the 12th century. in a very convenient location - both geographically and strategically. In ancient times, important trade routes passed through Akhaltsikhe, which connected Georgia with the rest of Europe and Asia. In particular, the city was connected with Turkey along the southwestern road.

Other roads of regional and national importance connect the city with Gori, Kutaisi, Borjomi, Butami and the capital of Georgia - Tbilisi.

The city, like its surroundings, is a mixture of hills, fields and plains. In territorial terms, Akhaltsikhe is divided into the Old City, which is located on a hill, and the New District, which occupies the plain of the Potskhovi River (a tributary of a larger reservoir, the Kura). The old part of the city is called the Left Bank, and the new one is called the Right Bank.

Until 1828, Akhaltsikhe was within the walls of the Rabat fortress, its northern surroundings, which rested against an old monastery and two ravines.

The city is located at the intersection of two important roads, one of which leads to Turkey, and the other from Batumi to Tbilisi. Akhaltsikhe is used as a stopping place to explore the surroundings. In particular, these are Sapara Monastery, Vardziyu, Atskuri Fortress.

The suburbs of Akhaltsikhe are new buildings represented by private houses. They are located both from the east and from the west and north entrance to the city.

This is the oldest fortress, built in the 13th century. on the hilly banks of the Potskhovi River. The name of the fort means “fortified city”. The fortress was built so that now it can be seen from anywhere in the city. Over the centuries, the fort was destroyed many times, then restored, and all this time it performed defensive functions.

The fort is a reflection of the influence of numerous cultures, civilizations and religions, which can be clearly seen in the architectural style of Rabat. A large-scale reconstruction was carried out in 2012, which allowed the ancient fort to become the cultural, historical and architectural center of Akhaltsikhe.

Within the fortress there is a park, a history museum, shops, hotels, a registry office, a synagogue, a mosque, and a church. This historical and cultural complex is located on an area of ​​seven hectares. Rabat is divided into top and bottom. Each of them has equipped observation platforms, several towers with spiral staircases.

In the west of Rabat until the 19th century. the stream ran quietly. It was here that the old Jewish quarter was located, which occupies the entire left bank of the reservoir. Now only a few buildings remain from the quarter, including the so-called new synagogue.

The first synagogue appeared in Akhaltsikhe in the 1740s, and the second in the mid-1860s.

The Jewish population of the city until the second half of the 20th century. took an active part in the life of Akhaltsikhe. Then the number of Jews began to decrease, and the synagogues were closed. At the beginning of the 21st century, a new synagogue was opened and is now operating.

The Church of the Epiphany of the Holy Cross is called, and appeared in this part of Georgia in the 17th century. Built in the traditional Armenian style, and for some time belonged to the Armenian Apostolic Church. Having passed to the Catholic diocese, it was used to serve the Catholic parishioners in Akhaltsikhe.

The church is now dilapidated; the Georgian Catholic community is engaged in its restoration. The right to own the temple is disputed between the Armenian and Georgian churches.

Located in the vicinity of the city, near the settlement of Meskheti. The monastery was founded by Saint Sava in the 13th century, and is now active. It is home to 20 monks who look after the monastery and farm.

The complex has preserved a huge number of frescoes made in the 10th-12th centuries. getting on the territory of the monastery, one immediately feels the spirit of antiquity and antiquity, which is almost lost in most churches and ancient temples.

On the northern side of the city stretches a mountain range with many peaks. The maximum height of the peaks reaches 1,120 meters... The name Northern Heights appeared already on the maps of the 19th century. After the Second World War, the slopes were planted with pines and firs, as a result of which the mountain turned into a lonely mountain. Climbing the mountains, you can see the peaks of the Turkish mountains covered with ice, or see excellent panoramic views of Akhaltsikhe.

The northern heights are known for the fact that in 1828 a major battle took place here between the armies of the Turkish and Russian empires. Near the mountain are the remains of fortifications, traces of a Turkish camp and a battery.

Consists of several parks, the largest of which are Tabatskuri and Borjomi... The territory of the first protected area is adjacent to the lake of the same name, and the second occupies the area adjacent to Borjomi. Famous mineral springs are also located in this part of the national park.

The park is also famous for the fact that there are cave cities, monasteries built on the very peaks of rocky mountains. In winter, Javakheti is open for skiers who come here to ski.

The Rabat Fortress is famous for many memorable places, many of which have become the symbols of the fort. One of them is the Love Alley, which is located near the registry office building. This is a remote part of the fortress, where the area is decorated with bushes cut in bizarre shapes, vineyards, many trees and flower beds are planted. The plantings are complemented by natural scenic landscapes. In the very center of the alley there is a small fountain surrounded by trees.

Another attraction located on the territory of the Rabat fortress. The castle was built by the rulers Meskheti, which were part of the feudal clan Jakeli (patriarchal house of Chorchaneli). The rulers wore the title of atabegs, who ruled from the 12th to the 17th centuries. South Georgia. It was Jakeli who led the uprising when Rabat was captured by the Ottoman Turks. The resistance did not last long, and soon the Jakeli converted to Islam. Until 1829, representatives of the family stayed at the Sultan's court and in the empire in the status of hereditary pashas.

This is a church that has several other names - the Holy Sign of Zarehni and Surb Vardanants. An Armenian temple of a domed type, erected in the 15th century. on a hill in the Marda quarter.

Historians have not yet established the exact date of the foundation of the temple. The church performed its functions until the middle of the 19th century, although for several centuries the temple was in complete desolation and oblivion. A new temple on the site of the old one was built in the 1860s, when the military ensign Vardan Vardanants received consent and permission from the city administration to build a church.

