Petra Fortress

Petra Fortress: A Byzantine Pearl on the Black Sea Coast

On the Black Sea coast, perched on a rocky promontory cloaked in the lush green of Tsikhisdziri, lies a fortress-city that seems to have emerged straight from the ancient world. This is Petra Fortress, the legendary city founded in the 6th century by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. Its name, meaning “rock” in Greek, could not be more fitting—it appears to have been carved directly from the cliff rising out of the sea.

The founding of Petra was a masterstroke of strategy. For the Byzantine Empire, it was a crucial eastern outpost that controlled the coastal road and trade routes connecting to Persia and Armenia. It was for Petra that fierce wars were fought between the Byzantines and Persians, a conflict known to history as the Lazic War. These walls remember how the fates of empires were decided.

A walk through Petra is unlike a typical excursion. It is an immersion into history, where every step reveals traces of the past. Here you will find the ruins of the acropolis where the city’s rulers lived, the remains of Roman baths where legionaries relaxed, and the foundations of an early Christian basilica that speaks to the spiritual life of the Kingdom of Lazica. This was not merely a fortress; it was a fully-fledged, developed city with its own economy, culture, and military might.

Today, as you gaze out at the endless sea horizon from the walls of Petra, it is easy to imagine what this place looked like 1,500 years ago: Roman and Byzantine ships entering the harbor, caravans laden with silk, and soldiers standing guard on the walls. Petra is not just a collection of ruins; it is a time machine that transports you directly to the Byzantine era, vividly illustrating Georgia’s connection to the ancient and Byzantine civilizations.

🗺️ Geography & Location

Exact Location:

The Petra fortress-city is located in the Kobuleti Municipality, in the village of Tsikhisdziri, on a rocky Black Sea coastline.

Strategic Placement:

It controlled the most important strategic and trade route along the eastern Black Sea coast. It was the political and economic stronghold of Byzantium in the Kingdom of Lazica.

Coordinates:

Approximately 41.7533° N, 41.7589° E.

📖 History & Background

Date of Construction & Origins:

The fortress-city was founded by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the 530s AD. However, archaeological evidence suggests that a settlement existed here even earlier.

Historical Role:

It was the seat of the Bishopric of Lazica and a major military-strategic center. In the 6th century, it became the main arena of the Lazic War between Byzantium and Persia.

Important Events:

The capture of Petra was of decisive importance during the Great War of Egrisi (541-562 AD). It later fell into Ottoman hands and lost its significance.

Status:

Today, Petra Fortress is a museum-reserve and a cultural heritage monument of national significance in Georgia.

🏗️ Architecture & Design

Materials Used:

Constructed with large, hewn stones and lime mortar, characteristic of Byzantine building techniques.

Key Features:

The complex includes the acropolis, the fortified part of the city, the ruins of a basilica, a bathhouse, and the remains of various other buildings. The urban planning structure of the city is still clearly visible.

Unique Aspects:

It is a rare and well-preserved example of a classic Byzantine fortress-city in Georgia, combining military, civil, and religious architecture.

🌟 Cultural & Tourist Significance

Legends and Stories:

The fortress is linked to the writings of the historian Procopius of Caesarea, who described the battles for Petra in detail.

Religious Importance:

As an episcopal center, Petra was an important hub for the spread of Christianity in western Georgia.

Current Use:

It is a popular tourist attraction and an archaeological museum-reserve. Guided tours are available to introduce visitors to the site’s rich history.

🚶 How to Visit

Best Time of Year to Visit:

From late spring to early autumn. The weather and sea views are most impressive during this time.

Accessibility:

Petra Fortress is located right next to the main Batumi-Kobuleti highway, making it very easily accessible. There is parking and a visitor center on site.