The Sviri Fortress (სვერი) is a small, long-forgotten, and abandoned stronghold located in the Chiatura district of Imereti, rarely visited except by local residents. Its history is intertwined with the campaign of the Arab commander Mervan the Deaf and the feudal wars of the 15th century. Beyond these connections, little is known about its past. As a tourist attraction, it may not hold great value—overgrown with bushes and vegetation—but if you find yourself in this area, a visit could certainly add some variety to your day.
The history of the fortress is more speculative than factual. It is believed to have been constructed in the 6th century or shortly thereafter. It stood during the year 735 when the Arab general Mervan attempted to conquer Argveti, reportedly failing to take the fortress. In 1068, the fortress is mentioned in relation to the Seljuk invasion led by Alp-Arslan, which is somewhat puzzling since the Seljuks did not venture into Imereti.
In 1590, the fortress was captured by King Svimon I of Kartli, and in 1661, it was briefly taken by King Vakhang V of Kartli. Most notably, the fortress is frequently referenced in connection with the events of 1709, when King Giorgi VII of Imereti fought against Giorgi Abashidze. Abashidze was defeated and retreated to the fortress, where he was besieged by the king, who ultimately could not capture it and withdrew. In 1763, the Turks seized and destroyed Sviri. Finally, the fortress re-entered the historical narrative in 1810 during the anti-Russian uprising, when the Russian army captured it, marking the end of its storied past.
The fortress is situated in the canyon of the Sadzalishevi River, perched atop a solitary rock approximately 600 meters above sea level. It stretches about 60 meters from east to west. On the southern side, where it meets the plateau, a portion of the wall has survived well. However, only fragments remain on the northern side. Based on the fortress’s history, it can be inferred that the existing wall is likely a restoration completed after 1763, while the primary damage was probably inflicted by the Russian army in 1810.
A wide path leads from the northern side to a narrow entrance, evidenced by the door slots. Inside the fortress, nothing remains except for dense underbrush. Occasionally, among the thickets, one can find shards of kvevri (traditional Georgian wine vessels) and even the pits where the kvevri once stood. However, that is the extent of the remnants. If the bushes were cleared and the area tidied up, there would be a chance to uncover more significant artifacts.
For this reason, venturing into the fortress itself may not be particularly worthwhile—unless you are seeking stunning views of the gorge.
The fortress may not have much to offer the average visitor, but if you’re planning to ride through these areas on a motorcycle or bicycle (a motorcycle is recommended), it’s worth a detour.
Reaching the fortress is relatively easy. It is located south of Chiatura, just south of the village of Perevisa, a short distance before the village of Sviri. If you take a minibus to Sviri, it will drop you off at Perevisa, after which a long descent to the Sadzalishevi River begins, followed by an ascent. About 600 meters along the road, it takes a sharp right turn of nearly 180 degrees. Here, you can disembark. A path leading to the fortress branches off to the left just a few steps up the road.
Coordinates: 42°14’2″N 43°18’44″E