Cheremi Fortress: The Acropolis of Vakhtang Gorgasali’s Lost City
The ruins of Cheremi Fortress stand on a hill overlooking a landscape steeped in ancient history. This was the acropolis of the once-great city of Cheremi, one of the most important centers of Kakheti in the Early Middle Ages. Founded by the legendary King Vakhtang Gorgasali in the 5th century, Cheremi was a flourishing royal city and bishopric before it was devastated by an Arab invasion in the 8th century, from which it never fully recovered.
The story of Cheremi is a story of Georgia’s early Christian kingdom. The fortress protected a major urban and religious center that played a key role in the political life of Kakheti-Hereti. The ruins today are a testament to this lost golden age. A visit to the site is a journey back to the era of Gorgasali, the founder of Tbilisi.
Exploring the Cheremi archaeological site is a fascinating experience. The ruins are spread across a wide area. On the fortress hill, you can find the remains of the citadel walls and a 5th-century royal palace. At the base of the hill are two incredibly important early medieval churches: the domed church of St. George and a basilica dedicated to St. Barbara.
Cheremi offers a profound connection to the very foundations of the Georgian kingdom. The combination of a royal acropolis and some of the country’s oldest surviving churches makes this a site of immense historical and cultural importance. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in the early history of Georgia and the legacy of its most famous king.
🗺️ Geography & Location
Exact Location:
The fortress and archaeological site are located near the village of Cheremi, Gurjaani Municipality, Kakheti.
Strategic Placement:
The acropolis was built on a dominant hill, controlling the city and the strategic valley it was located in.
Coordinates:
Approximately 41.7833° N, 45.7167° E.
📖 History & Background
Date of Construction & Origins:
The city and its fortifications were founded in the 5th century by King Vakhtang Gorgasali.
Historical Role:
A major political, religious, and economic center of early medieval Kakheti, and the seat of a bishopric.
Important Events:
The city was largely destroyed in the 8th century by the Arab armies of Marwan ibn Muhammad (“Murvan the Deaf”) and went into decline.
Status:
A major archaeological site and cultural heritage monument of national significance.
🏗️ Architecture & Design
Materials Used:
Cobblestone and brick.
Key Features:
- Acropolis: The hilltop ruins include the citadel walls and the remains of Vakhtang Gorgasali’s palace.
- Early Churches: The site includes two of Georgia’s oldest churches, dating to the 5th-6th centuries.
Unique Aspects:
Its direct connection to King Vakhtang Gorgasali and its status as a major lost city of the early medieval period make it a unique and highly important archaeological site.
🌟 Cultural & Tourist Significance
A Royal City:
A rare opportunity to explore the ruins of a city founded by Georgia’s most legendary king.
Cradle of Kakhetian Christianity:
The ancient churches are of immense importance for the history of Christianity in Georgia.
🚶 How to Visit
Best Time of Year to Visit:
Spring to autumn.
Accessibility:
Moderately accessible. Requires a drive to the village, after which the different parts of the archaeological site can be explored on foot.
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