Gori Fortress

Why visit

Whoever held Gori Fortress controlled the road between eastern and western Georgia, so it changed hands many times. The Ottomans took it in the 16th century, and in 1599 King Simon I won it back with a surprise attack at night. It changed hands again between Georgians and Persians in the 17th century, and it took its present form under King Rostom in the 1630s and King Erekle II in 1774. After Russia annexed Georgia in 1801, the fortress slowly fell out of use, and an earthquake in 1920 damaged it badly.

What to see

• The walls: walk along the inside of the walls and towers that ring the hilltop.
• The views: look over the city to the meeting of the rivers, the Ateni hills to the south and the snowy Caucasus to the north on a clear day.
• The warrior memorial: large bronze figures of warriors stand on the slope at the foot of the fortress, a memorial to those who fought for Georgia.

Getting there

The fortress is a 10-minute walk from the Stalin Museum and the main square. Paths and steps climb the hill from several sides. The walk up is short but steep.

Tips

• Come in the late afternoon for soft light on the walls and the best chance of seeing the mountains.
• There are no railings on parts of the walls. Take care, especially with children.
• Plan your visit with our one-day Gori itinerary.