Georgia: Akhaltsikhe – Rabati Fortress
The spectacular Rabati or Akhaltsikhe Fortress dates back to 9th century. Over the centuries, different armies and rules controlled the strategic fortress and expanded and fortified it. An old Georgian kingdom ruled here until 1393, when the armies of Tamerlane captured it and held for the next two centuries. Ottoman Empire captured it in 1590 and ruled until 1810, when Russians came. In 2011, the Georgian government put a lot of money in restoration of the fortress complex – the walls and towers, the inner castle aka Jakeli Palace, mosque, Christian church, synagogue, and much more. Spectacular panoramic views can be had from many of the fortress towers.
