The main attraction of the Georgian city of Akhaltsikhe is. Rest in Akhaltsikhe. Akhaltsikhe on the map of Georgia

Akhaltsikhe is the administrative center of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. The city is small, has approximately 20 thousand inhabitants, mostly Georgians and Armenians. Located on the Potskhovi River, a tributary of the Kura, which divides Akhaltsikhe into two parts.

Georgians believe that you cannot come to Southern Georgia and not see Akhaltsikhe. By the way, the name of the city means “New Fortress”. Akhaltsikhe is a fairly old city, its age is more than eight centuries. The city once belonged to the Jakeli family and was called Lomsia. In the city and its surroundings, many ancient fortresses, temples, ruins of ancient buildings, and the Sapara monastery have been preserved.

How to get there

Two highways pass through Akhaltsikhe - to Turkey and Batumi-Tbilisi. On Tamarashvili Square, which is located on the main city highway, there are two stations - a bus and a train station. Intra- and inter-district minibuses depart from the bus station, as well as 2 international flights to Armenia. In the latter case, these are flights to Yerevan, which can be reached for 25 GEL, and Gyumri (20 GEL).

A bus service connects Akhaltsikhe with major cities of Georgia (Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi, Borjomi, Gori, Rustavi, etc.). The fare ranges from 6 to 20 lari. Tickets for intra-district minibuses cost 2-3 GEL.

You can also get to Akhaltsikhe by Tbilisi train (for about $5) or by car. But motorists should take into account that Georgian roads leave much to be desired: they have not been repaired for many years, and in some areas there may be no road signs. The number of gas stations is insufficient and the quality of gasoline is very poor.

Prices in local stores and hotels

There are both hotels and guesthouses in Akhaltsikhe. Although there are few of them, they are quite comfortable and inexpensive. You won’t find Soviet-built hotel buildings in the city - everything is very neat and inexpensive compared to Tbilisi. As for hostels, there are none as such, but the prices in some hotels are very economical.

The most pretentious hotel in Akhaltsikhe is considered to be “Rabati”. It is modern, new and quite expensive, located directly next to the Rabat fortress. Room rates from 125 GEL for a single room to 315 GEL for a suite.

Hotel "Lomsia" - city center, beautiful, modern, 63 rooms. Cost from 100 GEL (single room) to 325 GEL for luxury apartments.

Hotel "White House" is the very center of the city, designed for 70 guests, has all the necessary infrastructure for a comfortable stay.

Inexpensive options include the Meskheti Palace Hotel (city center, 60 GEL for a single room with breakfast, up to 100 GEL for a suite), the Prestige Hotel (an old, experienced establishment with beautiful views from above, cost from 40 to 75 GEL), guesthouses “Popular” and “Edelweiss”.
As for prices, we can generally say that everything in Akhaltsikhe is quite affordable: both food and souvenirs. In particular, on the territory of the recently restored Rabat fortress, stores of such brands as Puma, Diesel, Pierre Cardin, Swatch, Mex, Beneton are concentrated. So shopping lovers can combine shopping and exploring the historical sights of the city.

Cafes and restaurants in the city

Like any Georgian city, Akhaltsikhe has establishments serving both national Georgian cuisine and modern cafes and bars. But still, if you come to Georgia, then it is best to take advantage of the opportunity to fully enjoy local dishes.

According to tourists, the best khinkali in the world is served in the U Sergo restaurant, which is located near the Rabat fortress. You can eat to your heart's content for about 10 euros while listening to Georgian music and conversations from the hospitable host.

On the territory of the fortress itself there is a restaurant “Rabat” with a very unique design, in which Meskhetian and oriental styles are intertwined with the ultra-modern. Here you can taste dishes of Georgian and Meskhetian cuisine; the menu is compiled in three languages ​​(Georgian, Russian and English). Two halls - Meskhetian (50 seats) and European (35 seats), compartments for 2-8 seats, VIP room (30 seats). Parking, Wi-Fi, all types of credit cards accepted, live music.

