Axaltsikhe

Akhaltsikhe Region Akhaltsikhe, located in southern Georgia, has been an important cultural and trade center for centuries. The region was historically part of the ancient kingdom of Iberia and later became a crossroads of Georgian, Ottoman, and Persian influences. Its strategic location made it a place of many battles and a blend of different traditions. Rabati Fortress Rabati Fortress, in the heart of Akhaltsikhe, dates back to the 9th century, though most of its current structure was built in the 13th century. Over the centuries, it served as a stronghold for Georgian rulers and later for Ottoman governors. Today, Rabati is beautifully restored, featuring churches, a mosque, and a museum that reflect the region’s diverse history. Vardzia Vardzia is a unique cave monastery complex built in the 12th century during the reign of Queen Tamar. Carved into the cliffs of the Erusheti Mountains, it once housed thousands of monks and served as a refuge against invasions. Vardzia is a masterpiece of medieval Georgian architecture and remains a symbol of the country’s spiritual and cultural heritage