The capital of Samtskhe-Javakheti

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Facts Akhaltsikhe

Georgia  Country:
18,000  Population:
12th century  Founded:
Georgian  Languages:
Agriculture, suet, honey, wax, wine, corn, barley, wheat, cotton, tobacco  Economy:
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Akhaltsikhe

Region: Javakheti

Akhaltsikhe is a city in Georgia's south-western region Samtskhe-Javakheti. Its name means «new fortress» because of the town's fortress called Rabati which is located on a small hill in the middle of the city.

For the first time mentioned in the 12th century, Akhaltsikhe was the seat of the «Akhaltsikhelis», the dukes of Samtskhe, in the 12th and 13th century. From the 13th till the 17th century the city was reigned by the Jaqeli family. After being part of the Ottoman Empire, Akhaltsikhe only came back to Georgia, which was part of the Russian Empire, between the Russian-Turkish war in 1828/1829.

City of Akhaltsikhe

Rabati Fortress Akhaltsikhe

The rich history of Akhaltsikhe is still visible today. The most important sight is the Rabati Fortress. The recently renovated example of architecture includes the castle of Jaqeli family, a mosque, an orthodox church, a citadel and an amphitheater. As a touristic sight, Rabati also includes hotels, restaurants, cafes, an information center and a marriage hall.

Besides Rabati, Akhaltsikhe offers also other interesting places. like a palace from the 13th/14th century, two synagogues, a Jewish cemetery and several mosques, most of them destroyed. As more than a quarter of the population in Akhaltsikhe is Armenian, there are also several Armenian churches in the city.

Rabati Fortress in Akhaltsikhe
 

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How to get to Akhaltsikhe

How to get to Akhaltsikhe by car

By car

From Tbilisi, you reach Akhaltsikhe within 3 hours. The first part of the 208 km long route is on the highway, from Khashuri it is a normal road.

How to get to Akhaltsikhe by minibus

By minibus

From the Didube bus station in Tbilisi, the Marshrutka departs from 10:00h till 17:00h. The trip takes about 3 hours and costs 12 GEL per person.

How to get to Akhaltsikhe by plane

By plane

There is no airport in or near Akhaltsikhe. From both Tbilisi International Airport and Kutaisi International Airport it takes about 3 hours to get to Akhaltsikhe by car.

How to get to Akhaltsikhe by train

By train

Akhaltsikhe is not connected with the Georgian railway system.

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Impressions from Akhaltsikhe

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