Rabati Castle, Medieval fortress in Akhaltsikhe, Georgia.
Rabati is a sprawling fortress occupying a hilltop in Akhaltsikhe, spanning multiple hectares with four towers positioned across the site. The complex holds a church, mosque, synagogue, museum, and palace, each representing different periods and architectural approaches within the fortification walls.
The fortress was founded in the 9th century as Lomsia Castle and underwent significant changes following Ottoman occupation after the Treaty of Constantinople in 1590. This period shaped the buildings and their purpose for centuries to come.
The fortress demonstrates how different religious communities coexisted within its walls, with spaces dedicated to Christian worship, Islamic prayer, and Jewish tradition all present. Walking through these structures, visitors can see how these groups shared the same stone walls and daily life.
The site is easily accessible and can be explored at a leisurely pace over two to three hours depending on your interest in each building. Wear sturdy footwear as paths cross uneven terrain and include stone surfaces throughout the grounds.
The mosque housed within the fortress displays design elements borrowed from Istanbul's Hagia Sophia, despite its remote mountain setting. In 1850 it was reconverted into a church, marking one of many shifts in the building's purpose that shaped its appearance.
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