Birtvisi Castle Ruins

Tetri-Tsqaro, Georgia

Birtvisi is a ruined medieval fortress in Kvemo Kartli, Georgia, nested within limestone cliffs in the Algeti river gorge. It is now within the boundaries of the Tetri-Tsqaro municipality, adjacent to the Algeti National Park.

Birtvisi is essentially a natural rocky fortress of 1 km², secured by walls and towers, the most prominent of which – known as Sheupovari ('Obstinate') – tops the tallest rock in the area. Various accessory structures, an aqueduct included, have also survived.

In written sources, Birtvisi is first mentioned as a possession of the Arab amir of Tiflis of which he was divested by the Georgian nobles Liparit, Duke of Kldekari and Ivane Abazasdze in 1038. In medieval Georgia, Birtvisi entertained a reputation of an impregnable stronghold whose master could control the entire strategic Algeti gorge. The Turco-Mongol amir Timur notably reduced the fortress during one of his invasions of Georgia in 1403. After the partition of the Kingdom of Georgia later in the 15th century, Birtvisi was within the borders of the Kingdom of Kartli and in possession of the princes Baratashvili.

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Tetri-Tsqaro, Georgia
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Founded: 11th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Georgia

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

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4.9/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

ალექს ლანდემორ (5 years ago)
Birtvisi natural monument is a perfect place for weekend easy day-hike or camping not far from Tbilisi.You can conquere medieval fortress here,nested within limestone cliffs in the Algeti river gorge and enjoy delightfull panoramic views.In written sources, Birtvisi is first mentioned in 1038 as a possession of the Arab amir of Tiflis.
MR Production (6 years ago)
The most beautiful place in georgia
Nika Janjaria (6 years ago)
Birtvisi (Georgian: ბირთვისი) is a ruined medieval fortress in Kvemo Kartli, Georgia, nested within limestone cliffs in the Algeti river gorge. It is now within the boundaries of the Tetri-Tsqaro municipality, adjacent to the Algeti National Park, south-west of the nation's capital Tbilisi. Birtvisi is essentially a natural rocky fortress of 1 km², secured by walls and towers, the most prominent of which – known as Sheupovari ("Obstinate") – tops the tallest rock in the area. Various accessory structures, an aqueduct included, have also survived. In written sources, Birtvisi is first mentioned as a possession of the Arab amir of Tiflis of which he was divested by the Georgian nobles Liparit, Duke of Kldekari and Ivane Abazasdze in 1038. In medieval Georgia, Birtvisi entertained a reputation of an impregnable stronghold whose master could control the entire strategic Algeti gorge. The Turco-Mongol amir Timur notably reduced the fortress during one of his invasions of Georgia in 1403. After the partition of the Kingdom of Georgia later in the 15th century, Birtvisi was within the borders of the Kingdom of Kartli and in possession of the princes Baratashvili.
Damián Mock (6 years ago)
Hiking, climbing, camping... That all is possible in the area of the ruined medieval natural fortress lost in the woods between the limestone cliffs... When you are looking for beautiful natural scenery and easy hike not too far away from Tbilisi, Birtvisi is the right option.
Shota Martiashvili (6 years ago)
The most beautiful place I've ever seen
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