In the past, this site was a strategic stronghold of the Aragvi Principality, where major roads converged—one from the north via the Tergi and Aragvi river gorges, and another from central Kartli through Dusheti. There is no evidence of earlier structures on this site. Its importance as a strategic location grew after the weakening of the unified Kingdom of Georgia. The fortress served as the residence of the Dukes of Aragvi, housing their main church and family tomb.

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1. Due to continuous invasions by Qizilbashs, Ottomans, and Lezghins, in 1723, the future king of Kartli and Kakheti, Teimuraz II, sought refuge in Ananuri with the Kakhetians. According to Georgian historian Prince Vakhushti, while they were there, Lezghins approached the fortress but were unable to do any harm. At that time, Ananuri was fortified with cannons.

2. The fortress often became a focal point of feudal conflicts. One such tragic event occurred in 1739 and is described in detail by chronicler Papuna Orbeliani, whose account is supported by Prince Vakhushti and other historians. While Duke Shanshe of Ksani was in Russia, the Dukes of Aragvi handed over his brother's wife to the Qizilbash, dishonoring her. On his return, Shanshe launched a harsh retaliation with his own troops and Lezghin mercenaries. The Aragvi duke Bardzim and his brother had fortified themselves in the Ananuri fortress. The siege resulted in many deaths on both sides. Eventually, the attackers cut off the water supply. It was summer, and those inside the fortress suffered severely from thirst. They surrendered under oath of safety. Bardzim gave himself up, but his son refused and fortified himself in what came to be known as the "Unyielding Tower." The oath was broken—Bardzim was killed, along with his family. The attackers then stormed the tower, set it on fire, and burned those inside alive. The Aragvians were so deeply affected by the event that they sealed the seven-story tower and turned it into a memorial tomb. It was only opened in 1939 by archaeologists, who discovered a harrowing scene: the charred remains of men, women, and children, alongside weapons and household items.

3. In 1743, King Teimuraz II abolished the Aragvi Principality and placed Ananuri fortress under royal control. It became the residence of royal officials. In the years that followed, Ananuri retained high strategic value. For example, when a Persian prince contending for the throne was captured by Teimuraz and Erekle, he was imprisoned in Ananuri before being handed over to Nadir Shah.

4. Ananuri was considered one of the most reliable fortresses in the kingdom. When Nadir Shah demanded a payment of 200 tumans from Kartli-Kakheti, King Teimuraz, unwilling and unable to comply, fled with his family, noble households, and army to Ananuri. Only a city-like fortress could accommodate them all.

5. Russian General Totleben stationed his artillery at Ananuri during his campaign to depose King Erekle. In a 1791 decree written by Erekle II for his sons, Ananuri is listed among the seven strongest fortresses in the kingdom. After his defeat in the Battle of Krtsanisi, the aging king once again took refuge there.

6. The Ananuri fortress consists of two main parts—the Lower Fortress and the Upper Fortress (Citadel). The Citadel forms the central and better-preserved part of the complex. Only ruins remain of the Lower Fortress.