NARIKALA FORTRESS

Seen from the town center, it's the only thing you can see. Sumptuous by day and even more so by night, the Narikala fortress features crenellated walls dominating the cliffs. It alone could reflect the history of the whole of Georgia. Built in the ^4th century under the Persian Sassanid dynasty, it was the "invincible fort" (Shuhis-Tsikhe). To take the city, you first had to take the fortress. Successive invading armies took it, then restored it, including those of the Arab Umayyad dynasty in the ^7th century. The latter enlarged it, and the fortress housed the royal palace until the reign of David the Builder (1089-1125), who moved to the current site of Metekhi. The Mongol conquerors named the fortress Narin Qala, meaning "little fortress". Its current appearance dates back to the ^16th-17th centuries. Seen from below, the monument is more imposing. In fact, earthquakes and the explosion of an ammunition depot installed on the site by the Russians in the ^19th century have left little of it. On site, there's nothing left to visit, but the panorama of the city below and the Caucasus on a clear day is exceptional. From here, you can start a walk along the ridges to the statue of Our Mother of Georgia, then explore the Sololaki district or descend to the superb botanical gardens.

The Church of St. Nicholas, built in 1996, is well worth a visit. You can then continue your visit by exploring the baths district.