Manavi Fortress (Region of Kakheti)
Manavi Fortress (Georgian: მანავის ციხე) – The fortress is built on a high mountain of strategic importance, at an altitude of 780 meters and completely controls the surrounding large territory. The fortress has been preserved in a heavily damaged form and it is almost impossible to restore its original appearance. In terms of the relief of the hill, the western part of the castle is the most protected side. The other three sides are fortified with walls with towers. Its architecture shows building layers of two different periods. The old layer dates back to the period of strengthening of the Kakhetian Kingdom, 10th-11th centuries. The second layer includes fragments of the palace and living quarters of the 16th-18th centuries. This period coincides with the founding of the residence of the Kakhetian kings in Manavi.
The analysis of the remaining remains shows that the fortress consisted of two parts: the citadel and the lower castle, located to the east of it. The lower part is almost twice as large as the citadel. A fragment of the wall approximately 100 meters long has been preserved further down the slope. The main entrance to the defensive complex was located in the middle of the northern wall of the lower castle. There was a tower here, under which there was an arched passage. The tower guarding the entrance is now completely destroyed. Stone tombstones are scattered throughout the fortress. During the clearing work on the castle territory, rich archaeological material from the high and late Middle Ages was discovered. In 2006, Manavi Castle was given the category of immovable cultural monument of national importance.
Manavi Village (Georgian სოფელი მანავი), Sagarejo Municipality (Georgian საგარეჯოს მუნიციპალიტეტი)