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Slesis Cixe: A Medieval Sentinel

Explore Slesis Cixe, a medieval Georgian fortress offering a glimpse into the region's strategic past and architectural heritage.

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Slesis Cixe is a medieval fortress in Georgia's Samtskhe–Javakheti region. Consisting of a ruined castle and a well-preserved tower, it historically guarded the southern approaches to central Georgia.

A brief summary to Slesis Cixe

  • P6X4+5M9, Khashuri-Akhaltsikhe-Vale, Tiseli, GE

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the uneven terrain within the fortress.
  • Bring water, especially during the warmer months, as there are no facilities on site.
  • Consider visiting during daylight hours to fully appreciate the views and explore the ruins safely.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the village of Tiseli, the fortress is accessible by foot. The path involves a moderately steep uphill walk. Ensure you have appropriate footwear. The walk takes approximately 20-30 minutes. There are no entrance fees or specific tickets required to access the fortress grounds.

  • Taxi

    Taxis can be hired from nearby towns like Akhaltsikhe. Negotiate the fare in advance. A taxi ride from Akhaltsikhe to Tiseli, the closest village to the fortress, will cost approximately 20-30 GEL. From Tiseli, follow the walking directions to reach the fortress.

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Discover more about Slesis Cixe

Slesis Cixe, a medieval fortress located in the Akhaltsikhe Municipality of Georgia's Samtskhe–Javakheti region, stands as a silent witness to the area's rich history. Perched strategically on two adjacent hills, the fortress, comprising a now-ruined castle and a better-preserved tower, once guarded the southern approaches to the heartland of Georgia through the Borjomi valley. The history of Slesis Cixe is shrouded in some obscurity. Architectural features suggest it was likely built in the High Middle Ages, as it lacks embrasures for firearms. A document from 1516 mentions the Slesari family, indicating their connection to the fortress. The village of Slesa is first documented in 1598. The fortress features an irregular rectangular plan, elongated on the south–north axis. Its curtain walls, reaching up to eight meters in height, are fortified with semicircular buttresses. The courtyard is divided into three platforms: a lower platform with remnants of small structures, a middle platform with a ruined hall church, and an upper platform crowned by a tall tower with rounded corners. A separate four-story tower with a semicircular rear wall stands south of the lower platform. The castle walls, approximately 150 cm thick, are constructed of stonework bound by mortar. A defensive wall, up to 130 meters thick, flanks a ravine slope between the castle and the tower.

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