What to see in Akhaltsikhe

The main attraction of Akhaltsikhe is the Rabat Fortress, restored in 2012. Having visited it, you begin to understand that it was not in vain that the ancient rulers chose this place as their residence - after all, there is such beauty here that it literally takes your breath away. In addition, the surrounding atmosphere still reminds of the great events that took place here many centuries ago. is 3,650m.

And since Rabat is located directly in the center, an amazing contrast is created between fortified buildings and modern buildings. A visit to the Rabat fortress is included in the mandatory program of tourist routes in Georgia. But Rabat is not only fortresses, churches, towers, mosques and cells. This is a modern complex with business institutions, hotels, restaurants and shops.

The city has an Armenian Catholic church, a local history museum, and a monument to Queen Tamara, who is the patroness of Akhaltsikhe and is revered by the townspeople as a saint.

A few kilometers from Akhaltsikhe there is another attraction - the active male monastery of Sapara (Safara). Translated, this word means “hidden.” The monastery was built in the 10th-11th centuries. It took a long time to be restored, and is currently open to the public (you can even stay overnight). Amazing frescoes have been preserved on the monastery walls, and in general this is a place where a unique spirit of antiquity hovers.

The monastery is home to 20 monks who earn their living from agriculture and donations. To get to the monastery, you need to hire a taxi, since minibuses do not go here.
Other attractions include the Kokhta fortress, Shoreti monastery, Zarzma monastery, Atskuri fortress, Abastumani sanatorium and the observatory of the same name. You can get to the city of Borjomi, the cave city of Varadzia, Lake Tabatskuri. All this is within a very accessible distance.

From the history of the city

The history of the city begins in the first half of the 12th century. From the 14th to almost the end of the 16th century. Akhaltsikhe was the political, economic and cultural center of Samtskhe-Javakheti. The residence of the atabegs of Jakeli was located here.

In the second half of the 16th century. (1579) Akhaltsikhe fell under the rule of the Turks, and in 1628 it became the main city of the Akhaltsikhe province of the Ottoman Empire.

In 1810, Russian soldiers under the leadership of General Tormasov besieged Akhaltsikhe. Ten days later they had to retreat. They ended up in the Borjomi Gorge, where they were lucky enough to discover mineral springs, which later became famous throughout the world.

As a result of the Peace of Adrianople (1829), the Akhaltsikhe fortress became part of the Russian Empire.

In a mountainous area, on the very bank of the picturesque Potskhovi River, surrounded by majestic ridges, lies the city of Akhaltsikhe. A small settlement (about 18 thousand people) is the center of the amazing region of Georgia - Samtskhe-Javakheti. This is the name of the southern part of the state, reminiscent of the ancient “island” that attracts tourists so much. And it is not surprising that when you come to this region, you are faced with the rich heritage of different peoples. The southern border of Javakheti is Armenia and Türkiye, the western border is Adjara, and the eastern border is Kvemo Kartli.

Historical reference

The “fate” of Akhaltsikhe is very dramatic; for many centuries, bloody wars flared up here, the settlement came under the authority of different states. Previously, the city was called Lomisia and was the possession of the famous princely family of Jakeli (900). Militant members of the clan constantly provoked armed conflicts, trying to become independent from the central government.

But Tamara (Queen of Georgia) ended the conflict by pacifying the warring princes and transferring the city into the possession of the same family, but of another line, Jakeli. The famous commander (he was canonized) Shalva Akhaltsikheli was born into this family.

For about 300 years, the settlement was the capital of the Principality of Samtskhe, which declared its independence. But at the end of the 16th century, the Turks conquered the city and ruled in these areas for a long time. In 1828, the settlement was besieged by the Russian army, which expelled the invaders. In the 19th century, Jews and Armenians began to actively populate the city. 1918 was marked for Akhaltsikhe by an attack by the Turkish army, which held the city for several months.

–memory of centuries

The main attraction of the city, located on a hill in the central part of the settlement. The lower part of the fortification is a public area where you can explore the beauty of the structure, admire the towers and huge walls. The visit is free.

In the lower part there is a good hotel “Rabat”, an overnight stay will cost 50 lari ($18.5). There is an opportunity to visit the KTW wine store, there is an excellent selection of drinks.

