The Ananuri Fortress didn't survive in its original size to the present day. However, the citadel and the churches were greatly preserved and look like a real fortification. The fortress belonged to the strong feudal family of medieval Georgia - Aragvi eristavis. The city of Dusheti was their residence in the XVII century. The castle was located in the valley with a main road from Dusheti to the north. In the XIX century, a Russian garrison was inside the fortress, and it guarded the main road between Georgia and Russia.
There is a large Zhinvali reservoir nearby. The place in general is very picturesque and popular among tourists.
Ananuri Fortress ©Yuriy Buriak
Ananuri Fortress ©Yuriy Buriak
Ananuri Fortress ©Yuriy Buriak
Ananuri Fortress ©Yuriy Buriak
Ananuri Fortress ©Yuriy Buriak
Ananuri Fortress ©Yuriy Buriak
Inhabitant of the Ananuri Fortress ©Yuriy Buriak
Getting there: The Ananuri Fortress is located on the Georgian Military Highway, 70 km north of Tbilisi. You can get there by any minibus that is going to Gudauri, Stepantsimida (Kazbegi) or Pasanauri (from the Okriba bus station near the Didube metro station in Tbilisi). However, it can be difficult to get into the bus, if many people are going to the endpoint.
