Nokalakevi, Archaeological site and fortress ruins in Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti, Georgia.
Nokalakevi is an ancient fortress and settlement with ruins spanning several periods, located on a hill overlooking the Tekhura River. Archaeologists have uncovered defensive walls, a royal residence, bathing facilities, and a fortified acropolis that show how the city was organized.
The site served as the capital of a regional kingdom during the Byzantine period and was known as Archaeopolis at that time. Military conquest brought this era to an end and marked a turning point in the settlement's story.
This site was a meeting point where traders and travelers from many regions passed through and left their mark. The objects found here reveal how connected this place was to distant lands and how people from different cultures lived and worked together.
The site sits on a hillside, so plan time to walk around and wear comfortable shoes for the terrain. Local guides are available and can help explain the different structures and artifacts you will encounter.
An underground passage connects the fortress directly to the Tekhura River and few visitors are aware of its existence. This tunnel likely served as an escape route and reveals how residents once secured their survival.
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