Gori Fortress

Gori fortress is an inseparable part of Gori, standing in the center of the town, on the rocky hill overlooking the whole town. The rich archaeological findings speak of the historical past of Gori fortress. Archaeological finding belonging to the antique period also to early and advanced feudal epochs were found in the lower layers of the fortress.

     Due to the landslip taking place on February 5,1946, part of the citadel fence, more than 3m wide appeared. The fence is built of semiburnt plaster. The outer part is lined with sandstone squares. The citadel by its construction resembles the buildings of Bagineti, Uplistsikhe, Urbnisi, Kaspi. Archaeological findings affirm the existence of acropolis belonging to the Antique period.

  Gori fortress is built of cobblestone fragmented stone and mortar. It consists of several layers. The feudal fortress (the towers and the fence) is built on the ruins of the antique acropolis. The lower part of the citadel from the south and southeast was encircled by three fences, which is affirmed by the remains of the walls.

  The southern portion of the fortress is a thick wall-fence, containing many storied towers. The main arched entrance can still be seen. In the central part of the fortress special wheat was dug, which was covered. Water was supplied from the river liakhvi by a special passageway. Water was kept in the reservoir 12 feet wide by 12 feet long and 16 feet high. The western part of the fortress the so-called ”Tskhrakariani” (nine gates) is better preserved.

    Due to destructions caused by numerous medieval invasions the fortress had to be reconstructed and restored several times.

According to historical date Gori fortress was one of the greatest all over Georgia and during the invasions it protected not only the population of the town but also that of the adjacent villages. The legend has it that Gori fortress was undefeated, and the saying “Eg aris da Goris Tsikhe” (That’s it –Gori Fortress) is still used in the language, as a synonym of ‘Victory” over the enemy.

      Gori fortress was badly damaged by the earthquake of 1920.

Restorations were made several times:

In XI century-by David the Builder;

In XVII century-by King Rostom;

In 1779- by King Erekle who built the battlements of the walls;

In 1938-39, 1952-53, 1960-65 by the Soviet Government.