Gogia Castle

Gogia Castle lies on a mountain in the town of Borjomi, in the Borjomi municipality in the Samtskhe–Javakheti region in Georgia.

When exactly Gogia Castle was built is unknown. The square shape of its main tower dates it back to the 14th century or earlier.

It was built to protect the approach to the heartland of Georgia from the south through the gorge of the Kura River (called the Mtkvari in Georgia). It was part of a chain of fortifications situated in the gorge that would use bonfires to warn each other of an approaching enemy.

From the 15th century onwards the castle was owned by a feudal family; the Avalishvilis. They owned several fortifications in the gorge, like nearby Petre Castle. The castle now bears the name of one of their lords; Gogia.

During the 19th century the castle was still used as a watch post, first by Georgian police and then by Russian troops.

At present Gogia Castle is freely accessible. A small ruin, not very interesting.

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