On the way from Tbilisi to Batumi, near Kutaisi, there is a place with a beautiful name – Nokalakevi. Let’s take a look on this name: “kala” means “city”, “No-…-evi” form means the location of something. It turns out that “Nokalakevi” means “the place of location of the city”. Ancient Greeks called this city Archeopolis, earlier Georgian scripts call it Tsikhegodji.
GPS coordinates for Garmin/Navitel: N42.357141, E42.194876
Outer wall is built with dark massive stone. It is assumed to be built in 3rd century A.D. Just take a look on it!
The second wall is built of limestone. It is widely spread in the neighbourhood. The material and building technology allow scientists to assume that this wall was built by Megrelian dukes in 16th century.
Let’s have a little walk around the fortress. Nowadays you can find here several buildings: tower with arches, The Church of 40 Martyrs, basilica foundation, palace ruins, baths.
We’d like to show you the beautiful nature around Nokalakevi fortress.
The city fortress is located on plateau that is surrounded by the Tekhuri river curve. There is a bridge near the Western gates (following photos were done right from that bridge):
Georgian climate quickly covers all ruins with green plants. Sometimes it looks amazing…
What about looking closer? Isn’t it marvellous? 🙂
There is a house inside fortress. It is not a museum, usual Georgian family lives inside! Isn’t it cool to live inside the Fortress?
And here is a cow. It is eating green castle’s grass (and probably unwanted guests) 🙂
We were happy to talk with the owner of the house (and of the cow). He told us that this house is owned by his family and was built more then hundred years ago. He told us that in ancient times this place used to be a very big city that was located not only under the hill, but also above it.
So we couldn’t miss walking in bushes of higher city! Even though it was getting late!
The way above is not easy. The road is not only steep, but also bushy enough…
The church seems to be restored…
But towers are not as lucky as the church.
We are happy to show you Nokalakevi Fortress! It is the end of this trip, but it is not the end of our way. Batumi, Botanical Garden and other Georgian sights are waiting us.
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