Atskuri Fortress
Ruined hilltop fortress and old bishop's seat above the Mtkvari between Borjomi and Akhaltsikhe, at the start of the St Andrew Trail.
Atskuri is a village on the Mtkvari river, roughly halfway between Borjomi and Akhaltsikhe, where the forested gorge begins to open into the Samtskhe basin. On a steep hill above the river stand the ruins of Atskuri fortress, with stretches of wall and broken towers following the rock. Lower down are the remains of the cathedral that was the seat of the bishops of Atskuri, one of the leading church centres of medieval southern Georgia. There is no ticket office and there are no facilities, so you will usually share the site with grazing cows and lizards.
Atskuri is bound up with the story of Georgia's conversion. Tradition says the apostle Andrew preached here and left an icon of the Virgin, the Atskuri Mother of God, which became one of the most revered icons in the country. The climb to the fortress takes 20 to 30 minutes on a rough path, and the views up and down the gorge repay the effort. The village is also where hikers set off on the four-day St Andrew Trail into Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park.
History
In the Middle Ages Atskuri was an important town of Samtskhe, controlling the road along the Mtkvari gorge, and its bishops ranked among the senior clergy of the Georgian church. Under Ottoman rule the fortress guarded the northern approach to Akhaltsikhe and was fought over repeatedly. Russian troops captured it during the war of 1828 to 1829. The Atskuri icon was taken to Gelati for safekeeping in later centuries.
What to see and do
- Ruined walls and towers of Atskuri fortress
- Remains of the medieval bishop's cathedral
- Views over the Mtkvari gorge
- Start of the St Andrew Trail in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park
How to visit
Getting there
Atskuri is on the main Borjomi–Akhaltsikhe road, about 30 km (35 minutes) from Borjomi and 20 km (25 minutes) from Akhaltsikhe. Marshrutkas between the two towns will drop you in the village.
When to go
May–October. Plan 1–1.5 hours here.
- Wear sturdy shoes; the path to the fortress is steep and stony
- There is no shade on the hill, so avoid midday in summer
- Keep away from the edges of unstable walls
- Register at the national park visitor centre in Borjomi before starting the St Andrew Trail
Atskuri Fortress: FAQ
Where is Atskuri Fortress?
Above the village of Atskuri on the Mtkvari, about halfway between Borjomi and Akhaltsikhe on the main road. It makes an easy break on the way to Vardzia.
What is the Atskuri icon?
According to tradition, the apostle Andrew brought an icon of the Virgin to Atskuri. It became one of Georgia's most venerated icons and gave the town religious importance for centuries.
Nearby places
Straight-line distance from Atskuri Fortress.
