Ananuri Fortress (Region of Mtskheta-Mtianeti)
Ananuri Fortress (Georg. ანანურის ციხე). Fortified ensemble, dating from the 17th century, is located on the left bank of the Aragvi River, along the famous Georgian Military Highway. It incorporates a circuit wall with turrets, a porch, a Church of Virgin, a minor Church of Gvtaeba, a tower pyramidal. In the Church of the Virgin are buried some of the Eristavs (dukes) of Aragvi. The Church of the Assumption, built in 1689, has richly decorated facades with the fine relief carvings featuring human, animal and floral images, including a carved north entrance. It also contains the remains of a number of beautiful frescoes.
The Ananuri fortress is one of the significant architectural monuments of the period of late feudalism. For centuries, the fortress was one of the main citadels of the country. From here it was possible to control the main trade caravan routes of the region. The fortress complex consisted of lower and upper fortresses and included religious, secular and defensive structures. Today only the upper part remains of it. The authenticity of monument is preserved in architectural forms, materials, location and other necessary attributes. The physical condition of buildings can be characterised as good. Ananouri is presented for inscription on UNESCO World Heritage List.