The ruins of the remarkably beautiful and unique Byzantine fortress of Petra are perched on a hill in the village of Tsikhisdziri, which translates to “under the fortress.” As tourists travel from Kobuleti to Batumi, they are greeted by the captivating sight of these ancient ruins.
Petra was once regarded as an impregnable fortress-city within the Kingdom of Egrisi. The site chosen for its construction held significant strategic, military, and trade importance. It was in 535 AD that Byzantine Emperor Justinian decided to build this formidable stronghold.
Adjacent to the fortress ran a narrow trade route that connected Georgia with Armenia and Byzantium. This location also witnessed fierce battles against Turkish invaders, marking it as a site of historical significance.
Today, Petra stands as a remarkable archaeological complex, consisting of the citadel, an outer city, and residential structures. Among the ruins, one can identify what appears to be a storage facility that served as a refrigerator, demonstrating the ingenuity of its builders. The fortress also housed a well and a cistern for water storage, essential for sustaining its inhabitants.
Once, a cross stood at the entrance of the fortress, a symbol of faith that was later toppled and shattered by Turkish conquerors. The foundation and remnants of a three-nave basilica can still be seen, likely destroyed during the Turkish invasions. Additionally, visitors can explore the remains of a prayer house from the 10th to 14th centuries, along with ruins of a bathhouse and a wine cellar.
Archaeological excavations at Petra have been ongoing since 1987. Before that, the fortress was home to a lemonarium—a garden where lemons were cultivated. Today, Petra is regarded as an open air museum-reserve.