Gori Fortress is located on top of a rocky hill in the center of Gori in central Georgia.
With a history dating back to the 13th century and evidence of human habitation as far back as the first millennium BC, the fortress played a crucial role in the military and cultural past.
Its strategic location in ancient times was highly coveted because from this point you had a complete view of the Shida Kartli region.
The fortress features an oval-shaped wall, made of a mixture of pebbles and squared stone, which reaches heights of up to ten meters. The western side is further reinforced by the Tskhrakara (nine gates in Georgian).
Over the centuries, numerous armies fought for possession, including the Mongols, Persians, and Ottomans.
In the nineteenth century a Soviet battalion was stationed within its walls.
Throughout its history, it has been repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt but the current structure dates back to 1775.
During the earthquake of 1920 the fortress was severely damaged and even today you can see the scaffolding to secure the historic site to prevent new collapses.
At the foot of the fortress are eight colossal warriors sitting on large boulders in the clearing. This installation, built in 2008, pays homage to the fortress’ former defenders. Each statue is missing a body part as a reminder of the bloody wars fought for control of the fortress.