The upper part of the fortress is a museum area; a fascinating excursion costs 7 lari ($2.59). The lower part of the fortress can be visited around the clock and free of charge, the upper part is from 10.00 to 19.00, and the museum is open until 18.00.

Tourist information office

It is located directly on the territory of the Rabat fortress. Address: st. Kharisshirashvili, 1. You will always be greeted by a friendly manager, he will willingly share maps of the city, sell tickets to the museum part of the fortification, and tell you the location of other attractions of Akhaltsikhe.

Georgian Catholic monastery

The northern part of the city is “guarded” by a mountain whose height reaches 1120m. This natural fortification is called the Northern Heights. You can get there by taxi along a dirt road. Drivers will be happy to deliver you for 5 GEL ($1.85), from the center it’s literally a 15-minute drive. The mountain looks very picturesque, it is planted with trees, you can have a picnic and admire the city from above.

The main attraction is the Georgian Catholic Monastery. The temple building was built almost at the same height as the Rabat fortification, which predetermined its fate. In 1828, bloody battles broke out here between the Turks and Russians, and the monastery was practically destroyed. Today, a new monastery in the Benedictine style has been erected on the site of the old building, and gravestones in the courtyard with amazing ornaments remind of the ancient heritage. The Turkish bastion was almost completely wiped off the face of the earth, and a new building was built in its place. Visiting the site is free.

Armenian temple

Another temple is clearly visible from the northern height. It is badly destroyed, there is information that it belonged to the Armenians, but its name has not been precisely established. It was probably built in the 18th century. Today, only the walls of the temple complex, the gable roof, and the semicircular vault of the church made of wood have been preserved. Nearby there is a small bell tower (west side), a wooden dome. The ancient temple stands on the slope of the city's Eastern ravine. You can admire Akhaltsikhe and the Northern Heights; in winter there is a stunning view of the snow-capped Turkish ridges.

You need to get there on foot - from the Rabat fortress, move to Kazbegi Street, completely overcome it, and then follow the dirt road up. The walk will take about 1 hour. The visit is free.

Church of St. Marina (Marine)

This church is located to the west of the fortification on a high hill. The Orthodox church was erected at the end of the 19th century on the site of an older religious building. The appearance of the building is not very attractive. Tourists are more interested in the shrine - fragments of the relics of Marine, which are preserved here. The decoration of the church is not rich, but elegant, the walls are painted with icons. Nearby there is a high bell tower. Although the temple is active, it is often closed to visitors (it is free). You can get there on foot from the fortress, moving to the west of the city, in about 30 - 40 minutes.

Ruins of Turkish baths

Moving from the fortress to the northwest and not reaching the Catholic monastery, you can see the “legacy” of the Turkish conquerors - the famous baths. Today they are just large gray domes that rise above the ground. The 2 brick half-vaults resemble a single building with the facade, and there is a hint of a pre-existing temple structure. Information reached us that the baths were built right on the site of the Christian church (on the foundation) from its rubble. The area nearby is almost overgrown with grass, but the Akhaltsikhe authorities plan to restore the buildings and open a museum here. Today the visit is free.

Jewish Quarter (Akhaltsikhe)

This is a small area, which is lost in the old part of the settlement behind its Eastern ravine. Many Jews used to live here, but today they have practically moved out, “giving up” the quarter to the Armenians. Of interest to tourists are the old synagogues (there are 2 of them)

Akhaltsikhe Old Synagogue - erected under the Turks in the 1740s. You should definitely visit this ancient monument of Akhaltsikhe and admire the architecture. The synagogue is closed, inspection is free. Restoration and opening of the museum is planned. How to get there - move from the fortress along Guramishvili Street to the east. To the left of this street the Jewish quarter begins. Not far from the old building, if you move to the south, a second synagogue was erected (in 1865), it is still in operation today, visiting is free.

If you want to see the old Jewish cemetery, move north from the synagogues; it is located immediately behind the Armenian cemetery. True, it is difficult to penetrate and see the monuments - Jewish burial sites are surrounded by a large high fence, and the gates are almost always closed. You'll have to climb over the walls, but it's worth it - huge sarcophagi, "stone chests", beautiful monuments.

