Hotels near Narikala Fortress

Narikala Fortress dates from the 4th century AD when Persians built it as Shuris-tsikhe, and the name Narikala (Little Fortress) came from the Mongol occupation in the 13th century. The walls survived numerous earthquakes and the 1827 Russian gunpowder explosion that destroyed half the citadel. Today the ruins crown the cliff above Abanotubani sulphur baths and form Tbilisi's most recognisable silhouette.

Inside the fortress, St Nicholas Church (rebuilt 1996 on 12th-century foundations) holds occasional services. The Mother Georgia statue (Kartlis Deda, 1958) stands on the adjacent ridge - a 20-metre aluminium figure holding wine for friends and a sword for enemies. Access by the Rike Park cable car (2.5 GEL one way) or a 15-minute walk from Meidan Square. Free to enter at any hour.

Pro Tip: Take the cable car up before sunset, walk along the ridge to Mother Georgia, then descend on foot via the Botanical Garden path. The 45-minute walk down spits you out near the sulphur baths - perfect timing for an evening soak.