Tucked away on a rocky outcrop at the confluence of two rivers, the Mtkvari and the Paravani, lies one of Georgia’s oldest fortresses. Although first mentioned in the 10 th century A.D., its origins are traced possibly back to the 2 nd century B.C. In may even be older if some legends are held to be true, particularly that of Alexander the Great. Locals tell that Alexander the Great destroyed the fortress while expanding his empire, later being rebuilt and reused.

Throughout the Middle Ages, numerous Georgian Kingdoms used the strategic location of the fort, establishing the area as a city and important cultural center. The Mongols, however, gave the fortress a similar fate as countless other monuments around the world – destruction and abandonment. The years followed saw it return to a stronghold, but Khertvisi continually met similar fates as its long history tells. It may be hard to make out the details wandering the citadel today, but the atmosphere exudes an aura of a long and deadly history. No entrance fee is collected, as just a handful of visitors make it out to the area.