Atskuri Castle

Atskuri Castle lies in the village of the same name, in the Akhaltsikhe municipality in the Samtskhe–Javakheti region in Georgia.

Atskuri Castle was built in the 10th century. Situated on the right bank of the Kura River (called the Mtkvari in Georgia), its purpose was to protect the entrance to the Kura River gorge, which was an important route as it led straight to the heartland of Georgia from the south.

In 1260 the castle was besieged by a Mongol army, led by Arghun Aqa, after King David VII of Georgia had rebelled against Mongol rule. At the end of the 13th century a powerful earthquake ravaged the area, including Atskuri Castle.

In the 16th century, after the Ottoman conquest of the area, the castle was garrisoned by Ottoman soldiers.

Atskuri Castle was built on a rocky ridge, its walls following the outline of the rocks. At its western end there are the remains of a tunnel which led from the castle down to the river. As the castle was damaged during several sieges and every time repaired afterwards, it shows signs from multiple eras, most notably from the Ottoman occupation, which lasted from the 16th century until 1828.

When I visited Atskuri Castle I encountered unfinished consolidation works at the castle. I don't know if they will resume and if the castle will be accessible after that. Until then I would advise you not to enter the castle as the ground surfaces are very steep and full of rubble. A great castle ruin.

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