Askana Fortress

Askana Castle (ასკანა) is an abandoned fortress perched atop a high cliff overlooking the Bakhvistkali River, situated between the villages of Ukhanava and Vaniskedi. Rising approximately 50 meters above the river, it is enveloped by dense forest, thickets, and steep rocks, making access challenging. While it is easily visible from Ukhanava and other nearby villages, reaching it requires significant physical effort. This castle ranks among the few hard-to-reach fortifications in Georgia, comparable to Khuluti Fortress and the Ushguli Castle of Tamar.

Currently, the fortress stands at the highest point of a small ridge that stretches about 500 meters from east to west. Positioned at the eastern end of this ridge, it looms almost directly above the river. The castle features an irregular shape, extending approximately 80 meters from tower to tower along its east-west axis.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the fortress is its highest point—a tower accessible via a staircase carved into the rock. There are also a couple of water catchments, hewn from the stone. Scattered throughout the area are remnants of jars, which can be discovered among the hazelnut trees. The entrance gates leading into the fortress perimeter are particularly interesting; they are small and elevated, adding to the fortress’s mystique.

Askana Castle is marked on navigation apps like maps.me, but the location is inaccurately placed; it is situated further west, across the river. The castle can be approached on foot from Khidistavi (off the highway to Bakhmaro), covering approximately six kilometers through charming rural landscapes. Alternatively, one can travel from Ozurgeti, winding through various villages. The network of roads is extensive and quite convoluted.

To begin your journey, you must reach the village of Mtispiri, located about 15 kilometers from Ozurgeti. The Bakhvistkali River flows south of the village, where a bridge crosses over, leading to a nearby quarry. From the quarry, a road heads directly east, leading into a plantation. This is where the journey becomes more complex. You will need to veer right and ascend the slope, navigating through the terrain. At the top of the height, head east while trying to locate a trail. A wire fence (non-barbed) can serve as a helpful landmark—stay to the left of this fence to find the trail.

Once you’ve located the path, it will guide you along the northern side of the slope, winding through the forest and between rocks, eventually leading you through thickets of Pontic rhododendrons and directly to the fortress. To enter the castle itself, you must circle to the left, where the trail will lead you to the gates. After this point, the route becomes intuitive.

According to the navigator, the distance from the bridge at the quarry to the castle is 1,500 meters, with an elevation gain of 200 meters. This seems a bit peculiar, and it would be wise to verify the elevation details.

The most challenging aspect of this adventure is finding the trail and avoiding getting lost in the tangles of blackberry brambles.