Narikala, 4th-century fort in Tbilisi, Georgia
Narikala is a 4th-century fortress on a steep hill in Tbilisi, Georgia, located between the sulfur baths and the botanical gardens of the capital. The compound consists of two walled sections with towers, battlements, and remains of defensive structures.
Persian troops built the original citadel in the 4th century to control the city. Arab emirs expanded the fortification in the 8th century and added a palace.
Saint Nicholas Church within the compound shows wall paintings with scenes from Georgian history and biblical stories. Visitors can see the connection between religious tradition and national identity in the images.
Visitors reach the compound through a walking path from Meidan or by cable car from Rike Park. The footpath leads uphill through narrow lanes, while the ride takes about two minutes to the upper section.
A lightning strike hit the Russian gunpowder storage in 1827 and caused an explosion that destroyed large sections of the walls. The visible damage still recalls the event today.
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