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Ananuri Fortress

Updated: November 3, 2026

Mtskheta-Mtianeti · 70 km from Tbilisi

Ananuri is a fortress on the Georgian Military Road, 70 km from Tbilisi. Its walls, towers and two churches stand right above the turquoise water of the Zhinvali Reservoir.

It was the residence of the eristavis (dukes) of Aragvi, who ruled the valley from the 13th century and controlled the road across the Caucasus. The complex took its present form in the 17th century.

Since 2007 Ananuri has been on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. Entry is free, and almost everyone stops here on the way to Gudauri and Kazbegi.

WhereGeorgian Military Road, 70 km from Tbilisi
Builtmostly 17th century, main church — 1689
UNESCOTentative List since 2007
Entryfree
How longabout an hour, including climbing the tower

How to get there and what to see — in our article →

Tours that visit Ananuri

Ananuri excursion from Tbilisi — photo 2

9.2602 reviews

History of Ananuri

The fortress belonged to the eristavis of Aragvi — a feudal family that controlled the Aragvi Valley. In 1739 their rivals, the eristavis of Ksani, captured and burned Ananuri and killed its owners. A few years later local peasants rose up against the invaders, and the valley passed under the rule of King Teimuraz II.

In the 1980s a dam was built downstream, and the water of the Zhinvali Reservoir rose almost to the walls — hence the famous view of the fortress above the turquoise water.

What's inside the fortress

Church of the Mother of God (1689) — the largest, with a dome and rich stone carving on the façades: a cross with a grapevine, animals, ornaments. Inside are the remains of frescoes; many were lost in an 18th-century fire.
Old Church of the Virgin Mary — brick, from the first half of the 17th century, with tombs of the eristavis.
Square Sheupovari tower — in the upper fortress; you can climb it via narrow stairs.
Walls and the round tower of the lower fortress.

Best time to visit

In the morning, before 10:00, there are few tourists and the reservoir water is at its brightest. In summer minibuses run along the highway often, in winter less so.

How to get there

By car: 1–1.5 hours from Tbilisi along the Georgian Military Road, free parking by the fortress.
By minibus: from Didube bus station towards Pasanauri or Kazbegi — ask the driver to stop at Ananuri.
On a tour: Ananuri is the first stop on almost every trip to Kazbegi. More details in our article about Ananuri Fortress.

Tips

The best overall view is from the viewpoint on the highway just above the fortress, towards Kazbegi.
The tower stairs are narrow and steep — wear comfortable shoes.
The churches are active: women need a headscarf and skirt, men need trousers.
Pasanauri, 20 minutes further along the road, is a convenient place for lunch.