Queen Tamara–symbol of Georgia

And, of course, in Akhaltsikhe there is a monument and temple dedicated to this cult personality. The queen did a lot for the ancient state and the settlement in particular. It was she who handed over the city to the Jakeli family, who were able to resist many invaders.

The Temple of Queen Tamara (built in 2009 - 2010) is a small monumental building in light colors. The decoration of the church is restrained; the iconostasis in the center of the church deserves special attention. The altar shimmers with gold, on the walls there are traditional paintings depicting Tamara and other important people of Georgia. In front of the temple there is a huge monument to the Queen. She sits on a throne, holding a symbol of power. Both objects are located at the address: st. Kostava (literally 500 m from the center and the fortress).

Sapara Monastery–sights of Georgia

If you come to Akhaltsikhe, be sure to visit this amazing temple complex. It is located just 10 km from the center of the settlement. Several buildings have been preserved on the territory of the monastery. The oldest is the Church of the Assumption (built in the 10th century). It is decorated with ancient columns. Nearby is a domed temple from the 13th century. Moving along the hillside you can see the fortification; 3 towers and a low stone wall have been preserved. The lower part of the slope is crowned with the ruins of ancient cells; they were carved right into the rock and framed with stones.

Nearby is the largest temple of the complex - the Church of St. Saba (13th century). Two more small ones were erected near the main building. It’s interesting, but all the churches have heavy stone slabs instead of roofs. The main dome over the bell tower was also constructed.

It’s better to get there by taxi; the trip will cost about 25 lari ($9.25). There are no direct buses from the bus station; sometimes tourists hire a minibus here for excursions (about 3 GEL ($1.11) per person).

But there is another option - a hike. From the city center you need to walk about 2 km, moving along Rustaveli Street (east direction). At the end of it there is a turn to the village of Khreli (though there are no signs), but from the road you will see the village. You will have to climb steeply up a dirt road onto a large slope. After covering 2.5 km, you will reach a picturesque pass, where you can admire the beautiful mountains and a low ridge. The pass is an excellent platform that will allow you to see a stunning panorama of the surrounding area of ​​the city and Akhaltsikhe itself. Just beyond the pass is the village of Khreli, where you can drink very tasty water from the spring, and beyond the highway enjoy the clean air and the aroma of a pine forest. From the village to the temple complex you need to walk another 3 km - the road is flat, without climbs. The tour is free.

Finding your way around the city

The Potskhovi (a tributary of the mighty Kura) flows through the settlement. This waterway and busy highway divided Akhaltsikhe into two large areas. The left bank is the hilly northern part of the settlement and the Right Bank is the southern terrain, without sharp changes.

The main landmark of the city is the fortification of Rabat. There is a small area near it, which is a kind of interchange for transport.

The main road is st. Tamarashvili, directly under the fortress hill, there is a bus station on it. From the square you can turn under the bridge (railroad) and you find yourself on the mountain at the entrance to the fortress. You need to get to the right bank - we cross the Potskhovi Bridge and find ourselves on Kostava Street - a 15-minute walk. Along the route you will come across a small public garden, a monument to Queen Tamara and a temple of the same name. Go around the church on the left, and you are on Didimamishvili Street, the street runs parallel to it. Rustaveli (from it you can go to Vardzia).

If you go straight along Kostava Street and turn left, you can get to Nathanadze Street, after 100 meters you will come across a post office, and behind it there will be a park.

Walking around the park you can admire the Drama Theater, behind which there is a police building (Rustaveli Street).

Moving from the square along the street. Kostava you can walk 100m and turn right onto Ladze Street - you will get to the local market. There is always a lively atmosphere here, a lot of dairy products, cheeses, wines, clothes and souvenirs are sold. You can have a great bargain; sellers are happy to communicate with tourists and offer excellent discounts, especially on seasonal fruits and vegetables. After walking another 350 m along this street, you will reach the Armenian temple.

After a pleasant excursion, take care of an overnight stay - there are few hotels and guest houses in Akhaltsikhe, but they are quite worthy of the attention of guests. The price range is from 50 to 300 GEL per room ($18.5 – 111).

When to come to Akhaltsikhe?

