Narikala Fortress, Tbilisi (must see)

Narikala Fortress, perched on a steep hill overlooking the picturesque city of Tbilisi and the flowing Mtkvari River, stands as a testament to Georgia's rich history and architectural heritage. This ancient fortress, consisting of two walled sections, is situated between the renowned Sulfur Baths and the enchanting Botanical Gardens of Tbilisi.

The Narikala Fortress has a rich history. It was constructed by King Vakhtang I Gorgasali of Iberia, but humans settled in the Tbilisi region long before that, around the 4th millennium BC. The earliest written records of the settlement date back to the 4th century AD when King Varaz-Bakur built a fortress in 364. It changed hands briefly but was recaptured in the 5th century. The fortress expanded under the Umayyads in the 7th century and during King David the Builder's reign (1089-1125). The Mongols later renamed it "Narin Qala." Most of the fortifications we see today were built in the 16th and 17th centuries. Sadly, an earthquake in 1827 damaged and demolished parts of the fortress.

Within the lower court of Narikala Fortress, visitors can marvel at the recently restored St. Nicholas Church. This church, built in 1996-1997, is a reconstruction of the original 13th-century church that had tragically succumbed to a devastating fire. The new St. Nicholas Church follows the design of a "prescribed cross" featuring entrances on three sides. Its interior is adorned with intricately painted frescoes, depicting scenes from both the Bible and the captivating history of Georgia.

Today, Narikala Fortress stands as an iconic symbol of Tbilisi, offering visitors breathtaking panoramic views of the cityscape and the Mtkvari River. Exploring its ancient walls and the restored St. Nicholas Church is a journey through time, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the history, culture, and architectural splendor of Georgia's capital city.