Ksani Castle

Ksani Castle lies on a, 600-meter-high, mountain south of the village of Patara Kanda, in the Mtskheta municipality in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region in Georgia.

Ksani Castle was built between 1511 and 1514 by Bagrat I, Prince of Mukhrani and younger brother of David X, who was King of Kartli.

In 1512, George II of Kakheti wanted to depose David. When George heard about the castle Bagrat was building, he came and besieged Bagrat in his castle. The unsuccessful siege lasted for 3 months. It is said that at the end of the siege George mockingly sent fresh wine to Bagrat, thinking Bagrat was starving. Bagrat replied by sending George a live salmon. George then ended the siege thinking he couldn't starve Bagrat, not knowing that Bagrat had held the salmon in a well. Afterwards Bagrat was granted the lands of Mukhrani by his king-brother David for his heroic defense.

In 1513 George invaded Kartli again. This time Bagrat captured him and imprisoned him in Ksani Castle where he died.

Between 1513 and 1733 Ksani Castle was the residence of the Dukes of Mukhrani-Bagrationi. In 1733 they built Mukhrani Castle down in the valley and moved there.

In 1746 the castle was rebuilt by Constantine III, Prince of Mukhrani. The brick parts you see in the castle's remains today are from that time.

During its existence Ksani Castle has always suffered from landslides. At present the west wall of the castle has disappeared as a result during some point in time. During Soviet times there was a concrete road leading from the valley below up to the castle. But also that road has been demolished by landslides.

At present Ksani Castle is freely accessible. You will have to make a hike of about 30 minutes to reach it. Although it has been reinforced with concrete at some points, this is still a very nice castle.

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