Khertvisi Fortress
ხერთვისის ციხე
An ancient fortress standing on a rocky hill at the confluence of two rivers. It is one of Georgia's oldest castles and a must-stop on the way to Vardzia.
Khertvisi Fortress sits on a rocky hill at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Paravani rivers. Its origins date back to the 2nd century BC, but the surviving walls were mainly built between the 10th and 14th centuries. Legend says that Alexander the Great once stopped here. Visitors can climb to the top of the walls to look over the gorge, and the entrance fee is very low. It stands beside the road to Vardzia, and Vardzia is about 15 km further on. A stop of 30–60 minutes is typical.
Opening hours
10:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Vardzia
- Vanis Kvabebi
- Sapara Monastery
- Green Monastery (Chitakhevi)
- Rabati Castle
- Bakuriani
- Borjomi Sulfur Pools
- Likani Palace (Romanov Palace)