Ananuri Fortress (Region of Mtskheta – Mtianeti)
Fortress of Ananuri (Georgian: ანანურის ციხე ) – The fortified ensemble, dating back to the XVII century, is located on the left bank of the Aragvi River (Georgian: მდინარე არაგვი), along the famous Georgian Military Road(Georgian: საქართველოს სამხედრო გზა ). The stone fortress walls with the main quadrangular tower and round towers, two domed temples, a tower with a pyramidal roof, a belfry and some other buildings have survived to our time. Some Eristavi (feudal status) of Aragvi (Georgian: არაგვის ერისთავი) are buried in the Church of the Virgin Mary. The church contains the remains of a number of beautiful frescoes, has richly decorated facades with fine relief carvings.
Fortress Ananuri is one of the significant architectural monuments of the late feudal period. 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 cult, secular and defensive structures. Today, only the upper part of it has been preserved. The authenticity of the monument is preserved in architectural forms, materials, location, and other necessary attributes. At the present time. Fortress Ananuri one of the best preserved historical and cultural monuments. Fortress is among the candidates for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Ananuri Village (Georgian: სოფელი ანანური), Dusheti Municipality (Georgian: დუშეთის მინიციპალიტეტი)