The best time to travel is spring. Everything is blooming, and the tops of the mountains are buried in snow caps. There is little rainfall in this area, but the winds often blow from the north, chilling to the bones. In April - May the weather is excellent, the temperature already reaches 18-25 C. You can admire the huge poppy fields that lie right on the slopes of the mountains.

It is hot in summer, sometimes in July the temperature is set at 30-35C, and due to high humidity it feels as high as 45C. By the end of August, excursions become comfortable, there is no heat, you can safely climb hills and mountains, the temperature stays within 25-28 C.

Magnificent pictures appear before the eye in autumn - the mountains are painted in shades of yellow and red, and green fir trees complement the landscape. A light haze envelops the ridges, and the smells of the forest are in the air. Akhaltsikhe is a very clean and hospitable city, people are easy to get in touch with and are ready to explain everything even if they don’t speak Russian. A tourist feature is that there are very few objects here that you have to pay to visit. So you can save a lot of money. The optimal length of stay is 2–3 days, you will have time to see the city and its surroundings.

How to get to Akhaltsikhe?

Akhaltsikhe on the map of Georgia.

Among the majestic mountains, on the banks of the Potskhovi River, lies the compact, cozy town of Akhaltsikhe (Georgia).

This colorful city, whose history goes back thousands of years, has played a strategic role since its founding, since it was located in the southwest of Georgia, not far from the border with Turkey, at the intersection of major routes.

Its past is clear even from its name: “Akhaltsikhe” is the “New Fortress”. Although earlier, being the possession of the noble princely family of Jakeli (900), this city was called differently - Lomisia. The name that exists now was first mentioned in the chronicle of 1204, dedicated to the military leaders Ivan and Shalva of Akhaltsikhe.

Now Akhaltsikhe, whose population reaches almost 20,000 people, is the administrative center of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region. Akhaltsikhe consists of the old city, located on a hill, and areas with new buildings erected on the plain.

It is impossible not to mention that the people here are hospitable and are always happy to make contact.

City attractions

If you want to learn the history of the ancient region of Samtskhe-Javakheti and get a lot of positive emotions, then the best solution is to see the sights in Akhaltsikhe. Most of the most interesting historical sites can be viewed here completely free of charge, which allows you to save a lot on your vacation. In 2-3 days it is quite possible to explore everything: the city itself, its immediate surroundings.

Centuries-old fortress Rabat

The impregnable fortress of Rabat has turned into a real city, occupying almost 7 hectares. From the center of Akhaltsikhe it is quite possible to walk to it - it will take at most 30 minutes.



The territory of this mighty fortification is a journey into different eras; you can walk here for hours, completely forgetting about life outside its walls. And if you come here in the evening, you can feel like you’re in a fairy tale: the territory of the fortress is illuminated by strong spotlights, which creates the appearance that all the buildings are floating in the air!

The first mentions of Rabat date back to the 9th century, but then this building was not so grandiose. In the 12th century, representatives of the family of princes Jakeli built a castle and a citadel here, making it an impregnable outpost in the southern part of Georgia. The fortification of Rabat has experienced a lot throughout its existence: in the 14th century it was destroyed by the soldiers of Tamerlane, in the 15th century it was attacked by the Mongol Khan Yakub, and in the 16th century it, together with the city, was captured by the army of the Ottoman Empire.

Over time, the citadel lost its tactical purpose. The tense relations between the USSR and Turkey that developed in the twentieth century led to the fact that this area was closed to tourism, the Rabat fortress did not receive adequate care and was gradually destroyed.



The fortress during reconstruction

Interest in Akhaltsikhe and Rabat was renewed only after the collapse of the USSR, and in 2011 restoration of the ancient citadel began. The Georgian government spent more than 34 million lari (then almost $15 million) on restoration work. For the reconstruction, projects were developed that made it possible to preserve the authenticity of existing structures; materials were also selected that made it possible to “replicate” the construction techniques used in antiquity. By the end of the summer of 2012, the reconstruction was completed, and the “New Fortress” of Akhaltsikhe was opened for inspection and regular visits.

Now the territory of Rabat is divided into lower and upper, historical parts.

