Eki Fortress

Eki Fortress: An Ancient Sentinel of the Kolkheti Lowlands

The ruins of Eki Fortress, rising from a hill in the Senaki municipality, are a silent but powerful link to the ancient history of Samegrelo. This is one of the region’s oldest and most significant strongholds, a place whose story begins in the early medieval period, long before the rise of the later Dadiani princes. It was a guardian of the Colchian (Kolkheti) lowlands, a strategic bastion that watched over this fertile and often-contested land for centuries.

The fortress’s history is deeply rooted in the Kingdom of Egrisi (Lazica). Its location on a commanding hill provided a clear view over the vast plains, allowing its garrison to monitor the important trade and military routes that crisscrossed the region. For any power wishing to control Samegrelo, holding Eki was essential. Over the centuries, it was a center of local power, witnessing the endless cycle of wars, alliances, and the rise and fall of noble families.

Today, Eki Fortress is a picturesque and evocative ruin. While time has taken its toll, the foundations of its strong walls and several towers can still be traced. The most prominent feature is often the main tower, the heart of the fortress’s defense. Built from local stone, the architecture is rugged and functional, designed to withstand long sieges and project the power of its lord.

A visit to Eki is a journey for the history enthusiast looking to connect with the deeper, pre-Dadiani past of Samegrelo. The climb to the top of the hill is rewarded with magnificent panoramic views of the plains stretching towards the Black Sea. It’s a place of quiet contemplation, where the wind whispers tales of ancient kings and the fierce warriors who defended this land.

🗺️ Geography & Location

Exact Location:

Eki Fortress is located in the Senaki Municipality of the Samegrelo region, Georgia, on a hill near the village of Eki.

Strategic Placement:

The fortress was positioned to dominate the surrounding Kolkheti lowlands, controlling key local routes and serving as a major defensive and administrative center.

Coordinates:

Approximately 42.3333° N, 42.0667° E.

📖 History & Background

Date of Construction & Origins:

The fortress is of early medieval origin (approx. 4th-6th centuries), making it one of the oldest in the region. It was a significant stronghold during the time of the Kingdom of Egrisi (Lazica).

Historical Role:

It served as a key military and administrative hub for this part of Samegrelo for many centuries. Its great antiquity makes it vital for understanding the region’s history before the late medieval period.

Status:

Eki Fortress is a cultural heritage monument, preserved as ruins.

🏗️ Architecture & Design

Materials Used:

Constructed from local limestone and rock, showing characteristics of early medieval Georgian fortification.

Key Features:

• Hilltop Citadel: The fortress is a classic example of a citadel built on a naturally defensible hill.
• Remains of Towers and Walls: The site includes the ruins of a main tower and the circuit of the outer defensive walls.
• Strategic Views: The location was chosen for its 360-degree views over the plains.

Unique Aspects:

Its great age is its defining characteristic. As one of the oldest fortresses in Samegrelo, it provides a rare link to the ancient Kingdom of Lazica and the deep history of the Colchian heartland.

🌟 Cultural & Tourist Significance

A Link to Ancient Samegrelo:

The fortress is an important monument for anyone interested in the early history of Western Georgia and the Kingdom of Egrisi.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Exploration:

Eki offers an authentic and quiet historical experience, away from the more crowded tourist sites, for those exploring the heritage of Senaki.

🚶 How to Visit

Best Time of Year to Visit:

The site is best visited from spring through autumn.

Accessibility:

Access requires a drive to Eki village, followed by a hike up the hill to the ruins.