Ardanuç Castle, Medieval fortress in Ardanuç, Turkey
Ardanuç Castle is a stone fortress built on a rocky elevation near Ardanuç River, with outer walls measuring about 220 meters long and 55 meters wide. The structure includes a single-nave chapel made from unprocessed white stone and has distinct inner and outer defensive sections.
The fortress was founded in the 5th century during the reign of Georgian King Vakhtang Gorgasali as a defensive structure. It was substantially rebuilt and reinforced in the 9th century by Ashot I Kuropalates.
The chapel inside displays white stone walls with traces of blue paint showing how people once decorated their sacred spaces. These rooms reveal what daily life was like for those who lived within the fortress.
The site is accessible year-round and you can explore the ruins freely without barriers. Wear sturdy footwear since the rocky ground is uneven, and bring shade or plan your visit for cooler hours if visiting in summer.
Archaeologists resumed excavations in 2021 and continue to uncover details about medieval construction methods and former inhabitants. This ongoing work makes it a living site where history is still being revealed.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Deriner Dam
16.2 km
Khandzta
13.4 km
Atatürk Monument
19.5 km
Skhalta Cathedral
56 km
Ishkhani
45.9 km
Bana cathedral
54.2 km
Ardahan Castle
54.4 km
Opiza
10.9 km
Tbeti Monastery
34.3 km
Doliskana
9.6 km
Erusheti
57.4 km
Machakhela National Park
52 km
Karagöl Sahara National Park
35.5 km
Parekhi
15 km
Maral Waterfall
42.6 km
Berta monastery
14.9 km
Makhuntseti Bridge
52 km
Dandalo Bridge
58 km
Jakismani Monastery
44.3 km
Şavşat Castle
27.2 km
Mamatsminda Kilisesi
36.4 km
Ჩხერის ხიდი
42.5 km
Ahaldaba Castle
11 km
Yeni Rabat Church
11 km
Kafkasör
23.8 km
Სხალთის ერთნავიანი ტაძარი, სამრეკლო, მარანი, გალავანი და სხვა ნაგებობები.
55.9 km
Მახუნცეთის ხიდი
52.1 km
Ფურტიოს ხიდი
57.8 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes