Once known as the Fortress of New Zagatala, this significant structure was commissioned by Russian General Ivan Paskevich. The primary purpose of the fortress was to defend against insurgents, as the region was fraught with unrest nearly two centuries ago, witnessing constant skirmishes among Georgians, Lezgins, and other ethnic groups inhabiting the area.
Throughout its history, the fortress faced multiple attempts at storming, including from local inhabitants who were outraged by the Russian Empire’s efforts to impose Christianity in the region. Built in the 1830s, the fortress is a massive triangular structure, with sides measuring approximately half a kilometer each. The actual length of the walls extends even further, as they follow a jagged line in many places. Although the fortress lost its military significance long ago, a military unit remained stationed here well into the 21st century.
After the garrison was disbanded in 1907, the fortress served various purposes over the years. It functioned as a prison, a hospital, a local history museum, and even a furniture workshop.
The total length of the fortress walls is around 3 kilometers, with exterior walls standing 5 meters high and a thickness of 1.5 to 2 meters at the base. Inside the fortress, there are towers capable of accommodating an entire artillery unit. Today, these towers present a unique sight:
The space between the tower and the wall measures approximately 15 meters, with the height of the wall being lower in this area. This design provides excellent visibility and an advantageous position for defense against attackers.
There are four such towers, each oriented toward the north, south, west, and east, respectively. A soldier was stationed at each tower to monitor activity. In contemporary times, the space between the tower and the wall is adorned with a rudimentary toilet, reminiscent of the Soviet or Azerbaijani military presence that once occupied the fortress.
A small indentation in the wall near the tower likely served as a storage area for ammunition or as a stable for feeding horses. Today, it has been repurposed into a standard trash bin. Underneath the defensive tower, there are rooms that, according to a nearby sign, were used for holding prisoners. In essence, it was a makeshift jail. The current state of this former prison area is as follows:
The outer fortress walls are equipped with loopholes, allowing defenders to engage enemies who approached too closely when artillery weapons were rendered ineffective.
Many buildings within the fortress have fallen into disrepair, with entrances either blocked by debris or sealed shut. There are few remnants indicating that people lived here relatively recently.
In a powder magazine, isolated from other structures, some domestic animals are kept—presumably sheep or cows.
On the wall opposite the entrance, there is a well that provides drinking water. This underground chamber descends about three meters. Inside, it is damp and cool, with the steps worn down in places, making it easy to slip and injure oneself if one were to fall. Caution is advised for anyone who decides to descend. The well still contains water sourced from a highland spring, delivered through ceramic pipes.
Some of the structures that have survived from that era, which were not occupied during the military’s presence here, are in a state of partial ruin. Each building is marked with a plaque offering a brief description of its historical function.
