About this activity

Agarani Fortress: A Historical Sentinel of Georgia

Agarani Fortress, also known as Kojori Fortress or Azeuli Fortress (and historically as Kor Ogli Fortress or Agarata Fortress), is a significant Georgian feudal fortress situated near Tbilisi, in the Kojori area of the Kvemo Kartli region. Perched atop Azeuli Mountain (1350 meters above sea level), part of the Trialeti mountain range, it held a strategic position defending the main road to Tbilisi from the south, along an important caravan route.

Historical Overview

The exact construction date of Agarani Fortress remains unknown, though it is mentioned in the Georgian Chronicles.¹ Its history dates back at least to the 11th century, with some sources suggesting even earlier origins in the 8th-9th centuries. In the 1060s, King Bagrat IV took control of it from emir Fadlon.¹ During the “Great Turkish Invasion” in 1080, the fortress was captured and renamed “Kor Ogli,” a name that persisted on Soviet-era maps.

A significant period in its history occurred in July 1118 when King David the Builder besieged and captured Agarani in a single day, later granting it to Ivane Orbeli in 1123. After the Orbelis rebelled against King Georgy III, they lost possession of the fortress.

“Agarani Fortress” served as a summer residence for Georgian royalty. Notably, chronicles recount that Queen Tamar fell ill and died at Agarani, although her burial place remains a mystery.¹ From the 15th century onwards, the fortress came under the ownership of the Sologashvili family and was then known as “Kojori Fortress”. According to the 18th-century historian Vakhushti Batonishvili, it was previously called “Azulula Fortress”.

In February 1921, the area around the fortress was the site of a battle where Georgian cadets from the Officer School fought against the invading Red Army.¹ A memorial to these fallen cadets was erected near the fortress in the 1990s.⁵

Location and Strategic Importance

Strategically located near the climatic resort of Kojori, approximately 15-20 kilometers southwest of Tbilisi, Agarani Fortress stands on Azeuli Hill. Its elevated position at 1241-1350 meters above sea level on the Didi Kedi Range provided commanding 360-degree views of the surrounding area, making it crucial for controlling the caravan route connecting Tbilisi with Armenia and other regions. The fortress guarded the primary route from Somkhit-Sabaratiano to Tbilisi, highlighting its immense strategic value for feudal Georgia.

Architecture and Current State

Constructed using stones and brick, reinforced with thick mortar, Agarani Fortress was a formidable structure. Today, only impressive ruins remain, including sections of the walls and two towers. Some vaults are still preserved, and remnants of the gates are visible. Inside the citadel, the foundations of former buildings can be traced. The unique egg shape of the qvevri, a traditional Georgian wine vessel, is noted for its structural integrity, which may be reflected in the fortress’s enduring construction.

Visitors can access the citadel by walking along a narrow path between large boulders and ascending a metal ladder. The site offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, making it a popular destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers. The area around the fortress is also ideal for relaxation, picnics, and light hiking in the nearby forests.

Agarani Fortress is recognized as a Cultural Heritage Monument of Georgia, with the official name “Kojori Fortress” and reference number 1561. Despite its ruined state, it stands as a powerful reminder of Georgia’s rich history and strategic importance throughout the ages.