The Eristavi Fortress-Citadel of Ksani, located in Akhalgori, is an architectural monument built in the first half of the 17th century. The fortress-citadel is situated on a steep mountainside. Its individual buildings are arranged so that the entire ensemble faces the river valley. The complex was periodically renovated and underwent its final transformation in the 19th century.

Originally, the Eristavi’s residence was located elsewhere. However, as the Eristavi’s power grew and their territory expanded, the isolated mountain residence no longer suited the Ksani Eristavis. For this reason, they chose a new location—the site of Akhalgori.

According to one chronicler, in 1721, Shanshe, the Ksani Eristavi, left Tbilisi without permission and returned to his domain. The king was aware that the Eristavi was contemplating rebellion and immediately set out to punish him. After the Eristavi’s defeat, the royal army burned the Akhalgori palace. Akhalgori ceased to serve as the Eristavi’s residence in the 1770s with the abolition of the Eristavi’s office.

Did you know that…

1. One of the original towers of the residence stood at the southeast corner, while the other was located in the middle of the northern wall. The first tower is better preserved. This seven-story tower was topped with a two-pitched roof. Its walls feature loopholes, niches for utilitarian purposes, fireplaces, and more. Unlike the other floors, the sixth floor included a recessed balcony.

2. At the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries, a tower was added to the southwest corner of the fortress-citadel, primarily used as a residential space.

3. In the mid-18th century, a small tower was built in the northeast corner, of which two stories have been preserved.

4. On November 7, 2006, by decree of the President of Georgia, The Eristavi Fortress-Citadel of Ksani was granted the status of an immovable cultural monument of national significance.