Akhaltsikhe Castle

Akhaltsikhe Castle, also known as Rabati Fortress is the main sight of Akhaltsikhe town, stands prominently on a hill by the shores of the Potskhovi River. The fortress complex is located an hour drive away from Borjomi. Originally built in the 13th century, the castle has witnessed numerous sieges and destruction over the centuries, absorbing influences from various cultures and religions. It now houses a diverse array of facilities, including a church, mosque, synagogue, a small park, and the Samtskhe-Javakheti Historical Museum. It also features excellent viewing sites from its four towers and the citadel roof, providing panoramic views of Akhaltsikhe and its surroundings.

You can also stay inside the castle as Hotel Gino Wellness Rabati is located within the fortress campus. Spanning seven hectares, the fortress is divided into a lower modern part and an upper historical section. The lower part offers amenities for visitors, such as shops, cafes, restaurants, a hotel, a wine cellar, and souvenir stores. The upper part is home to historical structures, including the Akhmediye Mosque (18th century), an Orthodox church (19th century), the Jakeli Palace, and the History Museum, which showcases artifacts from the Neolithic Age to the present. The blend of historical and modern elements at Rabati Fortress offers a unique glimpse into the region's rich multicultural past and its vibrant present.