Around
70 kilometres from Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is a fortress that lies
above a vast reservoir. It is part of the Mtskheta-Mtianeti Region. The old
walled fortress and church of Ananuri is a 13th century castle
complex on the Aragvi River. The fortress was in use until the beginning of the
19th century.
There
are two castles joined by a wall. The castle further up the slope has a large well-preserved
square tower whereas the castle on the lower slope has a round tower, but it is
mostly in ruins. There are also two churches. The older church – the Church of
the Virgin – was built (of brick) in the first half of the 17th century,
but the larger church – the Church of the Assumption – was built in 1689 and
has a central dome. The south facade has a carved grapevine cross. In addition
to the reservoir, which provides water to Tbilisi, the complex has its own
spring.
The
Ministry of Culture, Monuments Protection and Sport of Georgia submitted the fortress
complex to UNESCO for consideration as a heritage site in October 2007. It is
now on the tentative list as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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