Narikala, Mtskheta Mtianeti Travel Guide

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Explore Tbilisi's historic Narikala Fortress: panoramic views, ancient walls, and the St. Nicholas Church await!

Narikala Fortress, a prominent landmark in Tbilisi, boasts a rich history dating back to the 4th century. Originally a Persian citadel, it has been expanded and rebuilt by various rulers, including Arabs and Georgians. Today, it stands as a picturesque ruin offering panoramic views of the city and housing the newly-built St. Nicholas Church.

A brief summary to Narikala

MRQ5+4R3, Tbilisi, Old Tbilisi, GE

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Narikala.

Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the uneven terrain of the fortress.
Visit in the evening to enjoy stunning sunset views over Tbilisi.
Take the cable car up for a scenic ride and save yourself a steep walk.
Bring water, especially during the summer months, as it can get hot.
Women should bring a headscarf to enter St. Nicholas Church, and men should avoid wearing shorts.

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Getting There

Walking

From Meidan Square in Old Tbilisi, follow the signs towards the sulfur baths. Continue uphill along Orbiri Street, which turns into a paved path leading directly to the fortress entrance. The walk is steep in sections and takes approximately 20 minutes. Admission to the fortress is free.
Public Transport

Take the metro to Liberty Square station. From there, you can either walk (approximately 1.2km uphill) or take a bus to Abanotubani, near the sulfur baths, and then walk up to the fortress. A single metro or bus fare is 1 GEL, and you can use a MetroMoney card or a bank card for payment. A travel card costs 2 GEL.
Cable Car

The Rike-Narikala cable car provides a direct route from Rike Park to Narikala Fortress. The cable car operates from 10:00 to 22:00 and costs 2.5 GEL one way. You'll need a MetroMoney card, which can be purchased at the Rike Park station for 2 GEL.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Tbilisi. A short taxi ride from the city center to the base of Narikala Fortress (e.g., near the sulfur baths) will cost approximately 5-10 GEL. Negotiate the fare with the driver or use a ride-hailing app like Bolt or Yandex Taxi.

Discover more about Narikala

Narikala Fortress, often called the 'Mother Fortress of Tbilisi,' is an ancient symbol of the city's defensive brilliance. Established in the 4th century as a Persian citadel named Shuris-tsikhe, it served as a crucial strategic point. The fortress was significantly expanded in the 8th century by Arab emirs, who constructed most of the walls still standing today. Over the centuries, Narikala has been captured and patched up by Georgians, Turks, and Persians.In 1827, a massive explosion of Russian munitions stored within the fortress caused significant damage, leaving it in a ruinous state. Despite the destruction, Narikala remains a captivating site, offering visitors a glimpse into Tbilisi's past. In 1996, the fortress underwent renovation, and it now consists of two walled sections between the sulfur baths and the Botanical Garden. The newly-built St. Nicholas Church, with its interior decorated with frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible and Georgian history, adds to the allure of the site.Visitors can explore the fortress walls, enjoy panoramic views of Tbilisi, the Mtkvari River, and the Old Town, and visit the Kartlis Deda statue. The Narikala tourist route covers approximately 1,500 meters, providing an opportunity to soak in the history and beauty of this ancient fortress.