Narikala Fortress

We’ve reached the time of year where the weather and I really don’t get along. One day it will be freezing cold and dreary, the next it will be balmy, sunny, and a teaser for spring. I’m at the point where I’ve had it with winter and I’m eager for spring to show up and seize control, though I doubt that will happen as quickly as I’d like.

For now, we are trying to maximize the good days, and thankfully, this weekend was beautiful. We spent several hours Sunday afternoon exploring one of the most prominent landmarks in Tbilisi, the Narikala Fortress.

Narikala is an ancient fortress overlooking Tbilisi and the Kura River. The structure is located on a steep hill with one side facing Old Tbilisi and the Sulphur baths, and the other facing the botanical gardens. The fortress was built in the 4th century as a Persian citadel and has undergone additions and modifications for hundreds of years. Most of outside fortifications date from the 16th and 17th centuries. In 1827, the fortress was badly damaged by an earthquake and the exterior walls were not restored. Inside the fortress walls stands St. Nikolos church which dates back to the 12th century. The church was extensively renovated in 1996, and it’s interior is covered in frescos depicting scenes from both the Bible and history of Georgia.