Khertvisi, Medieval fortress in Aspindza Municipality, Georgia
Khertvisi is a fortress on a rocky outcrop above the confluence of the Mtkvari and Paravani rivers. Its citadel follows the elongated shape of the rock and is built of rough-hewn stone, with several towers; the complex includes a lower wall with a walkway curving down the slope. A small hall church of dressed tuff, measuring 2.7 by 4.3 metres, stands on a small terrace in the western part.
The fortress was first noted in the 4th century BCE when Alexander the Great passed through during his eastern campaign, before being reconstructed around 1000 CE. This rebuilding made it an important defensive position in the region.
The chapel of St George in the western part of the fortress was built of cut tuff blocks on the site of an older church; it measures 2.7 by 4.3 metres and has a single entrance from the west. A now-lost inscription mentioned its construction in 985, during the reign of Bagrat III.
The terrain is uneven and requires sturdy footwear to safely navigate the ruins and explore different structures. From here, visitors can reach nearby sites through marked paths to explore the surrounding area.
The fortress had an underground tunnel system for water supply built in the northwestern section, showing advanced medieval engineering skills. This system helped the garrison maintain a long resistance if the site came under siege.
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