Rabati Castle

Rabati Castle is an extensive medieval fortress complex located in the city of Akhaltsikhe, in southwestern Georgia. The name is derived from the Arabic word 'Rabat', meaning a fortified settlement. Originally established in the 9th century as Lomsia, it was later significantly expanded under the rule of the Jakeli dynasty in the 13th century. Throughout its turbulent history, the castle has been besieged and captured by Mongols, Timurids, and Ottomans. The Ottoman occupation, which began in the 16th century, left a profound mark on the architecture, including the construction of the Ahmedije Mosque and a madrasa within the walls. In 2011 and 2012, a large-scale restoration project was undertaken to rebuild the fortress, blending historical accuracy with modern tourism infrastructure. The complex now features diverse structures including an Orthodox church, a mosque, a synagogue, and the Samtskhe-Javakheti History Museum. This architectural synthesis serves as a testament to the multicultural heritage of the region, where various faiths and ethnicities have coexisted for centuries.

Nearby cities

Akhaltsikhe

Akhaltsikhe is a multicultural city in southern Georgia, shaped by Georgian, Armenian, and Ottoman influences.

Borjomi

Borjomi is a picturesque resort town globally renowned for its salty, healing mineral water.

Akhalkalaki

Akhalkalaki is located on the Javakheti Plateau near the Armenian border and has a predominantly Armenian population.

Bakuriani

A family-friendly mountain resort and ski area, surrounded by dense coniferous forests and volcanic mountains.

Abastumani

A renowned mountain resort in Georgia, Abastumani is famous for its healing thermal waters and unique pine forest air.

Goderdzi Pass

A scenic mountain pass in Adjara, Georgia, known for winter sports and beautiful alpine summer landscapes.

Nunisi

Nunisi is a hidden balneological resort in the Imereti region, surrounded by lush forests and known for its exceptionally mineral-rich th…

Nature

Paravani Lake

Paravani Lake is the largest lake in Georgia by surface area, located on a volcanic plateau in the south of the country.

More places

Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park

This vast national park in the Lesser Caucasus is one of the largest protected areas in Europe, captivating with its pristine coniferous …

Khertvisi Fortress

Khertvisi Fortress, one of the oldest fortresses in Georgia, sits dramatically at the confluence of two deep river gorges.

Vardzia

The cave city of Vardzia is a spectacular monastery complex carved into the steep wall of Mount Erusheti in the 12th century.

Borjomi Gorge

The Borjomi Gorge is a deeply carved river valley of the Kura, famous for its dense coniferous forests and natural healing springs.

Borjomi Bottling Plant

The factories in Borjomi bottle the famous volcanic mineral water, exporting it to dozens of countries worldwide.

Javakheti Protected Areas

The volcanic plateau in southern Georgia is characterized by numerous lakes and a harsh, treeless landscape.

Javakheti Plateau

The vast, volcanic Javakheti Plateau in southern Georgia is known for its cool, harsh climate.