Narikala Fortress
ნარიყალა
A 4th-century hilltop fortress reached in 2 minutes by cable car. Its walls offer the best views over the Old Town, the Kura River and Holy Trinity Cathedral, with the Mother of Georgia statue nearby.
Narikala Fortress sits on the Sololaki ridge behind the Old Town. The Persians first built it in the 4th century, and the Arabs expanded it in the 8th century. The name comes from a Mongolian term meaning “small fortress.” After centuries of warfare, a gunpowder magazine exploded in 1827, leaving the fortress in ruins. Several sections of the walls remain and can be climbed freely, but some are steep and have no railings, so take care. Inside, the Church of St. Nicholas was rebuilt in 1996 and has vividly colored frescoes. From the highest point of the fortress, looking north, you can take in the domes of the sulfur baths, the red rooftops of the Old Town, the Kura River, Peace Bridge, Metekhi Church, and Holy Trinity Cathedral on the hill across the left bank. It is Tbilisi’s signature panorama, and it looks especially beautiful after sunset, when the city lights come on. Walking 10 minutes west along the ridge brings you to the 20-meter-tall aluminum “Mother of Georgia” statue (1958), which holds a sword in one hand to repel enemies and a wine bowl in the other to greet guests. Further west is the entrance to the National Botanical Garden (4 lari admission), with waterfalls and valleys. You can walk down from the garden to the bathhouse district. The most effortless and enjoyable way up is the cable car from Rike Park (2 minutes, 2.5 lari per ride, payable with a Metromoney card, operating 10:00–24:00), which takes you to the upper station beside the fortress. Alternatively, it’s about a 20-minute walk up a path from beside the bath district. Entry to the fortress is free and it is open 24 hours, but nighttime lighting is limited. The best plan is to go up in the late afternoon, watch the sunset, then take the cable car down and continue your evening exploring Rike Park and Peace Bridge.
Opening hours
All day; cable car 10:00–24:00
Nearby sights
- Leghvtakhevi Waterfall
- Jumah Mosque
- National Botanical Garden of Georgia
- Old Tbilisi / Abanotubani
- Metekhi Church
- Sioni Cathedral
- Kartlis Deda (Mother of Georgia)
- Bridge of Peace