Ujarma Fortress, Medieval fortress complex in Kakheti, Georgia
Ujarma Fortress is a medieval defensive complex in Kakheti that sits on elevated ground overlooking the Iori River. The site contains several towers for defense and a two-story residential building positioned in its northeastern section.
King Aspacures I founded the fortress between the 3rd and 4th centuries, and it later served as a royal residence under King Vakhtang Gorgasali. The site became an important center of power for controlling the region across many generations.
The fortress contains a two-story church called Jvarpatiosani that still serves as the spiritual center of the complex. You can see how different building traditions were layered over time, with the structure showing clear signs of multiple construction periods.
The fortress is accessible via the Tbilisi-Telavi road and sits about 4 kilometers north of Ujarma village. The grounds are fairly open and offer good vantage points for viewing the surrounding landscape and river.
Archaeological digs at the site have uncovered glass bracelets, bronze rings, and ceramic objects from the 12th and 13th centuries. These discoveries show that people continued to live here and value this location long after its time as a royal residence.
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