So, first, about the lower part of the Akhaltsikhe fortress, which you can visit at any time of the day, and completely free. The powerful walls contain massive gates leading to the territory of the citadel, intended for pedestrian walks: smooth paved paths, clean cozy areas, picturesque pools. There is also a young vineyard planted in an unusual stepwise pattern.



In the lower part, the Rabat Hotel awaits visitors; against the backdrop of its powerful stone walls, the balconies made of carved wood look unrealistically airy. Comfortable rooms cost from 50 lari ($18.5). The restaurant of the same name, located next door, offers delicious local cuisine.

The KTW wine store, one of the best wine stores in Samtskhe-Javakheti, offers an excellent range of drinks. They offer chacha, cognacs, and a variety of wines, including a very rare one made from rose petals. The store also amazes with its interior: a lot of display cases, comfortable wooden furniture for guests, and magnificent domes of mirrors under the ceiling.



In the souvenir shop you can buy icons, luxurious silver jewelry with natural gems, as well as wine bowls and bottles made from the purest wax.

At the entrance to the Rabat fortress in Akhaltsikhe, in its lower part, there is a tourist information center where you can immediately buy tickets to visit the museum section of the complex.

Next we will talk about the upper part of the Rabat citadel - this is a museum area, entrance to which costs 7 GEL, and for children under 12 years old - 1 GEL. Having bought a ticket, you can walk around the fortification from 10:00 to 19:00, taking photographs and filming videos.

The upper part of the fortress is separated from the lower part by a powerful stone wall, and the buildings here are made in a stepped structure, so you have to climb numerous steps all the time. The museum part contains the main attractions:


Sapara Monastery

In the mountains, just 10 km from the center of Akhaltsikhe, there is another historical attraction - the Sapara (Safara) monastery. It was abolished under Soviet rule, and since the 1980s it has been an active monastery - 20 monks live there.

On the monastery territory there is:

  • The oldest building in the complex is the Church of the Assumption, built in the 10th century. It is famous for its iconostasis, which is topped with luxurious relief sculptures.
  • Nearby is a solid domed temple, the construction of which dates back to the 13th century, and a bell tower. The bell tower has a dome made of solid stone slabs.
  • A little further and higher up the slope are fortified buildings, including 3 well-preserved towers, a small stone wall, as well as cells (they are carved into the rock and built of stone).
  • The main cathedral of the monastery, the Church of St. Saba, was built in the 13th century. This is the most powerful structure, lined with hewn stone, on the monastery territory. Its architecture is dominated by flat surfaces and understated proportions. Next to the main temple there are 2 very small ones. All these monastery buildings have roofs made of stone slabs.
  • The entrance to the southern part of the complex is closed. The monks' cells and utility rooms are located there.

Sapara is a unique and most interesting place in Georgia near the city of Akhaltsikhe, but getting there is not so easy. There are no direct flights from the city bus station, but sometimes tourists negotiate an excursion with the minibus driver here - this will cost approximately 3 GEL per person. You can take a taxi, which will cost approximately 25 GEL.



Road to the monastery

You can also get there on foot. From the central part of Akhaltsikhe you need to go east along Rustaveli Street for about 2 km, then turn onto the road to the village of Khreli - the difficulty is that this turn is not marked in any way. The village begins almost immediately, and the dirt road goes steeply up. After 2.4 km from the outskirts of the village, the road will lead to the pass of a small ridge, from where a panoramic view of Akhaltsikhe will open. Immediately after the pass, on the left side, there is a house and a bunch of ruins - this is the village of Verkhnie Khreli. On the right side there will be a clean pine forest, which is considered the best place for a wild overnight stay near Akhaltsikhe. The monastery is about 3 km from the village of Verkhnie Khreli along a very good road, from which you can see the city outskirts, the Kura valley, and the village of Minadze.

Entrance to the monastery is free. It should be taken into account that on weekends Sapara is very crowded, as schoolchildren come on excursions from all over Georgia.

Temple of Queen Tamara

Throughout the history of Georgia, in this state there was the only woman who ascended the throne and independently ruled the country. This is Queen Tamara.

The reign of Tamara (12th century) became the Golden Age for Georgia. It was thanks to Queen Tamara that Christianity spread in Georgia and became its religion. Since 1917, on May 14 in Georgia it has been customary to celebrate the holiday Tamaroba.

