Narikala Fortress

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An ancient hilltop fortress dating to the 4th century, overlooking the old city and river. Reached by cable car, it offers the best panoramic views of Tbilisi and the surrounding hills.

Things to do

• Ride the aerial cable car — Take the Rike Park cable car up to the fortress for sweeping views over the Kura River and old town.
• Explore the fortress ramparts — Walk the ancient stone walls and towers dating back to the 4th century Persian era.
• Visit St. Nicholas Church — Step inside the rebuilt church within the fortress walls, decorated with vivid frescoes of Georgian history.
• Photograph panoramic Tbilisi — Capture the best skyline views of the old city, the Narikala hillside, and surrounding hills.
• See the Kartlis Deda statue — Walk to the towering Mother of Georgia monument on the ridge beside the fortress.
• Descend to the Botanical Garden — Follow the path behind the fortress down into the lush National Botanical Garden of Georgia.
• Wander the Old Town below — After the fortress, explore the narrow lanes, sulfur baths, and balconied houses of Kala district.

Food to try

• Khinkali — Juicy Georgian soup dumplings twisted at the top, eaten by hand and never with a fork.
• Khachapuri Adjaruli — Boat-shaped cheese bread topped with a runny egg and butter, a Georgian staple.
• Churchkhela — String of nuts dipped in thickened grape juice, sold as a chewy sweet snack near the cable car.
• Georgian wine tasting — Sample qvevri-fermented wines like Saperavi at a wine bar in the old town below the fortress.
• Lobiani — Warm bread stuffed with spiced mashed beans, a hearty and affordable local favorite.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress modestly for the church — Women should cover their shoulders and heads before entering St. Nicholas Church.
• Wear sturdy shoes — The fortress paths and ramparts are uneven ancient stone, so avoid slippery footwear.
• Buy cable car tickets with Metromoney — The Rike cable car accepts the rechargeable Tbilisi transport card rather than cash.
• Visit at sunset — Late afternoon offers the best light and cooler temperatures for the exposed hilltop views.

Nearby

• Tbilisi Old Town — 0 km
• Tbilisi National Botanical Garden — 0 km
• Bridge of Peace — 1 km
• Rustaveli Avenue — 1 km