Narikala Fortress: Tbilisi's Ancient Guardian

Explore Tbilisi's ancient Narikala Fortress: panoramic views, rich history, and the iconic St. Nicholas Church await!

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Narikala

Narikala Fortress, an ancient symbol of Tbilisi's defensive prowess, offers panoramic city views. Dating back to the 4th century, this fortress has been expanded and rebuilt over centuries, witnessing the rise and fall of empires. Today, it stands as a picturesque ruin, inviting visitors to explore its historic walls and enjoy breathtaking vistas.

A brief summary to Narikala

MRQ5+4R3, Tbilisi, Old Tbilisi, GE

Local tips

Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the fortress involves walking on uneven surfaces.
Visit in the late afternoon or early evening to enjoy stunning sunset views over Tbilisi.
Take the cable car up and walk down to experience the best of both worlds: convenience and scenic exploration.
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 or hats.

Getting There

Walking

From Meidan Square in Tbilisi's Old Town, follow the signs towards Abanotubani, the sulfur bath district. From there, take Orbiri Street, which leads to a steep staircase offering views of the bathhouses and the Duma Mosque. Alternatively, take the picturesque Betlemi Street Stairs from Lado Asatiani qucha in Sololaki. Both routes are paved but steep in sections, taking approximately 20 minutes to reach the fortress. No costs are associated with walking.
Public Transport

Take the Tbilisi Metro to Liberty Square Station. From there, walk approximately 1.2km to the Rike Park cable car station. The cable car provides a scenic ride directly to Narikala Fortress. A one-way trip costs 2.5 GEL, and a MetroMoney card (required for payment) can be purchased for 2 GEL at the station. The cable car operates from 10:00 to 22:00.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Tbilisi. A short taxi ride from the city center to Narikala Fortress typically costs between 2-4 USD and takes approximately 5 minutes. Consider using ride-sharing apps like Bolt or Taxi Maxim for convenient booking. Note that the road leading to the fortress is narrow and can be congested.

Discover more about Narikala

Narikala Fortress, also known as Shuris-tsikhe or 'The Rival Fortress,' is a prominent landmark overlooking Tbilisi's skyline. Established in the 4th century as a Persian citadel, it has been a silent witness to the city's tumultuous history. The fortress walls, dating from various periods, largely originate from the 8th century when Arab emirs expanded it. Over the centuries, Georgians, Turks, and Persians captured and restored Narikala, but a massive explosion of Russian munitions in 1827 left it in ruins. Today, Narikala is a popular tourist destination, offering some of the best panoramic views of Tbilisi and the Mtkvari River. Visitors can explore the remaining walls, wander through the grounds, and visit the newly rebuilt St. Nicholas Church. The church's interior is adorned with frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible and Georgian history. The Narikala Tourist Trail, a marked 1.5km walking path, allows visitors to explore the fortress and its surroundings, including the Kartlis Deda (Mother of Georgia) statue and the National Botanical Garden. While exploring the fortress, keep in mind that it is undergoing renovations and is scheduled to reopen at the end of summer 2025. Despite the ongoing work, visitors can still appreciate the historical significance and enjoy the stunning views from this ancient guardian of Tbilisi.