Narikala Fortress

1.38 mi / 2.22 km from the hotel

Narikala Fortress is one of Tbilisi’s most iconic landmarks—a historic hilltop citadel with panoramic views of the city skyline and the Mtkvari (Kura) River

History & Architecture

Origins: Founded as a Persian citadel in the 4th century AD (during King Varaz‑Bakur’s reign around 364 AD), it later fell under Persian, Arab, Mongol, Ottoman and Safavid control 
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Name: “Shuris-tsikhe” (Invidious Fort), later "Narin Qala" (“Little Fortress”) under Mongols 

Expansions: Significantly fortified by Umayyads in the 7th–8th centuries and by King David the Builder in the 11th century; most surviving walls date to 16th–17th centuries 

Damage & Restoration: Hit by an earthquake or explosion in 1827, damaging much of its interior; partially rebuilt in modern times, including the St. Nicholas Church in 1996–97 on the lower court