At the very heart of the city stands its iconic landmark—the ancient defensive fortress. This impressive structure, though partially in ruins, still exudes a sense of grandeur. The tall edifice, with its surviving battlements and walls made of smooth stones, harks back to the glorious times of King David the Builder, who is credited with the construction of this multi-tiered fortification. Historical records indicate that the current fortress was erected on the site of an ancient defensive tower.
Interestingly, the first mention of Goris-tsikhe appeared in chronicles in the 13th century, referred to as the “Gori prison” or “ostrog.” The fortress rises majestically atop a rocky hill, accessible via a winding path. The gates remain open at night, and entry to the site is free of charge. Inside the fortress, a large clearing often serves as a resting spot for tourists. The best-preserved section of the structure is known as the “Nine Gates” (Ts’khra-kara), where visitors can admire the arches, nearly intact battlements, and towers. From this vantage point, one can enjoy breathtaking views of the entire city. At the foot of the mountain, a police post is available for any inquiries visitors may have.
The history of this fortress is shrouded in mystery. It is likely that people settled on this prominent stone outcrop during ancient times, particularly since it was a favored northern bank of the Kura River. However, we know nothing about the ancient period of Goris-tsikhe. It is only in the 13th century that vague references to the fortress begin to appear: at the end of that century, it was captured by either the Alans or some proto-Ossetians, who held it for about twenty years.
There was a period when the fortress was constructed of wood, and it wasn’t until the 17th century that something more substantial was built. Iskander Munshi wrote that Shah Abbas constructed a fortress in Gori in 1614. King Irakli II later renovated and partially rebuilt the fortress, which is why we see the remnants of Irakli’s fortress today. Shortly after these renovations, Georgia was annexed by Russia, and a grenadier regiment was stationed at the fortress for some time. Eventually, it was abandoned due to lack of necessity and began to deteriorate gradually.
During those years, the coat of arms of the Gori district depicted a crumbling fortress. The explanation accompanying the coat of arms stated that it symbolized the towers that were no longer needed by Georgians under Russian rule. In 1920, a devastating earthquake struck Gori, causing significant destruction to the city and partially to the fortress.
Accessing the fortress is straightforward—it’s best approached from the direction of the Cathedral, circling the hill clockwise. A path leads to the Southern Gates, which are marked by a brick tower with an arch in the Persian style. A police officer is sometimes stationed there. Upon passing through the gates, visitors enter a flat clearing, valued primarily for its stunning views of the city.
Once, a temple stood within the fortress. It vanished at an unknown time, though rumors suggest it collapsed in 1920. Today, only the western wall remains, nearly blending into the fortress walls.
After soaking in the beauty of the fortress, one can admire an unusual monument at the very foot of the mountain. Before you stand eight colossal warriors seated on large boulders in the clearing. This installation, erected in 2008, pays tribute to the ancient defenders of the fortress. The sight is striking—each warrior is missing a part of their body, creating an eerie yet powerful reminder of the bloody wars fought in the region, symbolizing that the defenders never surrender, even in the face of great loss.
