KHERTVISI FORTRESS

Khertvisi fortress is situated in Southern Georgia, in Meskheti region. It was built in early medieval period. As the legend says, Khertvisi was destroyed by Alexander the Macedonian. In the 10-11th centuries it was the center of Meskheti region. During the 12th century it became a town. In the 13th century Mongols destroyed it and until the 15th century it lost its power. In the 15th century it was owned by Meskheti landlords from Jakeli family. In the 16th century the southern region of Georgia was invaded by Turks. During next 3 centuries they have owned Khertvisi too. At the end of the 19th century Georgian and Russian army returned the lost teritories and Khertvisi became the military base for Russian and Georgian troops. Khertvisi fortress is situated on the high rocky hill in the narrow canyon of river Mtkvari. Nowadays it needs restoration.