- Type
- Fortress
- Origins
- 10th century per Wikidata: founding, first mention or construction
- Location
- Kvemo Kartli, Georgia
- Coordinates
- 41.6089°, 44.5392°
History
The fortress was built in the remote canyon of the Algeti river south-west of Tbilisi, where its builders made use of natural limestone pinnacles, linking them with walls and towers. Sources mention it from the 10th century as an important stronghold guarding the approaches to the capital. In the Middle Ages Birtvisi changed hands several times and was considered almost impregnable; according to the chronicles, Timur's armies besieged it in the early 15th century. In later centuries it lost its importance and was abandoned, its walls slowly crumbling among the rocks.
What to see
A hiking trail of several hours leads to the fortress through forest and rocky gorges in Tetritskaro municipality. Remains of towers, walls and cisterns survive on the summits and ledges, blended into the natural landforms. The site draws hikers and climbers with its landscape of stone spires, which give views over the Algeti valley.
Wikipedia article Wikidata Q4917129
Popularity: articles about this site in 16 Wikimedia projects (Wikipedia language editions and others).