Rukhi Fortress (Region of Samegrelo)
Rukhi Fortress (Georgian: რუხის ციხე ) — The majestic Rukhi Fortress attracts attention from afar. The fortress, firmly built from rows of stones, has stood for centuries. Rukhi Castle was an important fortification of the Principality of Samegrelo (Georgian: სამეგრელოს სამთავრო ), which was facilitated by its advantageous location. The main purpose of building the fortress was to develop trade in the Samegrelo region and to have a strong fortress in the country against neighboring conquerors. During its existence, the Rukhi fortification repeatedly acted as a silent witness to enemy invasions, especially frequent were the attacks of the Turks. The fortress was built on a plain, on the left bank of the Inguri River (Georgian: ენგური). It was located near densely populated villages, for the rapid shelter of people and moving property.
The Rukhi Fortress consists of a citadel and a lower courtyard. The citadel is located in the northern part of the castle. There are towers at both ends of its oblong courtyard. One of them, in the northeast, was the castle’s dungeon. The lower courtyard of the castle occupies the southern slope of the hill. The fortress is surrounded by a 10-meter-high wall. The lower part of the castle is a blank wall, and fighting paths were built along the upper part of the wall. The entrance is located on the first floor of a tower built into the wall. There is another tower in the southwestern part of the wall. There was a spring in the fortress, which was supposed to be in the western corner. Now there is a small depression in this place. Despite the destruction, the appearance of the fortress has remained grandiose for several centuries and even now causes admiration.
Rukhi village (Georgian სოფელი რუხი), Municipality of Zugdidi (Georgian ზუგდიდის მუნიციპალიტეტი)