Akhaltsikhe

About

Akhaltsikhe is a quaint city nestled in the southwest of Georgia. Struggling to pronounce the name? No sweat! Just remember it translates to 'New Fortress' in Georgian, the name given to the city because of its main attraction, the Akhaltsikhe (Rabati) Castle. This colossal fortress, located in the city's old quarter, is the emblem of Akhaltsikhe. There's no contesting the star of the city; the castle's impressive silhouette reigns supreme over the landscape. While the primary structures of the castle were erected in the 12th, 16th, and 19th centuries, its roots stretch back to the 9th century. One of the standout features is the Ahmediyye Mosque with its shimmering golden dome, a remnant from the 1500s when the Ottomans seized Akhaltsikhe and established it as the residence for the pasha. But that's not all there is to see - gardens, terraced walkways, an Orthodox church, fountains, archways, and towering fortifications abound. Some visitors liken the castle to a Disney creation. So, could we claim Akhaltsikhe as the Georgian Disneyland, or is that a leap too far? It's up to you to decide!