Kelasuri Wall

Kelasuri Wall is an ancient defense system stretching roughly 160 kilometers from the Black Sea coast inland into Abkhazia, marked by approximately 300 rectangular towers. The structure cleverly follows the hilly terrain and merges natural barriers with built elements to create a continuous fortified line.

Construction began in the 4th century and continued over more than a thousand years, with major expansions under Byzantine Emperor Justinian. Final completion came under Levan II Dadiani in the 17th century, marking the end of a long development tied to shifts in regional power.

The structure shaped how communities in this region organized their settlement patterns around defense needs for many centuries. Walking along the remaining sections, you can see how towers were positioned to control key passages and create visual connections across the landscape.

About 100 towers remain in walkable condition, mostly within the first 60 kilometers, while sections further inland have heavily deteriorated. Focus on the more accessible western portions and wear sturdy shoes, as the terrain is steep and uneven throughout.

Each tower stands 8 to 12 meters tall and contains three rows of loopholes positioned to maximize sight lines across the landscape. This thoughtful design allowed small garrisons to monitor large areas and control movement through narrow mountain passes.