With special celebration and showiness, this national holiday takes place in Akhaltsikhe, where the temple of Queen Tamara was built in 2009-2010. This modest-sized building is decorated in light colors. Inside, the attraction looks quite modest, however, the entire altar shines with gold, and the walls are decorated with traditional paintings, on which there are many images of the queen.

In front of the temple there is a huge monument depicting Tamara, who sits on a throne, holding a symbol of power.

The monument and temple of Queen Tamara are located almost in the center of Akhaltsikhe, on Kostava Street, it is convenient to get to it from anywhere in the city.

How to get to Akhaltsikhe?

From Tbilisi

Finding out how to get from Tbilisi to Akhaltsikhe, it becomes clear that although these cities have a railway station, there are no direct flights, however, as well as with 1 transfer. Rather than making 2-3 transfers, it is better to forget about the train altogether and use the bus.

Buses heading to Akhaltsikhe depart from the capital's Didube bus station. In Akhaltsikhe they come to Tamarashvili Street, where the local bus station is located. There are flights every 40-50 minutes, from 7:00 to 19:00, and a ticket costs 15 GEL. From Akhaltsikhe to Tbilisi, the distance is approximately 206 km, the travel time is almost 3 hours.

How to get there from Batumi

You can also get from Batumi to Akhaltsikhe by shuttle bus, which departs from the old bus station located on the street. Mayakovsky, 1. There are only 2 direct flights per day: at 8:00 and at 10:30. The fare costs 20-25 lari, the journey lasts about 6 hours. By the way, these buses go through Borjomi, so there is an opportunity to visit the world famous spring.

You can also get from Batumi to Akhaltsikhe by taxi, but is there any point in such a trip? There are no taxis, as is usually understood - there are private cab drivers who offer their services for too high a fee. A trip in the same minibus as a regular one, albeit with fewer passengers, will cost approximately 70 €.

When deciding how to get from Batumi to Akhaltsikhe, it becomes clear that the most convenient option with such poor transport links is to drive your own car. It is advisable that it be an SUV, since although the roads were repaired not so long ago, there are quite a lot of unpaved areas.

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When is the best time to come to Akhaltsikhe



You can come to the city of Akhaltsikhe to admire its grandiose sights at any time of the year. But the best time to travel will be July-September: in May the temperature already rises to +17 °C, but short-term rains occur quite often.



In summer, there is usually no intense heat: the temperature can reach +30°C, but on average the thermometer stays at +23..+25°C. At the beginning of autumn, the weather conditions are still comfortable, the temperature drops to +18…+19°C. In such weather it is pleasant to walk around the city, and it is not cold yet to climb the mountains.

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In autumn in Akhaltsikhe (Georgia) magnificent pictures open up to your eyes! Thanks to the trees, the mountains acquire shades of yellow and purple, complemented by green spruce trees. The ridges are shrouded in a light haze, the air is filled with wonderful forest smells.

Video in good quality - the city of Akhaltsikhe and the Rabat fortress, filmed from the air.

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There are a large number of ancient streets and low buildings. The city has no access to the sea, but at the same time there is something else here, something that attracts tourists.

Breathtaking mountain scenery and a small reservoir make many travelers stop in the city for several days. Many people travel through Akhaltsikhe to Borjomi, but when they see the beauty of this southern town, they cannot resist staying for a couple of nights.

As in other Georgian cities, the hospitality of Akhaltsikhe will delight many foreign guests.

Akhaltsikhe on the map of Georgia

How to get to Akhaltsikhe from Moscow

You can get from Moscow to Akhaltsikhe by several types of transport.

By bus

There are no direct flights to this city from Moscow, so you will need to make a transfer. It is best to go to Tbilisi; it is from this city that you can quickly get to Akhaltsikhe. For example, several minibuses depart from the Didube bus station at once and you can get to the city in just 3 hours.

By plane

There is no airport in Akhaltsikhe, so you must also fly to Tbilisi or another large Georgian city. After this, you need to get there either by public transport or by taxi.

