Perched on a rocky outcrop at the entrance to the Borjomi Gorge, Atskuri Fortress commands a striking view over the Kura River. The earliest written records of this formidable structure date back to the 9th century. Once, this site was home to an entire fortified town; some of the fortress walls were constructed during the existence of the Georgian state, while others were built in response to the Turkish invasions. A tunnel leads from the fortress down to the river, historically providing a vital water supply for its inhabitants.
Archaeological findings reveal that this area has been inhabited since the Bronze Age. The predecessor of the current fortress emerged in the 9th century, with the ruins visible today dating from the 14th to the 18th centuries. Within the fortress town stood the Atskuri Church, where fragments of frescoes can still be seen adorning the crumbling walls. This sacred site housed the revered icon of the Atskuri Mother of God, believed to have been brought here by the Apostle Andrew during his mission to spread Christianity throughout Georgia.
In the late 15th century, the fortress came under siege by Persian forces, who offered its defenders a chance to surrender, promising safety. However, the Persians betrayed the inhabitants, slaughtering all those who surrendered, and cast the icon of the Atskuri Mother of God into the flames. Remarkably, the icon survived this ordeal, leading some of the Persian soldiers to convert to Christianity after witnessing this miraculous event. Over the years, the icon was transported multiple times from the fortress to the Gelati Monastery and back again.
Today, visitors can access the fortress through a tunnel that once connected it to the river but now links to the road. From the fortress grounds, one can gaze upon the village of Atskuri and the surrounding landscapes of the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. To the east, the towering Mount Oshora rises, while to the north stands Mount Lomi, both soaring over 2000 meters above sea level. The fortress not only serves as a historical landmark but also offers breathtaking views of the stunning Georgian countryside.
