Akhalkalaki Castle: A Glimpse into Georgia's Rich History

Getting There

• Walking

  From the center of Akhaltsikhe, start at the main square (Mikheil Javakhishvili Square). Head southwest on A. Tsereteli Street toward M. Tsereteli Street. Continue walking for about 700 meters until you reach the intersection with Rustaveli Street. Turn left onto Rustaveli Street and walk for another 500 meters, where you will see the Akhaltsikhe fortress on your right. Follow the signs toward the Akhalkalaki bus station, which is about 1 kilometer from the fortress. Once you reach the bus station, you'll find shared taxis and minibusses heading to Akhalkalaki. Take a minibus or shared taxi, which should cost around 1-2 GEL, and confirm with the driver that they are heading to Akhalkalaki Castle. The journey will take approximately 30 minutes.

• Public Transport

  From the main square in Akhaltsikhe, walk to the Akhaltsikhe bus station located on Tsereteli Street. Look for minibusses or shared taxis heading to Akhalkalaki; these typically leave every 30 minutes. The fare is around 1-2 GEL, and the ride will take about 30 minutes. Upon arrival in Akhalkalaki, ask the driver to drop you off at the nearest point to Akhalkalaki Castle. From there, it is about a 10-minute walk uphill to the castle entrance. Follow signs or ask locals for directions if needed.

• Bicycle Rental

  If you're feeling adventurous, consider renting a bicycle in Akhaltsikhe. Start from the central square, head towards the main road to Akhalkalaki (Akhalkalaki Highway). The distance is approximately 20 kilometers, and the route is fairly direct. Take precautions as the road can be busy. Once you arrive in Akhalkalaki, park your bike and walk to the castle, which is situated on a hill and is well-signposted from the main road.