Ujarma Fortress

Ujarma: The Royal City of King Vakhtang Gorgasali

On a strategic hill overlooking the Iori River, the majestic ruins of Ujarma stand as a powerful monument to Georgia’s early greatness. This was no mere fortress; it was a royal city, one of the most important political and cultural centers of ancient Iberia (Kartli). Its story is inextricably linked with one of the most legendary figures in Georgian history, King Vakhtang Gorgasali. To visit Ujarma is to step directly into the world of Georgia’s founding kings.

Founded in the 3rd-4th centuries, Ujarma rose to prominence in the 5th century under the formidable King Vakhtang I, known as Gorgasali (“wolf-head”). He made Ujarma one of his primary residences, transforming it into a flourishing city. He fortified the citadel, built palaces, and erected several churches, making it a vibrant center of royal power and burgeoning Christian faith. The fortress guarded the critical pass that led from the plains of Kartli into the fertile valleys of Kakheti, making it a key to the entire kingdom.

The fortress-city is divided into two main parts. On the summit is the impenetrable citadel, with its nine massive towers and the remains of the royal palace. Below this, on the slopes of the hill, lay the city itself, enclosed by a separate set of walls. The ruins are extensive and incredibly evocative. You can wander through the remains of the two-story royal church, climb the powerful watchtowers for panoramic views of the Iori valley, and trace the foundations of the palace where King Gorgasali himself held court.

Though Ujarma suffered greatly during the Arab invasions and eventually fell into decline, its importance never faded from the Georgian memory. It has remained a symbol of the nation’s early Christian identity and the glorious reign of its most famous king.

Today, Ujarma is one of Georgia’s most accessible and rewarding historical sites. It offers a direct and tangible connection to a foundational period in the nation’s history. Standing among its ancient walls, it is easy to feel the ambition and piety of King Vakhtang Gorgasali and to understand why this place was once one of the glittering jewels of his kingdom.

🗺️ Geography & Location

Exact Location:

Ujarma Fortress-City is located in the Sagarejo Municipality of the Kakheti region, Georgia, on a hill on the right bank of the Iori River, alongside the main highway to Telavi.

Strategic Placement:

The fortress controlled the crucial Ujarma pass, the main gateway connecting the central region of Kartli with the inner regions of Kakheti.

Coordinates:

Approximately 41.7708° N, 45.1483° E.

📖 History & Background

Date of Construction & Origins:

The city was founded in the 3rd-4th centuries AD. Its golden age was in the second half of the 5th century, when King Vakhtang Gorgasali made it his residence and significantly expanded it.

Historical Role:

It was a major political, religious, and cultural center of the Kingdom of Iberia (Kartli). As a royal residence of Vakhtang Gorgasali, it was one of the most important cities in the country, alongside Mtskheta and Tbilisi.

Status:

Ujarma is an architectural monument of national significance and a major tourist attraction. The site has undergone partial restoration and conservation.

🏗️ Architecture & Design

Materials Used:

Constructed from sandstone and rubble. Different layers of construction from the 5th, 10th, and 12th centuries are visible.

Key Features:

• Citadel and Lower City: The complex is clearly divided into an upper citadel (the royal quarter) and a lower walled city.
• Numerous Towers: The fortress is characterized by its many well-preserved towers, particularly the nine towers of the upper citadel.
• Royal Church: The ruins include the two-story Jvarpatiosani (Holy Cross) church, a palace, and other residential structures.
• Water Cisterns: Large reservoirs for storing water were built within the walls to withstand sieges.

Unique Aspects:

Its direct and well-documented connection to King Vakhtang Gorgasali, the legendary founder of Tbilisi, makes it a uniquely important site in the Georgian national consciousness.

🌟 Cultural & Tourist Significance

A Royal Legacy:

Ujarma is a place of national pilgrimage for Georgians, revered as a tangible link to one of their greatest historical figures.

Accessible History:

Its location directly on the main tourist route through Kakheti makes it a very popular and easily visited landmark, offering a deep historical experience.

🚶 How to Visit

Best Time of Year to Visit:

The site is open year-round and is pleasant to visit in any season, though spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather.

Accessibility:

Ujarma is very easily accessible. It is located right beside the Gombori Pass highway connecting Tbilisi and Telavi. A short, paved road leads from the highway directly to the fortress entrance.