Narikala Fortress: Tbilisi's Ancient Guardian
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
Local tips
- 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.
Getting There
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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