About Narikala Fortress

The fortress is also known as the Mother Fortress of Tbilisi. The city and the fortress, a Persian citadel, were both established in the 4th Century. The fortress was then called Shuris-tsikhe (i.e. "Invidious Fort"). It was expanded by the Arab Emirs during the 7th and 8th centuries. Emir’s palace was built within its walls in the 8th Century. King David the builder further expanded it in the 11th Century. The fortress was later named as "Narin Qala" or the Little Fortress. The fortress was considerably damaged by an earthquake in 1827. On the lower court, there is St. Nicholas church which was recently restored in 1996–1997. The frescos are worth seeing. The church was originally built in 13th-Century but got destroyed in a fire. This fortress gives a stunning view of the city below, especially after sunset. Not to be missed!

Narikala fortress is one of the most beautiful, historical and best place to visit in Georgia. Narikala is the oldest and ancient fortress.Narikala comprises of two words that is Narin that means small and Kala means fortress.Narikala Fortress was built in fourth century to protect Tbilisi the capital of Georgia from enemy's attack. Today Narikala Fortress has gained a prime position in destination tour , no one leaves Tbilisi without visiting this incredible fortress. The fortress has two sections of wall, made of sulphur. The fortress is surrounded by a beautiful Botanical Garden. Botonical Garden comprises of more than 3000 species of flora. A wide variety of flora is available.Botonical Garden is icing on cake to Narikala Fortress. This garden provides immense pleasure to visitor's eye. Fortress looks outstanding and unbelievable during the night hours. This fortress was even called Shuris-tsikhe, which means The Rival Fortress. Mtkvari river can be seen from Narikala Fortress which makes the Fortress more beautiful.  Narikala Fortress is wholesome package of historical tour, nature tour and architectural tour. A visit to Narikala Fortress can refresh your soul. 

 

Must See

  • Botanical Garden is the leading research and natural conservation institution in Georgia. At present there are more than 4,500 species of flora. Each and every traveller get obsessed by the  seeing wide variety of flora that is present in Botanical Garden 
  • Statue Of Kartlis Deda symbolizes the Georgian national character  in her left hand she holds a bowl of wine to greet those who come as friends, and in her right hand is a sword for those who come as enemies 
  • Nicholas Church is one of the famous church in Georgia
  • Old Town is small and charming town in Georgia where people can enjoy wide variety of different cuisine, bars and clubs
  • The Bridge Of Peace is bow shaped pedestrian bridge made of steel and glasses. This bridge is highly attractive place as it is illuminated by numerous colorful lights
  • The Church of St. Nicholas
  • The remains of the fortress
  • The breathtaking panoramic view of Tbilisi

How to reach

By Cable Car from Rike Park and charges 2 to 5 lari

By Walking up from Meidan or via the Betlemi St Stairs, which lead off Lado Asatiani qucha in Sololaki.

Walk from the city center via Giorgi Chubinashvili st. is of 4.3 km and will take about 55 min.

By taxi, the distance is 5.7 km and will take about 14 min and will cost 5 to 6 GEL.

By bus

  • Walk 4 min (300 m) to Tsinamdzgvrishvili Street
  • Catch a bus, ride for 11 stops (19 min)  and get down near to Baratashvili Street and Wine Ascent intersection
  • Walk 13 mins (850 m) to reach the fortress

By metro

  • Walk 4 mins to the Station Square to take m1
  • Ride for 4 stops (9 min) and get down at Avlabari
  • Walk for 16 mins(1.1 km) to reach the fortress

From Rike Park, at the foothill, to the fortress, cable cars are also an option for 1 GEL per person.

Tips

  • Check the opening time before you arrive
  • Check the appropriate route 
  • Wear suitable clothing preferably light and airy
  • Remember and follow every rules at fortress 
  • Don't indulge in touching any part and just admire from afar
  • Enjoy the priceless beauty of fortress 
  •  Don't harm any object at the site
  •  Adore the Botonical Garden's beauty but don't pluck any flora
  • Wear sturdy shoes to be able to walk 1500 m uphill
  • Carry a bottle of water
  • Women and girls should avoid wearing flowy dresses as it is very windy
  • Do not forget to carry a camera
  • There are various spots where selfie lovers would like to click themselves
  • Do not leave the fortress unexplored even if unwilling or unable to walk 1500 uphill. Take the cable car from Rike Park for 1 GEL
  • From the cable car, the visitor not only gets a spectacular panoramic view of the old town but comes close to the statue of Mother Georgia!
  • A  walk around the entire fortress is a must
  • Though the climb to the highest point of the hill ( also the highest point of the town) is quite slippery and risky, the view from there is superb. One needs to be very careful while attempting the climb

Visit Time

Sunday:         9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Monday:        9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Tuesday:        9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Wednesday:  9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Thursday:      9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Friday:            9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Saturday:       9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

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Waiting Time

No

 

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Entrance Fee

No

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

1 hour to 2 hours

 

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Weather

Clear Sky 10.17°C

 

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