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Akhaltsikhe is a small and cozy town in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. Until recent years it was not a popular tourist destination. Now it is one of the must-see places in Georgia. Akhaltsikhe in Georgian means "New Castle", "akhali" means new and "tsikhe"— castle. The city is located on both banks of a small river Potskhovi, which separates the city from the old and new parts. The old part of the town is first mentioned in the 12th century. If you want to explore Akhaltsikhe you need to rent a comfortable car via Enterprise Rent-A-Car and start your journey.
Worth to visit Akhaltsikhe in late spring, summer, and autumn.
One-day trip to this city and its vicinity is more than real, but if you want to explore the nearest places, spend 2 days in the region. There are different hotels, where you can stop for a night, have some rest and continue your tour.
There are many places to eat in Akhaltsikhe. Some of them are home-style and serve delicious Georgian dishes. You can try them in the best restaurants in Akhaltsikhe including Mimino, Hotel Lomsia Restaurant, Sergos Duqani, Rabati restaurant and etc.
Thanks to this fortress, Akhaltsikhe became a popular tourist destination. Rabati fortress built in the 9th century, was later rebuilt by the Ottomans. The castle fully renovated in 2011-2012 and now has beautiful places to explore.
You can visit a very nice park, take wonderful photos, then learn the history of the castle in the museum, enjoy fountains, visit churches, the mosque. Rabati castle is very interesting as it includes Georgian Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic, and Catholic churches. Do not miss Samtskhe–Javakheti History Museum, which is located in the fortress. Rabati fortress is a lovely place, where you can spend several hours.
The best way to discover foreign places is wandering in the streets of the city. You see how people live, local customs, and architecture of the buildings. Of course, after Tbilisi, Akhaltsikhe will not surprise you, but anyway walk there.
The monastery is located on the slopes of the hills not far from Akhaltsikhe. It is approximately 9 km away from the city. The Sapara Monastery has existed since the 9th century. According to the information, the monastery became a possession of the Jakely family from the 13th century. The son of the leader of the Jakeli family built a church near the monastery and named it Saba. Saba was the saint whose name his father had adopted. The Saba church has preserved high-quality frescoes, which make the church very interesting for tourists as well.
Not far from Akhaltsikhe there is another beauty that you should see. Khertvisi fortress is located 45 km away from Akhaltsikhe. Drive there and see one of the oldest fortresses in Georgia. The castle was built in the 2nd century BC, the church dates back to 985 and the present walls were built in 1354. Georgians believe that the castle was destroyed by Alexander the Great.
About 60 km far from Akhaltsikhe you can find an ancient cave city Vardzia. It used to be a home for a thousand people. The site is now included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
The Rabati Fortress makes Akhaltsikhe a popular tourist destination. Explore this small city and the nearest historical sights, like Khertvisi Fortress, Sapara Monastery, or Vardzia cave-town. Explore Georgia with Enterprise Rent-A-Car.
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