Ananuri Fortress was established in the 1600s and was an important stop between Kazbegi and Tbilisi. Today Ananuri overlooks Zhinvali Reservoir which was dammed in 1986. The fortress is a popular stop for travellers on route betweenTbilisi and Kazbegi.
Ananuri Fortress (Georgian: ანანური) is located on the Georgian Military Highway, beside the Aragvi River, 60 kilometres from Tbilisi. The fortress was constucted during the 1600s and incorporates wall turrets, two churches, and a tower with a stepped pyramidal roof. The church, built in 1689, has richly decorated facades with carvings featuring people, animal and floral images. In 1739, Ananuri was attacked by forces from a rival duchy and was set on fire. The fortress remained in use until the beginning of the 19th century. Since 2007, Ananuri Fortress has been on the tentative list for inclusion as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How to get to Ananuri Fortress
Ananuri is a located on the Georgian Military Highway, 60 kilometres north of Tbilisi, and 88 kilometres from Stepantsminda. It’s a popular stop for marshrutka (minibuses) taking this route, which all drivers stopping here on request for no additional cost. Its uncommon for people to travel from Tbilisi to Ananuri without continuing north to Kazbegi. If you have a group of people it would be easy to hire a private taxi for a reasonable price. Elsewise, it would be possible, to take one ride there and find a new ride for the return trip.
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