Ananuri Fortress

ანანური

A 17th-century castle complex with churches and towers set above the turquoise Zhinvali Reservoir. Its picturesque combination of fortifications and water makes it a favourite stop on the Georgian Military Road.

Things to do

• Explore the Church of the Assumption — Step inside the large 1689 domed church to admire its ornate carved facade featuring a grapevine cross and two dragons.
• Climb the Sheupovari Tower — Ascend the tallest square tower of the complex, site of the fortress's dramatic 18th-century siege, for views over the walls.
• Photograph the reservoir panorama — Frame the fortress walls against the turquoise Zhinvali Reservoir from the viewpoints just above the complex.
• Walk the curtain walls and towers — Stroll the crenellated ramparts connecting the upper and lower fortresses to appreciate the defensive layout of the Aragvi dukes.
• Visit the smaller Church of the Virgin — See the older, plainer church beside the main cathedral, containing faded frescoes and old tombstones.
• Browse the roadside craft stalls — Pick up felt hats, wool socks, churchkhela and local honey from vendors set up at the fortress car park.
• Stop at the Zhinvali Dam viewpoint — Drive a few minutes along the Military Road to see the dam that created the reservoir surrounding the fortress.

Food to try

• Churchkhela — Buy strings of walnuts dipped in thickened grape juice sold fresh at the fortress stalls.
• Mtiuluri khinkali — Sample the mountain-style twisted dumplings filled with spiced meat at cafes along the Military Road.
• Mountain trout — Order fresh trout grilled or fried, drawing on the fish from the nearby Aragvi river and reservoir.
• Georgian honey — Taste and buy jars of mountain honey from roadside sellers near the entrance.
• Shoti bread with sulguni — Enjoy canoe-shaped clay-oven bread paired with fresh salty sulguni cheese from local eateries.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress modestly for the churches — Cover shoulders and knees, and women should bring a headscarf as the churches are active places of worship.
• Free entry, tip the guardians — Entry to the fortress complex is free, but leaving a small donation in the churches is appreciated.
• Combine with a Military Road trip — Ananuri sits about 70km from Tbilisi and pairs naturally with a day heading toward Gudauri and Kazbegi.
• Come early to beat tour buses — The compact complex fills quickly with coach groups by mid-morning, so arrive early for quieter photos.

Nearby

• Shio-Mgvime Monastery (Tbilisi and Surroundings) — 34 km
• Mtskheta (Tbilisi and Surroundings) — 35 km
• Jvari Monastery (Tbilisi and Surroundings) — 36 km
• Gudauri — 39 km