Ananuri
FAQFrequently asked questions
What is Ananuri?
This is a Georgian castle-fortress on the Military-Georgian Road, at the place where the Vedzathevi River flows into Aragvi. It was once the main stronghold of the Aragava eristavs - local rulers.
When was it built and by whom?
The fortress grew in the 16th-18th centuries due to the efforts of the Eristavians, and the tower with a pyramidal roof stood here even before the castle itself. That is, they did not build in one sitting.
How to get there?
Ananuri is located 70 km from Tbilisi just on the Military-Georgian road, so it is difficult to miss it on the road to the north. Administratively, it is the Dushet municipality, Mtskheta-Mtianeti region.
What is worth seeing here?
Inside the walls - the temple-tomb of Gvtaeb (XVI-XVII centuries), the Dormition Church of 1689 and the one-nave Mkurnali church with a bell tower. Remains of the pool and bathhouse also remained.
Has the fortress seen real battles?
More and what. In 1739, it was stormed by the Ksanian Eristav Shanshe, in 1795, the defenders fought off the troops of Aga Magomed Khan, and in 1812, it resisted during the uprising of the highlanders. Georgia proposes to include Ananuri in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
