Tabori Fortress

Tabori Fortress: The Other Guardian of Tbilisi

While Narikala gets all the fame, its sister fortress on the opposite ridge of the Tsavkisistskali gorge is a fascinating piece of Tbilisi’s history in its own right. Tabori Fortress, crowning Mount Tabori, was a key part of the city’s outer defense system. Though less preserved than Narikala, a visit to this ridge offers a different, equally spectacular perspective on the capital.

The story of Tabori is one of strategic depth. While Narikala was the main citadel, Tabori served as a powerful outer fortification, guarding the southern approaches to the city. Its construction is mainly from the later feudal period (16th-18th centuries), an era when Tbilisi faced constant threats. The two fortresses, facing each other across the gorge, would have formed a formidable defensive pair, creating a deadly crossfire for any army attempting to attack from the south.

Visiting the Tabori ridge today is a wonderful urban hike. While only the foundations and lower parts of the fortress walls remain, the main attraction is the journey and the view. A modern monastery complex with a prominent golden-domed church now occupies the peak, built upon the historical foundations.

The panoramic view from Tabori is arguably even more expansive than that from Narikala. You can see Narikala itself, the entire old town, the modern city sprawling northwards, and the mountains beyond. It’s a place to understand the strategic layout of old Tbilisi and to capture some of the most stunning photographs of the city, especially with Narikala in the foreground.

🗺️ Geography & Location

Exact Location:

The fortress is on Mount Tabori on the Sololaki Ridge, opposite Narikala Fortress, overlooking Tbilisi.

Strategic Placement:

It served as an outer citadel, working in tandem with Narikala to control the southern approaches to the city through the Tsavkisistskali gorge.

Coordinates:

Approximately 41.6833° N, 44.8130° E.

📖 History & Background

Date of Construction & Origins:

The current ruins are mainly from the late feudal period (16th-18th centuries).

Historical Role:

An important part of Tbilisi’s outer defense system.

Status:

An archaeological site. A modern monastery, the Monastery of the Transfiguration, has been built on the site.

🏗️ Architecture & Design

Materials Used:

Local stone and brick.

Key Features:

• Foundation Ruins: Only the lower parts of the walls and towers remain from the original fortress.
• Modern Monastery: The site is now dominated by a new, large church and monastic complex.

Unique Aspects:

Its strategic relationship with Narikala and the unparalleled panoramic views of Tbilisi it offers are its defining features.

🌟 Cultural & Tourist Significance

A Different Perspective:

Offers a unique viewpoint of Narikala and the entire city layout.

Urban Hike:

A popular destination for locals and tourists looking for a scenic walk with a great reward at the end.

🚶 How to Visit

Best Time of Year to Visit:

Accessible year-round.

Accessibility:

Easy to moderate. Can be reached by a walk or a short taxi ride up the road leading to the monastery from the Krtsanisi district.