Georgia is a country with a rich history, and it still carefully preserves its ancient monuments. One of the most famous landmarks, which attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year, is the Ananuri Fortress. It is located on the shore of the Zhinvali Reservoir, right next to the Georgian Military Road, which is also of great interest to travelers.
A bit of history
The exact date when construction began is unknown. The first mentions of the fortress date back to the early 18th century, although some historians claim that one of the towers on its territory was built as early as the 13th century.
Since medieval times, Ananuri served as a main stronghold, protecting access to strategic areas in the center of the country through the Aragvi Gorge. Villagers from the surrounding areas, as well as residents of remote regions of Georgia, used to hide here from enemies. The road the fortress once guarded is now partially submerged, and a newer road was built later.
An interesting fact about the citadel is the presence of a private water supply system, which brought water from a mountain spring near Ananuri. To this day, the castle has a special water storage area with two basins plastered inside.
The fortress grounds were rectangular in shape and surrounded by a massive wall with crenellations. Inside the walls were located:
religious buildings;
residential tower;
bell tower;
bathhouse.
Originally, the tower walls were about 5–6 meters high, but were later raised by a few more meters. In the eastern and northern sections, a lower fortress was added, about three times the size of the upper one. Today, the lower complex is almost entirely destroyed, and many later buildings in the courtyard have greatly altered the original appearance of the structure.
What to see in the Fortress
In the upper part of the citadel, the circular wall is very well preserved. In addition to the wall, five towers with three churches have also survived.
Entrance Tower
Its purpose was to defend the entrance to the fortress. The square-shaped structure is complemented by embrasures from which one could shoot or pour hot oil on unwelcome guests while being in a secure position. The first floor of the tower serves as a continuous gate. The second floor has resting rooms, while the third and fourth floors contained everything necessary for defensive actions.
North Tower
This structure is attached to the main wall in the northern part. The tower consists of three floors and has a tapering configuration towards the top. On the inner side, there is a small ledge that facilitated the movement of people during the defense of the fortress. Tourists who manage to reach it can enjoy beautiful views of the Zhinvali Reservoir.
Sheupovari Tower
This is the largest tower in the complex, consisting of seven floors. The sixth floor features not only embrasures but also fireplaces, the construction time of which is unknown. Since the wooden floors between the floors in the tower are well-preserved, visitors have the opportunity to climb to the top of the structure to capture memorable photos.
Pyramidal Tower
It is considered to be the oldest tower in the complex and the most interesting one to visit. It has four floors, with the first one starting at a height of 3 meters above the ground, and the lower part forming a solid wall. The upper chamber was used as an observation point for the surroundings. The corners of the tower are made of hewn stone, while the walls are made of rubble. The roof of the structure is laid with steps.
Assumption Church
A cult building — the largest in the fortress, built in 1689, consisting of two floors. The church nowadays is a true example of folk craftsmen of the late Middle Ages. Churches of this type are known in Georgia in no more than three.
The building is characterized by classic proportions, topped with a dome, and its exterior walls are decorated with carved images of angels, people, animals, birds, and grapevine. The interior has 14 windows and several doors. The structure is located right next to the donjon, but bas-reliefs can be seen on all walls. How medieval masters managed to create such work is simply unclear.
Spassky Church
It is also known as the Church of the Virgin Mary. The construction of this church is dated to the end of the 16th – beginning of the 17th century. The building features a Romanesque style, walls built of rubble stone, and the facades have no paintings or decorative elements.
The church does not conduct services and functions only as a tourist attraction. Inside stands a tombstone with an inscription stating that in 1674 Anna Abashidze installed the tombstone in honor of her husband, the Aragvi eristavi Mdivanbeg Edisher.
Single-nave Church (Mkriali)
The church is located in the lower segment of the citadel, and its western wall is part of the upper enclosure. The bell tower is decorated with beautiful arches supported by octagonal pillars, although the rubble walls themselves lack any facing.
Jinvali Reservoir
This reservoir also deserves attention. It is interesting to tourists not only as a source of knowledge about Georgia but also as a place to swim on a hot day and rest a little after walking around the fortress. Also, near the reservoir flows a spring with clean drinking water.
Creating this reservoir required flooding several mountain villages, as well as the old Military Georgian Road, which was no longer in use at the time. Occasionally, the water recedes, revealing the submerged buildings.
How to get to Ananuri
By car
Tourists traveling around Georgia by car cannot miss this structure. It will inevitably appear on their route along the Military Georgian Road. Trips to Ananuri are very often organized by travel agencies in Tbilisi and other cities in Georgia.
By bus
You can hitchhike or use any public transport going from Tbilisi to Pasanauri, Gudauri, Stepantsminda:
time – buses depart approximately every hour;
departure point – Didube bus station;
cost of a ticket to the fortress – 6 GEL (lari).
Travelers' tips
When preparing for your trip, don't forget to:
Wear comfortable shoes.
Be sure to take a swimsuit and a towel with you.
The entrance to the fortress territory is completely free, as is swimming in the reservoir.
The trip will take about 5 – 6 hours – which is enough time to explore the citadel and relax near the water.
The architectural ensemble of Ananuri still poses questions to archaeologists and historians that remain unanswered. You can touch this mystery if you come to travel to these places.
