Armaztsikhe

Mtskheta, Georgia

In the outskirts of Mtskheta are the ruins of Armaztsikhe fortress (3rd century BC). Armaztsikhe was the residence of the Kings of Iberia. This is one of the oldest cities of the Antique Era, which is not fully explored yet. It is also called like Georgian Acropolis. The Greek historian Dio Cassius mentioned this place in his book “The history of Rome”. He wrote that in 65 years BC, Roman Senator Gnaeus Pompeius invaded Iberia and reached this Acropolis too.

Archaeological investigations began in 1943 and three main cultures were identified: the oldest finds were dated to the 1st century BC to 2nd century AD, the central findings on the 3rd-5th centuries, and the latest to the 6th century. Consequently Armaztsikhe was destroyed by the Arabs in the 8th century. There are a royal sarcophagus, vestiges of the ramparts, a fortified tower and supporting pillars, foundation walls of the palace, a bath house, a wine cellar, a pre-Christian temple and a canal system.

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Details

Founded: 300 BCE
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in Georgia

More Information

www.itinari.com

Rating

4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

David Sadzaglishvili (8 months ago)
Top touristic direction, the birth place of Kartli and Kartvelien
Etia Zavrashvili (11 months ago)
Breathtaking place with mystical energy of the centuries past.
Nana Kartvelishvili (13 months ago)
The place is absolutely amazing, best view to Mtskheta and surrounding areas. But what is more important, it's an area where the first capital of Kartli was located. You can find the stone sarcophagus here from 6-3 century AD, Roman bathhouses, Wine cellar 4-3 century AD, Ruins of Kind palace and halls. From the central highway, you need to walk uphill 100 meters and find this hidden place. There are 2 signs on the highway, the first one, if you are coming from the direction of Mtskheta, is more convenient for 4x4 vehicles and the second is more convenient for those, who are going to leave a car on the road. But parking is a little difficult there, because the road is narrow. It's better to leave the car on the opposite side of the road, where a gate of the closed restaurant is located.
sophia Katze (20 months ago)
We had an unique experience at this ancient place. Our host was local shaman alike woman, she provided us with local wisdom, herbal smoke shower and healing tea. We traveled from Tbilisi with a comfortable vehicle Sulneli organized. So this place is close to Tbilisi and must go if you love old palaces. Also our recommendation to Sulneli. You can hashtag search them on Instagram.
Giorgi Mirotadze (4 years ago)
Large archeological site of 1st- 5th centuries AD. This was an acropolis of the old capital of Georgia - Mtskheta. Very nice place to visit with the family, although tricky to find. Here is the hint: On the way back from Mtskheta to Tbilisi, watch out for the sign "Armazi Bagineti". As you see it, make next turn right, go up and move back parallel to the main road.
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