Walls, towers, fortifications… It is hard to imagine Georgia without its fortresses. There are tens of them everywhere. Some are quite good, some are totally destroyed. Some were renovated and used as a museum, some are abandoned and not even researched by scientists.
Tmgovi fortress is located on Borjomi-Bakuriani-Akhaltsikhe-Vardzia route. So it is worth looking at while going nearby.
GPS coordinates for Garmin/Navitel: N41.397500, E43.317194
Tmogvi was one of the most important cities of Javakheti. Raised on 150 meters above the river, the fortress had a control on caravan roads going along the Mtkvari river valley. These roads were connecting Georgia with Asia Minor. The fortress was protecting the bridge and paths leading to villages nearby.
Tmogvi starts growing quickly in 8-9 centuries. At the end of 12th century, it is a residence for Tmogveli family and the center for the frontier city. In 16th century it becomes a property of Jakeli (Samtskhe-Saatabago owners). At the end of 16th century, it is captured by Ottomans. And in 1828 it was returned back to Georgia by Russian troops.
Several construction layers are distinguished on the fortress territory. Strong earthquakes destroyed it several times, so it was being rebuilt frequently.
There are a lot of various buildings inside the walls (built in 1350). Saint Marine’s domed church (13-14 century) with its frescoes is located on the eastern side of the hill. The fortress had a secret vertical tunnel connecting its buildings with the river.
One of the stoned windows survived. We can still enjoy amazing views through this window.
The views are really unbelievably beautiful!
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