Perched near the resort town of Borjomi, Georgia, Gogia Fortress, commonly referred to as Gogia’s Castle, stands as a formidable sentinel of the region’s rich medieval history and the enduring peace it has fought to protect. While it is widely believed that this impressive structure was erected before the 14th century—given that similar rectangular towers are absent from Georgian architecture postdating this era—the earliest documented references to the fortress trace back to the 16th century.
Gogia’s Castle underwent significant reconstruction during the late feudal period, spanning the 16th to 18th centuries, when it came under the ownership of Gogia, a member of the influential Avalishvili family. The fortress was strategically vital, forming part of a network of fortifications that included Petre’s Castle, Gogia’s cousin’s stronghold. Together, these fortresses protected the vital roads connecting Samtskhe-Javakheti with Kartli and Imereti. They communicated through a system of bonfires, alerting each other to the approach of potential invaders.
Over the centuries, Gogia Fortress faced numerous assaults from foreign invaders and even from rival factions within the Avalishvili family itself. A notable feud existed between cousins Gogia and Petre Avalishvili, which eventually led to their reconciliation, facilitated by family members. To celebrate their newfound friendship, they organized a feast at Gogia’s Castle. However, as the festivities progressed and the wine flowed, a violent altercation erupted, resulting in the deaths of both Gogia and Petre, along with many of their warriors. Legend has it that the conflict between them continues to echo through time; at dusk, the ghosts of the castle engage in a relentless battle that persists until dawn. As the first light of day breaks, the sounds of combat fade, and the spectral warriors vanish into the shadows.
In the 19th century, Gogia’s Castle retained its role as a watchtower, initially serving the Georgian police and later the Russian military. It played a crucial part during the war against the Turks in 1828, when Turkish forces sought to seize this strategic checkpoint. At that time, a contingent of forty Georgian militia members, led by the valiant Vezirishvili, bravely defended the fortress. The Georgians fought valiantly, successfully repelling the Turkish attacks and inflicting significant casualties, forcing the enemy to retreat. In the years that followed, a Russian army unit was stationed at Gogia Fortress to guard the narrow passage that enemy forces would have to traverse.
Today, although Gogia’s Castle lies in ruins, it remains easily accessible from Borjomi, offering an adventurous escape with breathtaking views of the town below. Situated on a prominent hill northwest of Borjomi, the fortress is approximately 2 kilometers from the city center, making for a pleasant yet slightly steep walk, depending on your chosen route. Many visitors often combine their journey to Gogia Fortress with a visit to Petre’s Castle, which is located on a mountain just south of Borjomi, creating a rich historical experience in this captivating region.