The Fortress of Bebris Tsikhe

The Location of the Bebristsikhe Fortress

The Bebristsikhe Fortress is a weary one. Situated atop a hill on the right bank of the Aragvi River north of Mtskheta, the fortress once closed off access to the town from the Aragvi Valley and protected the locals from invasions. Archaeological evidence tells us that the attacks on the local population were not uncommon between the 4th and 18th centuries.

The Structure of Bebristsikhe Fortress

Comparatively little remains of the fortress complex today. The fortress comprises two main parts: the citadel and the lower yard. Each corner of the citadel has a tower, the largest of which is the three-story southwestern tower. All of the northern tower’s floors remain, while only the foundations of the eastern tower have been preserved. Both the southwestern and northern towers possess military peepholes, likely for the firing of arrows during a siege.

These towers did not just serve a defensive function; they also doubled as living quarters.

It was in this fortress that David Aghmashenebeli’s eldest son and heir, Demetre I, died in 1156. He was later reburied in Gelati.

So imposing was the fortress that locals may tell you the legend of how God himself sent one of his angels to aid in its defense.