In the mountainous region along the banks of the picturesque Pochkovi River, surrounded by majestic ridges, lies the city of Akhaltsikhe. This small settlement, home to approximately 18,000 residents, serves as the heart of the remarkable Georgian region known as Samtskhe-Javakheti. This southern part of the country resembles an ancient “island,” drawing in tourists with its rich heritage shaped by diverse cultures. To the south, Javakheti borders Armenia and Turkey; to the west, it meets Adjara; and to the east, it connects with Kvemo Kartli.
The crown jewel of Akhaltsikhe is the Rabati Fortress, perched on a hill in the central part of the city. The lower section of this fortification is an accessible area where visitors can explore the architectural beauty, admire the towers, and marvel at the massive walls—all free of charge. The upper section of the fortress serves as a museum, requiring an entry ticket. Visitors can access the lower part of the fortress at any time, while the upper section is open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and the museum remains open until 6:00 PM.
Conveniently located within the grounds of Rabati Fortress, the Tourist Information Office can be found at 1 Kharishirashvili Street. Here, a friendly manager is always ready to assist, providing maps of the city, selling tickets for the museum section of the fortress, and offering guidance on other attractions in Akhaltsikhe.
The northern part of the city is “guarded” by a mountain that rises to 1,120 meters. This natural fortification is known as the Northern Heights. You can reach it by taxi along a dirt road, with drivers eager to take you from the city center in just 15 minutes. The mountain presents a picturesque view, adorned with trees, making it an ideal spot for a picnic while enjoying the panoramic vistas of the city below.
The main attraction here is the Georgian Catholic Monastery. This temple was built nearly at the same elevation as the Rabati Fortress, a fact that shaped its historical fate. In 1828, fierce battles erupted between the Turks and Russians, resulting in the near destruction of the monastery. Today, a new Benedictine-style monastery stands on the site of the old structure, with gravestones featuring stunning ornamentation serving as a reminder of its ancient heritage. The Turkish bastion has been almost entirely erased from the landscape, replaced by a new building. Admission to this site is free.
From the Northern Heights, another temple comes into view. Although significantly damaged, it is believed to have belonged to Armenians, although its exact name remains uncertain. Constructed in the 18th century, only the walls of the temple complex, its gabled roof, and the semi-circular wooden vault of the church have survived the ravages of time. Nearby, a small bell tower with a wooden dome can be found on the western side. This ancient temple is situated on the slope of the Eastern Ravine of the city, offering breathtaking views of Akhaltsikhe and the Northern Heights. In winter, the sight of the snow-capped Turkish ridges is simply stunning.
To reach this site, visitors must walk from Rabati Fortress, heading towards Kazbegi Street, traversing it completely, and then continuing up the dirt road. The stroll takes approximately one hour, and entry is free.
Perched on a high hill to the west of the fortress, the Church of St. Marina is an Orthodox temple built in the late 19th century on the site of an older religious structure. While the exterior of the building may not attract much attention, it is the sacred relics—fragments of St. Marina’s remains—that draw tourists to this location. The church’s interior is modest yet elegant, adorned with beautifully painted icons that grace its walls. Nearby stands a tall bell tower. Although the church remains active, it is often closed to visitors, who can enter for free when it is open. A leisurely walk from the fortress to the church takes about 30 to 40 minutes, heading west through the city.
If you head northwest from the fortress without reaching the Catholic monastery, you will encounter the remnants of the Turkish baths, a legacy of the Ottoman conquests. Today, these structures appear as large gray domes rising from the ground. Two brick semi-domes give the impression of a unified building with a façade, hinting at a former temple that once stood here. Historical accounts suggest that the baths were constructed directly on the foundation of a Christian church, utilizing its remnants. The surrounding area has become almost overgrown with grass, but the authorities in Akhaltsikhe plan to restore the site and establish a museum. Currently, entry is free.
This small district is tucked away in the old part of the settlement, beyond the Eastern Ravine. Once home to a vibrant Jewish community, the area has largely transitioned to Armenian residents. Tourists are particularly interested in the two old synagogues that remain.
The Akhaltsikhe Old Synagogue, built during the Ottoman era in the 1740s, is a must-see for anyone wishing to appreciate the architectural beauty of this ancient monument. Though no longer in use, visiting the synagogue is free, and plans for its restoration and the establishment of a museum are underway. To reach the synagogue, head east from the fortress along Guramishvili Street; the Jewish quarter begins just to the left of this street.
Not far from the old building, if you head south, you will find a second synagogue, constructed in 1865, which is still operational today, and entry is free.
If you’re interested in seeing the old Jewish cemetery, head north from the synagogues; it is located right behind the Armenian cemetery. However, gaining access to view the tombstones can be challenging, as the Jewish graves are enclosed by a tall, imposing fence, with gates that are almost always locked. You may need to climb over the walls, but the effort is worthwhile for the sight of the grand sarcophagi, “stone chests,” and beautiful memorials.
Of course, Akhaltsikhe is home to a monument and a temple dedicated to this iconic figure. Queen Tamar played a significant role in the ancient state and the settlement itself, famously bequeathing the city to the Jakeli family, who successfully resisted many invaders.
The Temple of Queen Tamar, constructed between 2009 and 2010, is a modest yet monumental building in light tones. The church’s decor is understated, but the central iconostasis deserves special mention. The altar shimmers with gold, and the walls are adorned with traditional paintings depicting Tamar and other significant figures in Georgian history. In front of the temple stands a grand statue of the Queen, seated on a throne and holding a symbol of power. Both the monument and the temple are located at Kostava Street, just 500 meters from the city center and the fortress.
If you find yourself in Akhaltsikhe, a visit to the remarkable Sapara Monastery is essential. Located just 10 kilometers from the city center, this temple complex boasts several preserved buildings. The oldest is the Church of the Assumption, built in the 10th century and adorned with ancient columns. Nearby, you’ll find a 13th-century domed church. As you stroll along the hillside, you can see remnants of fortifications, including three towers and a low stone wall. The lower part of the slope is crowned by the ruins of ancient cells, hewn directly into the rock and framed by stones.
Not far away stands the largest church in the complex, the Church of St. Saba, dating back to the 13th century. Two smaller churches have been constructed adjacent to the main building. Interestingly, instead of traditional roofs, all the churches feature heavy stone slabs. The main dome above the bell tower is similarly constructed.
The best way to reach the monastery is by taxi, but hiking is also an option. From the city center, you need to walk about 2 kilometers east along Rustaveli Street. At the end of this street, there is a turnoff to the village of Khreli (though there are no signs), but you will easily spot the village from the road. From this point, you will need to ascend steeply along a dirt path that climbs at a significant incline. After covering approximately 2.5 kilometers, you will arrive at a picturesque pass, where the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and a gentle ridge await you. This pass serves as an excellent vantage point, offering stunning panoramas of the city and the beautiful Akhaltsikhe itself. Just beyond the pass lies the village of Khreli, where you can refresh yourself with delicious spring water and enjoy the crisp air infused with the scent of pine trees.
From the village to the temple complex, it’s another 3 kilometers of flat terrain, making the journey quite manageable without any steep climbs. The excursion is free, making it a perfect addition to your visit to this enchanting region. Whether you choose to hike or take a taxi, the experience promises to be rewarding, filled with natural beauty and historical significance.