The cheapest tickets from Moscow to Tbilisi and back

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2 transfers

By car

The distance from Moscow to Akhaltsikhe is more than 2 thousand km, and you can get to the city with a quick border crossing in 22 hours.

By train

To use this transport you will need to make several transfers. In addition, this method is considered one of the most time-consuming, and you can spend several days on the road.

Holiday seasons in Akhaltsikhe. When to go?

Akhaltsikhe has a subtropical climate and is located in the southern part of Georgia. The average annual temperature is +9°C.

Winter. The average temperature at this time of year is -7 °C. There is very little precipitation, the driest month is January.

Spring. In March it is still quite cold, but already from mid-April and into May you can have a great time in the city, walk and enjoy the beauty of nature. In spring, the city also receives quite a lot of rainfall.

Summer. This period is the hottest of the year and there is a large amount of precipitation. The thermometer shows the highest temperatures.

Autumn. It is still quite warm in September. This time is ideal for traveling to this town. The greatest amount of precipitation falls in October.

Weather in Akhaltsikhe today

Sights of the city and nearby

The city has a long history that dates back more than a thousand years. Travelers go to Akhaltsikhe to look at the wonderful local history, and also enjoy the beauty of the ancient streets. In addition to all this, the city has several attractions that every visitor to the city should see:

Alley of Love

This is a landmark that locals are proud of. It is located near the registry office building. This is one of the remote parts of the fort, which is decorated with bushes and has additional natural landscapes.


photo: Rabat Fortress in Akhaltsikhe - new building. A good spa hotel now operates on its territory.

An ancient fortress, which was built in the 13th century near the banks of the Potskhovi River. The structure was built so that it can be seen from any part of the city. The fortress was destroyed many times, but it was restored. The last reconstruction was carried out in 2012.

Green Monastery

Between the cities of Akhaltsikhe and Borjomi, there is this architectural monument, which was built back in the 10th century. The monastery continues to operate today, welcoming pilgrims and tourists.

(G) (I) Coordinates: 41°38′20″ n. w. /  42°59′10″ E. d.41.63889° N. w. 42.98611° E. d. / 41.63889; 42.98611 (G) (I) Former names Population National composition Confessional composition Names of residents Timezone Telephone code Postcode

Former names

According to the All-Russian population census of 1897, 15,357 people lived in the city of Akhaltsikhe, of which:

  • Armenians - 9,035 (58.8%)
  • Georgians - 3,576 (23.3%)
  • Russians - 1,172 (7.6%)
  • Jews - 438 (2.9%)
  • Ukrainians - 404 (2.6%)
  • Poles - 345 (2.2%)
  • Tatars - 108 (0.7%)
  • Lithuanians - 73 (0.5%)
  • Turks - 59 (0.04%)
  • Germans - 53 (0.03%)
  • Ossetians - 11 (0.07%)
  • Assyrians - 10 (0.07%)
  • Greeks - 10 (0.07%)
  • Chechens - 8 (0.05%)
  • Avars - 6 (0.04%)
  • Belarusians - 4 (0.03%)
  • Persians - 4 (0.03%)
  • Czechs - 4 (0.03%)
  • Latvians - 3 (0.02%)
  • French - 2 (0.01%)
  • Kurds - 1 (0.007%)
  • Lezgins - 1 (0.007%)
  • Chuvash - 1 (0.007%)

The population of the city in January 2016 was 14,000 people, in January 2014 - 20,000 people, in 2002 - 18,500 people, in January 1989 - 24,570 people.

Story

Founded in the first half of the 12th century AD. e. From the 14th century to the 80s of the 16th century, Akhaltsikhe was the center of culture, politics and economics of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region and the residence of atabegs from the Jakeli clan. In 1579 the city came under the rule of the Ottoman Empire and from 1628 the city became the center of the Akhaltsikhe province of Tur. Ahıska of the Ottoman Empire.

Attractions

Gallery

    Bonne georgie 1780.jpg

    Akaltsykh from Winkler.jpg

    Historical coat of arms of the city, 1843

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Notes

Links

  • // Encyclopedic Dictionary of Brockhaus and Efron: in 86 volumes (82 volumes and 4 additional). - St. Petersburg. , 1890-1907.

 

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