Chakvinji Fortress, Medieval fortress in Jikhashkari, Georgia
Chakvinji is a stone fortress situated on a hilltop that commands views over the Chanistsqali river valley. The site retains portions of its defensive walls, several towers, and the remains of a church building that once stood within its boundaries.
The fortress was built between the 2nd and 3rd centuries and served military purposes until the 18th century. It held strategic importance as part of the regional trade network that connected local settlements.
The fortress served as a seat of local power for the Samegrelo region across many centuries. It represented strength and control for the communities living in the surrounding valleys.
Access to the site requires careful planning due to limited infrastructure and steep terrain leading to the hilltop. Visiting during warmer months makes the walk easier and more enjoyable.
Soviet-era limestone quarrying operations nearby created underground cavities that now compromise the structural foundation of the fortress. These voids pose an ongoing threat to the site's long-term survival.
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