Ananuri Fortress

Ananuri stands at the meeting of the Aragvi and Vedzatkhevi rivers on the old Georgian Military Road, 70 kilometers from Tbilisi. Built in the 16th century at the entrance to the mountains, it controlled the route from the Darial Gorge and guarded Georgia's northern frontier. The fortress was stormed in the 18th century and later resisted the troops of Agha Mohammad Khan, preventing them from advancing deeper into the gorge. After Georgia's annexation by Russia, soldiers used Ananuri to protect the mountain road. Only the upper castle survives today, including towers, the Church of the Assumption, and the tombs of local eristavis. The round tower has lost its floors, while stairs and levels remain inside the square tower. A concealed entrance once led to a secret escape passage. Ananuri is now a silent guardian of the road, preserving memories of battles and caravans.

Ananuri's legends include a forbidden love between a princess and an enemy warrior who chose death rather than separation. Another story speaks of a curse upon anyone who searches for hidden treasure or disturbs sacred places. Visitors report shadows and strange sounds among the towers at night, interpreted as the souls of fallen soldiers and noblewomen guarding the ruins. Royal treasure is also rumored to remain hidden within the walls, inaccessible to those who enter without respect.