In the picturesque corner of Samtsk-Javakheti, in the municipality of Aspindza, lies the majestic Tmogvi Fortress. Its history is riddled with battles and changes of dominion, starting from the 10th century, when it became the guardian of the road from Asia to Georgia through the picturesque valley of the Mtkvari River.
Resisting the Arab conquests in the 10th century, the Tmogvi fortress won the hearts of its defenders. From the beginning of the 11th century it came into the possession of the monarchy, and in subsequent centuries it witnessed the succession of feudal families, such as the Toreli, Mkhargrdzeli, Shalikashvili and Jakeli. An important page in its history was the conquest by the Ottomans in 1578, but after the Russian-Ottoman war of 1828-1829, the Tmogvi fortress returned to Georgian jurisdiction.
The architectural monument, embodied on a high rock, amazes with its diversity. The western walls, best preserved from time to time, surprise with their three-stage fortifications. The southeastern walls are supported by a cave with a secret tunnel connecting it to the Citadel above and the Mtkvari River below. Among the fortress you will find a small area occupied by architectural masterpieces. Two layers of buildings are visible - one of smoothed squares of tuff, the other of roughly processed stone walls. In the western ravine, behind the walls of the fortress, the Church of St. Ephraim arose, carved into the rock, which became a witness to time.
For travelers eager to immerse themselves in history and architectural heritage, a visit to the Tmogvi Fortress promises an unforgettable experience. This is a place where stone walls will tell you a story and architectural delights will delight you. Look at Georgia through the eyes of its past - visit the Tmogvi Fortress and plunge into the magic of time.
