Bebris Castle

Bebris Castle, locally known as Bebris Tsikhe, Bebristsikhe or Beberi, lies north of the city of Mtskheta, in the Dusheti municipality in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region in Georgia.

Archaeological excavations have shown that the first fortification at this site was founded in the 1st century BC and existed until at least the 4th century AD.

The present castle however was built in the 9th century. It was mentioned for the first time, in a chronicle by George IV, an early-13th century king of Georgia, as the place where Demetrius I of Georgia died in 1156. It was in use until at least the 18th century, when it was described as Belta Castle by Vakhushti Batonishvili of Kartli.

Bebris Castle was built on a strategic spot; a high rock in a narrow part of the Aragvi River valley. It served to protect the northern approach to Mtskheta. Its ground plan is more-or-less a triangle, consisting of a main castle with an outer courtyard. The 3 'legs' of the castle were crowned with large towers, of which the southwestern one survived the best. These towers had defensive as well as residential purposes. The outer courtyard was also equipped with a watch tower.

In 2010, spring rains caused landslides that completely destroyed the northeastern walls of the castle. Restoration works are ongoing until the present day.

At present Bebris Castle is freely accessible. A very nice castle ruin.

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