Between the cities of Akhaltsikhe and Borjomi there is a beautiful architectural monument built in the 10th century. This is the center of the oldest pilgrimage and worship in Georgia. In the 14th century, a small church was included in the church complex, which completed the architectural ensemble of the monastery of St. George. The reconstruction of the monastery - the largest one took place in the early 2000s.

Now the monastery accepts pilgrims, is an active male monastery, constantly receiving tourists. The temple is built of stone and has the shape of a basilica with three naves, the interior is made in antiquity. There is a two-story chapel next to the basilica, where you can see the image of St. George defeating a whale.

There is a park in the gorge of the Batsari River, which flows through the Akhmeta municipality. It has national status and is part of the Main Caucasian Ridge. The total area of ​​this protected area is 3 thousand hectares. The park was created in order to protect the unique relict yew forest, which has been studied by scientists for many years.

Yew grows everywhere in the park, and locals consider this type of tree sacred. Sometimes yew trees grow with linden, maple or ash trees. Many representatives of the fauna that are found in the park are included in the Red Book.

Geographically, the reservoir belongs to the territory of the Javakheti park. Lake Khozapini itself was formed on an ancient volcanic plateau. The reservoir is also famous for the fact that the Turkish-Georgian border passes along it.

On different sides Khozapini is surrounded by mountains, the slopes of which are covered with grass and mountain flowers. There is only one settlement not far from the lake - the village of Kartsakhi. Residents' houses are built on the banks of the Kura River, right next to the border with Turkey.

It is a symbol of Rabat and a reflection of Turkish rule in Georgia. It was erected in the 18th century, and was named after Pasha Ahmed. The dome of the mosque was covered with gold. In 1828, the fortress was captured by the Russian army, after which the Muslim temple was turned into an Orthodox church.

The church, which arose on the site of the mosque, was consecrated in honor of the Assumption of the Virgin. After the departure of the Russian army, the temple was returned to Georgia, but services are not held here. The building received the status of a historical and architectural monument, open to tourists and scientists.

Once in the Rabat fortress, travelers first see this particular church. The rear was erected before the Turks captured Rabat in 1578.

Traces of bullets are clearly visible on the walls of the temple, and ancient carvings on the bell tower. A stone drum was embedded in one of the walls of the building. There are stone fragments near the temple, many of which are covered with carvings and various inscriptions.

Safar Monastery is located in the mountains near Meskheti in a southeast direction. It was founded by St. Savva in the XIII century.

The spirit of antiquity has been preserved in the Safara monastery, which was lost by many Georgian churches during the current period of the great and merciless repair of Georgia.

Safara Monastery is an active male monastery, which is located in the mountains of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region near Akhaltsikhe. There are 20 monks who are engaged in agriculture with donations from the population. There are many unique frescoes in the monastery, some of them have survived from distant times of the past. Built in the 10-12th centuries.

To get to the monastery, you first need to drive to the city of Akhaltsikhe. The way can be done by minibus, which departs every half hour to the city from the Tbilisi bus station (near the Didube metro station). The monastery is located 12 kilometers from the city. Minibuses do not go to the monastery. Therefore, it is better to hire a taxi.

Lake Khozapini

Lake Khozapini belongs to the territory of Samtskhe-Javakheti - a marvelous land located on volcanic plateaus. The border with the Turkish state runs directly along Lake Khozapini.

The surrounding landscape is devoid of bright colors. From one side to the lake there is a descent from the steep slopes covered with grass, and from the other - here and there mountain flowers can be seen. However, in the harsh local climate, they can be found only in the middle of summer.

The only village located nearby is the village of Kartsakhi, which is located on the very border and stands on the banks of the Kura River.

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Church of the Epiphany of the Holy Cross

The Church of the Epiphany of the Holy Cross in the city of Akhaltsikhe is a temple of the Armenian Catholic Church. The building was erected in the 17th century in the Armenian architectural style. The architects doing the work are unknown today, but, according to experts, the church looks more like a building built in the 18th century. It was built for the use of the Armenian Apostolic Church, but some time after the construction it was transferred to the Armenian Catholic Church.

At present, the Church of the Epiphany of the Holy Cross is in a dilapidated state, since several years ago the Georgian Catholic community began restoration work, which aimed at re-specializing the building. As a result of unprofessional activities, the foundation of the church was damaged, and now questions are being resolved about the future of the Church of the Epiphany of the Holy Cross.

In addition, the Georgian and Armenian churches are in dispute, as the Armenian historians do not agree to give the building to the Georgian disposal. The explanation is that remains with Armenian inscriptions were found on the territory of the church, so the only thing that can be doubted is the Catholic or apostolic affiliation of the Church of the Epiphany of the Holy Cross.

Javakheti National Park or Samtskhe-Javakheti. There are several parks here, but officially only two.

First, this is the entire territory adjacent to the Tabatskuri lake - there you can meet birds, stunning in their beauty and mystery. The second national park and reserve is Borjomi - the largest in length - and famous for the Borjomi mineral water, which was very popular in the former Soviet Union. It is also worth noting that these mineral waters have a beneficial effect on health, so very often you can meet people with decayed health at these springs.

There is another small reserve - Tetrobi - but the essence of its origin is not clear.

Samtskhe-Javakheti is also famous for the fact that there are world-class ski resorts, found cave cities and monasteries on the tops of rocky mountains - all this is quite interesting for both tourists and local residents.

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