Nogha Fortress

Nogha Fortress: A Feudal Stronghold in Martvili’s Hills

The ruins of Nogha Fortress, hidden in the green landscapes of Martvili, offer another window into the feudal world of Samegrelo. This was a classic fortified residence, the power center of a local noble family who governed the surrounding valley. A visit to Nogha is to explore the grassroots of Megrelian history, where countless such small castles formed the true basis of the Dadiani princes’ power.

Built in the 17th-18th centuries, the fortress was strategically placed on a hill to provide both security and a commanding presence. It was the heart of a feudal estate, serving as a safe home for the lord’s family, an administrative center for their lands, and a military refuge for their subjects. The main structure was likely a strong residential tower, surrounded by a defensive wall that enclosed a courtyard with various household and agricultural buildings.

Life in Nogha Fortress would have been a blend of provincial aristocratic life and constant military alertness. The lord would have been responsible for the security and prosperity of his people, a duty that required both a strong sword and a well-defended home.

Today, what remains of the fortress are evocative ruins that spark the imagination. You can trace the outline of the walls and the base of the main tower, appreciating the simple, strong construction. It is an off-the-beaten-path destination that offers a quiet and authentic connection to the past. The views of the valley from the fortress hill are peaceful and beautiful, allowing you to see the landscape much as its original inhabitants did.

🗺️ Geography & Location

Exact Location:

Nogha Fortress is located in the Martvili Municipality of the Samegrelo region, Georgia, near the village of Nogha.

Strategic Placement:

The fortress controlled a local valley and the surrounding lands, serving as the center of a feudal domain.

Coordinates:

Approximately 42.4300° N, 42.2800° E.

📖 History & Background

Date of Construction & Origins:

The fortress is a late medieval structure (17th-18th centuries).

Historical Role:

It was the fortified seat of a local noble family, a vassal to the Dadiani princes, and the center of a small feudal estate.

Status:

The fortress is a local heritage site, preserved as ruins.

🏗️ Architecture & Design

Materials Used:

Constructed from local stone.

Key Features:

• Tower-Fortress: The complex was likely centered around a main residential and defensive tower.
• Hilltop Location: The fortress uses the natural advantages of a hill for defense.

Unique Aspects:

It is a good example of a typical, small-scale feudal residence in rural Samegrelo, showing how the local nobility lived and defended their power.

🌟 Cultural & Tourist Significance

Story of the Local Nobility:

The fortress provides insight into the lives of the local lords who were the pillars of the Megrelian principality.

Explorer’s Destination:

It is a great spot for those wishing to discover the less-known historical sites of the Martvili area.

🚶 How to Visit

Best Time of Year to Visit:

The site is best visited from spring to autumn.

Accessibility:

Access involves driving on rural roads to the vicinity of Nogha village, followed by a short hike.