Akhaltsikhe Castle at Rabati

Akhaltsikhe fortress is main landmark of the town dominating and beautifully overlooking the historical region of former Lomsia, Samtskhe. The old district near the fort is referred to Rabati, and it is the reason, why sometimes the fortress is called Rabati fortress. This huge complex comprises: Sargis Jakeli castle of 14th c., Fortress Church (late Middle Ages), Palace of 18th century and the Church of Saint Marine (1865) with built-in relief works, Mosque, courtyards, fountains, residential areas, defensive and watch towers and modern facilities, such as comfortable spa-hotel Gino Rabati, restaurant, visitor center, open area theater for events and concerts and history museum.

Samtskhe-Javakheti History Museum in 1972 moved into two buildings on the Rabati territory in Akhaltsikhe and was named after Ivane Javakhishvili. Today, Akhaltsikhe fortress houses the Museum and represents the significant part of the region’s cultural heritage. Museum preserves over 25,000 objects, including manuscripts and old printed books (parchments dating to the 11th, 12th, 15th, and 17th cc.), photos, archaeological, numismatic, and ethnographic collections, etc. The Museum’s textile collection (rugs and carpets of the verge of 19th-20th cc.) as well as collection of ancient inscriptions cut on stone are of high importance.

Since December 2004 Ivane Javakhishvili Samtskhe-Javakheti History Museum is a part of the Georgian National Museum. Apart from two main buildings that display permanent exhibitions - the Castle that surrounds it, Administrative building, Mosque built in 1752, Ruins of a madrassa (Islamic school) - belong to the Museum. Total size of the Museums open air territory is 27.500 square meter. From this area 3.978 square meters is occupied by buildings; 23.522 square meters is a yard inside the citadel.

Driving distance: from Tbilisi is 207 km (3 h); from Kutaisi – 120 km (through Zekari pass in summer only 3 h 27 min); from Batumi – 163 km (through Goderzi pass in summer only 4h 52 min).

Working: every day except Monday, 10:00-18:00

Ticket price: 7 ₾

To book private tour, please, contact travel expert here or book itinerary below:

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